Abstract: Hairy root cultures of Coleus for skohlii Briq. were established from intact plant or explants of roots, stems and leaves by infecting with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain pRi 15834. Transformation was confirmed by paper electrophoresis with mannopine detection. These cultures displayed the typical characteristics of hairy roots. All examined roots formed labdane diterpenoids. Three main identified diterpenoids were forskolin, l,9-dideoxyforskolin and coleol which were measured quantitatively. MS medium favours forskolin and coleol formation, and B5 medium enhances 1,9-dideoxyforskolin formation.

Key words: Cole us forskohlii Briq.