Source: DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
EVALUATION OF CULINARY HERBS & ESSENTIAL OIL PLANTS AS HIGH CASH CROPS FOR LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0092887
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
DELX-0005-88-4
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 1, 2001
Project End Date
Jul 31, 2004
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Tucker, A. O.
Recipient Organization
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
1200 NORTH DUPONT HIGHWAY
DOVER,DE 19901
Performing Department
AGRI & NATURAL RESOURCES
Non Technical Summary
This research seeks to provide high cash, alternative crops for limited resource farmers and also insure the safety of food.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2022235200025%
2042235200025%
2052235106025%
9032235106025%
Goals / Objectives
Fully develop the demonstration area of herbs, essential oil plants, and medicinal plants suited to Delaware. Disseminate the information and propagation material. Explore new sources of important flavor and fragrance constituents suitable for Delaware farmers. Develop an accreditation of correct identification of this plant material to benefit nurseries, societies, researchers, and, ultimately growers.
Project Methods
Propagate existing germplasm in demonstration area. Disseminate existing information via field days, activities of the Delaware Herb Growers & Marketers Association/International Herb Association/Herb Society of America, and Internet. Continue to procure and evaluate novel germplasm. Contact nurseries and societies to offer identification and accreditation through the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium. Develop digital microscopic atlas of these powdered plant materials.

Progress 08/01/01 to 07/31/04

Outputs
In the midst of developing our demonstration plot in conjunction with the aquaculture group, D.S.U. acquired a farm near Smyrna, DE, and, in the meantime, Dover has developed to such an extent that the current demonstration area may be significantly impacted by a convention center and/or roads. Thus, in 2005, plots will be moved to the new farm. Lectures and workshops have been given around the world on herb cultivation and processing, particularly lavender for agritourism. From 2001-2004, we have explored new sources of essential oils and botanicals, indicated in our publications. The virtual germplasm has been developed so far as an expanded national collection scheme in the U.S. under The Herb Society of America, Inc. with further development of herbarium vouchers. Further expansion of this concept has been curtailed by a lack of cooperation from herbaria contacted [National Arboretum, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Missouri Botanical Garden, Miami University (Ohio)], but some others have indicated an interest. In the meantime, a significant need has developed in the U.S. for accurate identification of potpourri ingredients. This was prompted by a serious infestation of insects detected in various potpourris in December 2003, and an identification manual has been initiated with Delaware Dept. of Agriculture (DDA). Some potentially invasive plant species may also be involved in these samples.

Impacts
In 1996, the Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA) was formed as a independent commodities group, with personnel at the Herb Research Center, Delaware State University. The Fourth-Sixth Annual Delaware Herb Festival was held on May 2003, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, DE. Each year, over forty vendors of herbs and herb related products purchased retail space from DHGMA for the event, with attendance of over 500 people each year. The Big Book of Herbs by Tucker and DeBaggio was published in late 2000 to provide a guide for both home gardeners and commercial growers. From a run of 10,000 copies, only about 500 copies are left, and a second edition may be published. Herbs of Commerce by McGuffin, Kartesz, Leung, and Tucker, also published in late 2000, has been now incorporated into the FDA rules for labeling of botanical ingredients, effective January 1, 2006 (Federal Register 68:167, 2003). Small farmers, manufacturers, and distributors of herbs and their added-value products in the U.S. have no means of certifying their products as safe. Analysis of both living plants, dried botanicals, potpourri ingredients, and essential oils at the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium and Herb Research Center at Delaware State University, in conjunction with education by DHGMA, The Herb Society of America, Inc. (HSA) and Delaware Dept. of Agriculture (DDA), permits the determination of safe herbs and herb products, free of botanical and chemical contamination and potentially invasive plants and insects.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
In the midst of developing our demonstration plot in conjunction with the aquaculture group, D.S.U. acquired a farm near Smyrna, DE, and, in the meantime, Dover has developed to such an extent that the current demonstration area may be significantly impacted by a convention center and/or roads. Thus, in 2004, plots will be moved to the new farm. Lectures and workshops have been given around the world on herb cultivation and processing, particularly lavender for agritourism. From 2001-2004, we have explored new sources of essential oils and botanicals, indicated in our publications. The virtual germplasm has been developed so far as an expanded national collection scheme in the U.S. under The Herb Society of America, Inc. with further development of herbarium vouchers. Further expansion of this concept has been curtailed by a lack of cooperation from herbaria contacted [National Arboretum, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Missouri Botanical Garden, Miami University (Ohio)], but some others have indicated an interest. In the meantime, a significant need has developed in the U.S. for accurate identification of potpourri ingredients. This was prompted by a serious infestation of insects detected in various potpourris in December 2003, and an identification manual has been initiated with Delaware Dept. of Agriculture (DDA). Some potentially invasive plant species may also be involved in these samples.

Impacts
In 1996, the Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA) was formed as a independent commodities group, with personnel at the Herb Research Center, Delaware State University. The Fourth-Sixth Annual Delaware Herb Festival was held on May 2003, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, DE. Each year, over forty vendors of herbs and herb related products purchased retail space from DHGMA for the event, with attendance of over 500 people each year. The Big Book of Herbs by Tucker and DeBaggio was published in late 2000 to provide a guide for both home gardeners and commercial growers. From a run of 10,000 copies, only about 500 copies are left, and a second edition may be published. Herbs of Commerce by McGuffin, Kartesz, Leung, and Tucker, also published in late 2000, has been now incorporated into the FDA rules for labeling of botanical ingredients, effective January 1, 2006 (Federal Register 68:167, 2003). Small farmers, manufacturers, and distributors of herbs and their added-value products in the U.S. have no means of certifying their products as safe. Analysis of both living plants, dried botanicals, potpourri ingredients, and essential oils at the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium and Herb Research Center at Delaware State University, in conjunction with education by DHGMA, The Herb Society of America, Inc. (HSA) and Delaware Dept. of Agriculture (DDA), permits the determination of safe herbs and herb products, free of botanical and chemical contamination and potentially invasive plants and insects.

Publications

  • Case, R. J., A. O. Tucker, M. J. Maciarello, and K. A. Wheeler. 2003. Chemistry and ethnobotany of commercial incense copals, copal blanco, copal oro, and copal negro, of North America. Econ. Bot. 57:189-202.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2003. When good herbs go bad. Herb Soc. Amer. Newsl. 7(2):1, 5.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2001. The science of gardening: The flavors of herbs. Kitchen Gard. 31:40, 42.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2001. Standards for lavender, lavandin and spike: commercial oils and cultivars. Lavender Bag 15:11-14.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2001. Understanding poisonous plant compounds. Fine Gard. 81:80, 82.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2001. Is this plant a hoax? Herbarist 67:51-55.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and L. R. Landrum. 2002. Volatile oil of Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Barneoud) Landrum et Grifo (Myrtaceae) of Chile. J. Essential Oil Res. 14:40-41.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and J. Rose. 2003. The composition of a commercial pear essence derived from fermentation of Bartlett pears. J. Essential Oil Res. 15:161-162.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2003. Standards for lavender, lavandin, and spike: Commercial oils and cultivars. Lavender Bull. 5(2):19, 22-23.
  • Tucker, A. O. 2003. It smells like basil. IHANews 2003:2-3.
  • Abbott, A. H., R. Talbert, A. O. Tucker, and M. Hill. 2003. Romancing the plants. Herbarist 69:62-66.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, J. Henrickson, and J. Davis. 2004. The essential oils of Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Chamaebatia australis, and Chamaebatia foliolosa (Rosaceae) and comments of Chamaebatiaria multiflorum and Chamaebatiaria nelleae as medicinal plants. Econ. Bot. 57:570-575.
  • Tucker, A. O., and S. Belsinger. 2004. Bitters: Beverages with moxie. Herbs Health 9(1):42-45.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and B. H. Alkire. 2001. Essential oil of Aeollanthus suaveolens Mart. ex Spreng. (Lamiaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 13:198-199.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, A. M. Salywon, and L. R. Landrum. 2001. Volatile leaf oil of Calyptranthes sintenisii Kiarsk. (Myrtaceae) of Puerto Rico. J. Essential Oil Res. 13:427-428.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
The public demonstration area was further developed in conjunction with the aquaculture program. Maintenance of plant materials was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration. Two new clones of herbs were further propagated for commercial evaluation: 'Teton' tarragon and 'Kuebel' oregano. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers, and several hundred copies of selected spectra were exchanged with R. J. Reynolds and Baylor University. A World Wide Web site (www.delaware-herb.org) was initiated to aid in the distribution of information generated from this research. The Herb Research Center, in conjunction with the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium routinely dispensed answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, and chemistry, and, additionally, provided referrals for private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Research Center has also supplied authentically labeled germplasm to growers all over the U.S. as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA). The P.I. also served on the Board of Directors of the International Herb Association.

Impacts
Analysis of a dozen lavender/lavandin oils and dried products from small farmers from Delaware, California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts allowed their placement in the national market and also provided an assurance of freedom from contamination and adulteration. Analysis of several dozen essential oils being employed by holistic aromatherapists in California, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington provided criteria for selection of safe materials in not only scenting but also massage. Determination of correct labeling by mail order nursery growers in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia has facilitated safe culinary and medicinal herbs on the national market. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in implementing the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), stated: " The common usual name of ingredients of dietary supplements that are botanicals...shall be consistent with the names standardized in Herbs of Commerce, 1992 edition...." (21CFR ss 101.4h). Research at Delaware State University provided a primary source of information for both the first (1992) and second (2000) editions of Herbs of Commerce. This research hosts and coordinates the activities of the Delaware Herb Growers & Marketers Association (DHGMA). The Fifth Annual Delaware Herb Festival was held on May 18, 2002, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, and 27 vendors were DHGMA members. Approximately 500 people attended the event.

Publications

  • 1. Refereed publications in 2002: Lawrence, B. M., and A. O. Tucker. 2002. The genus Thymus as a source of commercial products. Pages 252-262 in E. Stahl-Biskup and F. Saez, eds. Thyme: The genus Thymus. Taylor & Francis, London.
  • 2. Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, M. Hendi, and K. A. Wheeler. 2002. Volatile leaf and stem oil of commercial Limnophila chinensis (Osb.) Merrill ssp. aromatica (Lam.) Yamazaki (Scrophulariaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 14:228-229.
  • 3. Tucker, A. O., and H. L. Chambers. 2002. Mentha canadensis L. (Lamiaceae): a relict amphidiploid from the Lower Tertiary. Taxon 51:703-718.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
The public demonstration area was further developed in conjunction with the aquaculture program. Maintenance of plant materials was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration. Two new clones of herbs were further propagated for commercial evaluation: 'Teton' tarragon and 'Kuebel' oregano. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers, and several hundred copies of selected spectra were exchanged with priovate industry and universities. Three World Wide Web Sites (www.desu.edu/tucker.htm, www.desu.edu/herbs.html, and www.desu.edu/herbarium) were further developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. The Herb Research Center, in conjunction with the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium routinely dispenses answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, and chemistry, and, additionally, provides referrals for private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Research Center has also supplied authentically labeled germplasm to growers all over the U.S. as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA). The P.I. also served on the Board of Directors of both The Herb Society of America and the International Herb Association.

Impacts
This research impacts farmers not only in Delaware but also across the nation. Besides the traditional outlets for herbs, high-cachet crops, such as lavender and other herbs of the Mediterranean, serve as a handle to attract tourists, who then buy other added-value products from the farm. With the publication of Herbs of Commerce in November 2000, which is required for labeling of botanicals under Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, this re

Publications

  • 1. Refereed publications in 2001: Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and B. H. Alkire. 2001. Essential oil of Aeollanthus suaveolens Mart. ex Spreng. (Lamiaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 13:198-199. Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, A. M. Salywon, and L. R. Landrum. 2001. Volatile leaf oil of Calyptranthes sintenisii Kiaersk. (Myrtaceae) of Puerto Rico. J. Essential Oil Res. 13:427-428.
  • 2. Popular publications in 2001: Tucker, A. O. 2001. Are the putative phylogenies of Rosa proposed by C. C. Hurst really a house of cards? Heritage Roses 26:9-11. Tucker, A. O. 2001. The science of gardening: The flavors of herbs. Kitchen Gard. 31:40, 42. Tucker, A. O. 2001. Standards for lavender, lavandin and spike: commercial oils and cultivars. Lavender Bag 15:11-14. Tucker, A. O. 2001. Understanding poisonous plant compounds. Fine Gard. 81:80, 82. Tucker, A. O. 2001. Is this plant a hoax? Herbarist 67:51-55.


Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
The public demonstration area was finally completed in conjunction with the aquaculture program. Maintenance of plant materials was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration. Two new clones of herbs were further propagated for commercial evaluation: 'Teton' tarragon and 'Kuebel' oregano. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers, and several hundred copies of selected spectra were exchanged with R. J. Reynolds and Baylor University. Two World Wide Web Sites (www.desu.edu/tucker.htm and www.desu.edu/herbs.html) were further developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. The Herb Research Center routinely dispenses answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, and chemistry, and, additionally, provides referrals for private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Research Center has also supplied authentically labeled germplasm to growers all over the U.S. as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Fourteen scientific and popular lectures on herbs and related topics were given around the United States, Canada, and Australia. Considerable time was spent monitoring the construction and moving the Herbarium, with dedication on May 11 and symposium on May 13. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA), and the first herb business conference in Delaware was coordinated from D.S.U. The P.I. also served on the Board of Directors of both The Herb Society of America and the International Herb Association.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Books in 2000: Tucker, A. O., and T. DeBaggio. 2000. The big book of herbs. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO. 688 pp. McGuffin, M., J. T. Kartesz, A. Y. Leung, and A. O. Tucker. 2000. Herbs of commerce. Amer. Herbal Prod. Assoc.
  • Refereed publications in 2000: Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and J. J. Karchesy. 2000. Commercial "rose of cedar" oil, the wood oil of Port Orford cedar, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murray) Parl. (Cupressaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 12:24-26. Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, L. R. Landrum, and M. L. Kawasaki. 2000. Volatile leaf oil of Calycolpus australis Landrum (Myrtaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 12:149-150. Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and L. M. Libbey. 2000. Essential oil of Satureja viminea L. (Lamiaceae). J. Essential Oil Res. 12:283-284.
  • Posters in 2000: "Meeting the Future Needs of Germplasm for the Commercial Flavor, Fragrance, and Medicinal Plant Industries: Successes with Low Capital Investment," Association of Research Directors, J. W. Marriott, Washington, DC, April 19-21, 2000.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Maintenance of plant materials was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration. Two new clones of herbs were propagated for commercial evaluation: 'Teton' tarragon and 'Kuebel' oregano. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers, and a copy was again supplied to R. J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, NC. Two World Wide Web Sites (www.desu.edu/tucker.htm and www.desu.edu/herbs.html) were further developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. The Herb Research Center routinely dispenses answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, and chemistry, and, additionally, provides referrals for private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Research Center has also supplied authentically labeled germplasm to growers all over the U.S. as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Twenty scientific and popular lectures on herbs and related topics were given around the United States. Considerable time was spent monitoring the construction and moving the Herbarium. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA), and the herb business conference in Delaware was coordinated from D.S.U. The P.I. also served on the Board of Directors of both The Herb Society of America and the International Herb Association.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Tucker, A. O., and M. J. Maciarello. 1999. Volatile oil of the 'licorice verbena'[Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown ex Britton and P. Wils. var. carterae Moldenke] from the North American herb trade. J. Essential Oil Res. 11:314-316.
  • Tucker, A. O., M. J. Maciarello, and K. Clancy. 1999. Sweet goldenrod (Solidago odora, Asteraceae): A medicine, tea, and state herb. Econ. Bot. 53:281-284.
  • Tucker, A. O., and M. J. Maciarello. 1999. Volatile oils of Illicium floridanum and I. parviflorum (Illiciaceae) of the southeastern United States and their potential for economic utilization. Econ. Bot. 54:435-438.
  • Tucker, A. O., and K. J. W. Hensen. 1999. The cultivars of lavender and lavandin [Labiatae]. Herbarist 65:36-43.
  • Popular publications in 1999:
  • Tucker, A. O. 1999. Oregano. Herbs for Health 4(1):20, 22.
  • Tucker, A. O. 1999. Mummies on crack: What really grew in those ancient Egyptian herb gardens? Herb Soc. Amer. Newsl. 4(2):1, 12.
  • Tucker, A. O. 1999. Herbal remedies for warts. Herbs for Health 4(2):51-53.
  • Putievsky, E., and A. O. Tucker. 1999. It can take the heat. Herbs Companion 12(1):30-31.
  • Abstracts in 1999:
  • Tucker, A. O. 1999. History of cultivar preservation, with emphasis on efforts in North America. Page 17 in XVI International Botanical Congress - Abstracts, Addendum.
  • Radio Broadcasts in 1999:
  • Here's to Your Health with Deborah Ray, 9:00 a.m. April 21, 1999.


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
Maintenance of plant materials was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration in the Spring of 1999. Two new clones of herbs were propagated for commercial evaluation: 'Teton' tarragon and 'Kuebel' oregano. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers and copies were supplied to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA and R.J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, NC. Two World Wide Web sites (www.dsc.edu/tucker.htm and www.dsc.edu/herbs.html) were further developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. The Herb Research Center routinely dispenses answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, and chemistry, and, additionally, provides referrals to private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Research Center has also supplied authentically labelled germplasm to growers all over the US as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA), and the first herb business conference in Delaware was coordinated from DSU. The PI also served on the Board of Directors of both the Herb Society of America and the International Herb Association.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Tucker, A.O. 1998. Mint: Herb of the year. Herb Companion 10(4):43-45.
  • Tucker, A.O. 1998. Growing lavender. Herbalist 54:29-30.
  • Tucker, A.O. 1998. The therapy of aroma. Herbs for Health 3(6):46-50.


Progress 01/01/97 to 12/01/97

Outputs
Maintenance of plant materials, especially oregano, rosemary, and Dalmatian sage, was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration in the Spring of 1998. Planning and development of this area were also a priority. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers. Two World Wide Web Sites (www.dsc.edu/tucker.htm and www.dsc.edu/herbs.html) were further developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. The Herb Research Center routinely dispenses answers to questions about botanical nomenclature, agronomic management, toxicity, chemistry, and additional addresses to private industry, governmental agencies, and farmers around the world. The Herb Reseaarch Center has also supplied authentically labelled germplasm to growers all over the U.S. as well as routinely dispensing our own original scientific reprints on all aspects of herbs. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA). Non-pofit status for DHGMA was established in the State of Delaware. The P.I. also served on the Board of Directors of both the Herb Society of America and the International Herb Association.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Refereed publication in 1997: Tucker,A.O., and F.Vrugtman. 1997. Appendix XI-Checklists of ornamental cultivars. Additions and corrections. Hortax News 1(3):17-22. Tucker,A.O., M.J.Maciarello, D.J. Charles, and J.E.Simon. 1997. Volatile lea
  • Popular publications in 1997: Tucker, A.O. 1997. The official goldenrod. Herb Companion 9(3):24-25. Tucker, A.O. 1997. Sweet alternatives. Herbs for Health 2(2):50-54.
  • Book Reviews published in 1997: Tucker, A.O. 1997. Passion flowers.Amer.Gard. 76(3):52-53.
  • Abstracts & Proceedings published in 1997: Tucker, A.O. 1997. The genus Mentha and the origin of mint hybrids. Pages 131-132 in Proceedings of Herbs '97. International Herb Association, Mundelein, Illinois. Tucker, A.O. 1997. Mint nomenclat


Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
Maintenance of plant materials, especially oregano, rosemary, and Dalmatian sage, was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration in the Spring of 1997. Planning and development of this area were also a priority. The Mass Spectral Database was enlarged for exchange with international researchers. Two World Wide Web Sites (www.dsc.edu/agriculture/tucker.htm and www.dsc.edu/agriculture/herbs.html) were developed and maintained to aid in the distribution of information generated from research. Support was maintained and extended for Delaware Herb Growers and Marketers Association (DHGMA). A state herb was proposed by DHGMA and passed by the Delaware State Legislature; commodity status for DHGMA was established from the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Matsuda, B.M., G.A. Surgeoner, J.D. Heal, A.O. Tucker, and M.J. Maciarello. 1966. Essential oil analysis and field evaluation of the citrosa plant "Pelargonium citrosum" as a repellent against populations of Ae Popular publications in 1996:
  • Tucker, A.O. 1966. Great taxonomic gaffes. Amer. Hort. 75(3):46-47.
  • Tucker, A.O. 1966. Violets in perfumery. Sweet Times 5(3):4.
  • Tucker, A.O. 1996. Science: empowerment or estrangement Herbs for Health 1(4):6.


Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Propagation of plant materials, especially oregano, rosemary, and Dalmatian sage, was a priority in preparation for establishment of public demonstration in the Spring of 1996. Planning and development of this area were also a priority. The Mass Spectral Database was converted to a Window platform to assure almost universal compatibility with other researchers. A World Wide Web Site (http//:192.231.190.123:80) was developed to aid in the distribution of research generated information.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications


    Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

    Outputs
    Field work consisted of propagation of oregano, rosemary, and dalmaatian sage. Developmental planning was continued on a parcel of land that was assisgned to this project for use in conjunction with the Aquactic Ecology Program. We await the ponds to be finished for the latter program, and soon large experimental plots will be established with a demonstration area. Several new Asian and Latin American herbs were examined for new economically important constituents. We have also examined new essential oils from the Pacific Northwest in coooperative research with a grower in Oregon The library data base for GC/MS was enlarged further and modified. We have traded both standards and mass spectra with several academic institutions and provate companies. Leaf discs of Mentha and Salvia Clevelandii have been cultivated in tissue culture.

    Impacts
    (N/A)

    Publications


      Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

      Outputs
      Field work consisted of propagation of oregano, clary sage, rosemary, and Dalmatian sage. Hardiness studies for Zone 7B were continued for selected cultivars of rosemary and Dalmatian sage. Developmental planning was continued on a parcel of land that was assigned to this project for use in conjunction with the Aquatic Ecology Program. The ponds are almost finished for the latter program, and soon large experimental plots will be established with a demonstration area. Several new Asian and Latin herbs were examined for new economically important constituents. We have also examined new essential oils from the Pacific Northwest in cooperative research with a grower in Oregon. The library data base for GC/MS was enlarged further and modified. We have traded both standards and mass spectra with several academic institutions and private companies. Leaf discs of Mentha and Salvia clevelandii have been cultivated in tissue culture.

      Impacts
      (N/A)

      Publications


        Progress 10/01/90 to 09/30/91

        Outputs
        During the 1990-91 growing season, field work consisted of maintenance of previously established demonstration plots (oregano, clary sage, rosemary, and Dalmation sage). Hardiness studies for Zone 7B were continued for selected varieties of rosemary and Dalmation sage. Developmental planning was continued for a parcel of land that was given to this project for use in conjunction with the Aquatic Ecology Program. Large experimental plots of oregano and other herbs will be established along with an increased demonstration area. Several new Asiatic and Hispanic herbs have come to our attention and were examined for new economically important constituents. We have also examined new essential oils from the Pacific Northwest in cooperative research with a grower in Oregon. The library data base for GC/MS was enlarged and further modified. We have traded both standards and mass spectra with several academic institutions and private companies. Leaf discs of Mentha have been cultured in vitro and plantlets were regenerated. Two papers were presented in Minneapolis at Herbs '91, sponsored by the International Herb Growers and Marketers Association.

        Impacts
        (N/A)

        Publications


          Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

          Outputs
          During the 1987-88 growing season, field work consisted of: maintenance of previously established demonstration plots (French tarragon & oregano) and establishment of a clary sage demo-plot. As of 1/21/88, priority was given to the relocation of office and laboratory equipment to the new research facilities. Installation of a gas chromatograph (with a mass selection detector) and related computer system, along with operational training of the aforementioned analytical equipment were other priorities of the past year and construction of a protype low-cost solar dryer were completed. Modifications and further refinements of this unit are planned for the upcoming year. The P.L. presented invited papers at the Third Internatinal Herb Growers and Marketer's Association Meetings at Baton Rouge in June 1988 and at the Third National Herb growing and Marketing Conference at Louisville in July 1988. Project research personnel was reduced by 27% due to the death of a faculty member in March 1988. No efforts to replace this reduction in personnel have been made as of this submission.

          Impacts
          (N/A)

          Publications


            Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

            Outputs
            During the 1986-87 season, relocation and preservation of existing plots were given priority. Nursery plots of French tarragon and oregano were established to generate planting stock in the field, much in the manner that a limited resource farmer would. Acquisition of a gas chromatagraph (with a mass selection detector) and the design input of the new facilities were other priorities to expedite the completion of new construction and relieve the current crowded conditions. The design and construction of equipment necessary for the production of essential oils, but within the price range of a limited resource farmer, were additionally important in the past year. Design and construction of a prototype condensor were completed, which should reduce operating costs of drying plant materials as compared to conventional means. Construction of dryer and distillation platform will be completed in the upcoming year. The P.I. presented two invited papers at the Second International Herb Growing and Marketing Conference at Indianapolis in July 1987.

            Impacts
            (N/A)

            Publications


              Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86

              Outputs
              Herbicide test plots (started Spring 1985) were monitored to measure the level of weed suppression by Devrinol in plantings of winter savory, sage, and oregano. Preliminary results suggest good weed suppression in winter savory and oregano, but, because of abundant growth, there was little observed differences in weed suppression between control plots and herbicide plots of sage. Herbicide test plots of French tarragon were abandoned and the remaining plants were utilized to generate nursery stocks for implementation. Oregano was also propagated for future implementation.

              Impacts
              (N/A)

              Publications


                Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85

                Outputs
                Plots were established in spring of 1985 to test the effectiveness of Devrinol (napropamide) in suppressing weeds in plantings of French tarragon, winter savory, sage, and oregano. Three permanent meter square areas were placed within each plot to assess the level of weed suppression and the effect on herb yield as a result of herbicide application. A study to assess the effect of incorporation of the fungicide Zineb (zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate) into fluid drilling gel was initated in the fall of 1985 using white clary sage seeds. Germinated seedlings were planted in gel with and without Zineb in the field and in the greenhouse. Studies of rooting procedures for 'Grosso' lavandin and 'Celsiana' damask rose were continued. Preliminary gas chromatographic analyses of alternate rose cultivars were completed and will be repeated in 1986 to assess variation from harvest to harvest. As an adjunct to this study, many cultivars of rosemary were grown and chemically analyzed.

                Impacts
                (N/A)

                Publications