The optimal growth of Cistanche deserticola callus and formation of phenylethanoid glycosides (PeG) was at 25degreesC with light irradiation intensity of 24 mumol m(-2) s(-1) on solidified B5 media supplemented with 0.5 mg 6-benzylaminopurine l(-1), 10 mg gibberellin l(-1), 800 mg casein hydrolysate l(-1) and 20 g sucrose l(-1). After 30 d culture, the biomass reached 15.5 g dry wt callus l(-1) medium and its PEG content was 10.7% (w/w). The PeG content was 42%-127% higher than those in explants.