Abstract

The Art of Artemisia As the malaria parasite, which is transmitted through mosquito vectors, develops resistance, previously useful control mechanisms are beginning to fail. Combination therapies based on the plant product artemisinin are a promising alternative. Graham et al. (p. 328 ; see the Perspective by Milhous and Weina ) have now developed a genetic map of the plant Artemisia annua from which artemisinin is derived. The results lay the foundation for improving agricultural productivity of this natural product, which is becoming increasingly important in the fight against malaria.