Source: AUBURN UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
DEVELOPING MEDICINAL PLANTS AS COMMERCIAL CROPS FOR ALABAMA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0212542
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2007
Project End Date
Oct 1, 2013
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
108 M. WHITE SMITH HALL
AUBURN,AL 36849
Performing Department
Agronomy & Soils
Non Technical Summary
There is a growing market for medicinal plants. Many consumers are looking for plant and animal products that are natural, to replace products that contain synthetic drugs. Many native medicinal plant species are endangered through harvest in the wild, while there are quality concerns with imported plant products. The concentration and yield of medicinally active compounds are dependent upon the genetic makeup of plants and environmental conditions, and therefore can be enhanced by varietal selection and crop management. The purpose of this project is to develop medicinal plants as commercial crops for Alabama. This will be achieved by identifying medicinal plant species with market potential that are adapted to Alabama and selecting varieties and cultural practices that will result in high yields of medicinally active compounds.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2022220100015%
2022220101020%
2052220100015%
2052220101015%
2052220102010%
2052220107015%
6042220301010%
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this project is to develop a multi-disciplinary research program to support the cultivation and commercial production of medicinal crops in Alabama. Specific objectives are to: 1)identify medicinal plant species that have potential to be grown commercially in Alabama and assemble information on their adaptation and cultivation; 2)collect genotypes (varieties) of the most promising medicinal plant species and select those best adapted to Alabama growing conditions and with the highest quantities of active ingredients; 3)identify appropriate assay procedures to quantify the desired bioactive compounds; 4)obtain preliminary information on optimum management practices for selected varieties; 5)obtain information on economics and marketing of selected crops; and 6) assist in disseminating information and providing training on the cultivation and marketing of medicinal crops.
Project Methods
The general approach will follow the following steps: 1. Species will be selected for testing based upon information on adaptation, pharmacological potential and market potential. We will try to emphasize species that are not a major focus of research at a neighboring institution, or to focus on different aspects of research on the same species, so as not to duplicate research carried out elsewhere in a similar agro-ecological environment. One or more accessions will be acquired, planted in the field for observation. 2. Seeds or planting materials from different locations and from a range in genetic backgrounds will be acquired and planted in the greenhouse or a field nursery. 3. Plant materials will be harvested for analysis in the laboratory and development of assay methods. 4. Screening trials, consisting of a range of genetic sources will be planted in the field for assessment of yield, disease resistance and concentration of biologically active ingredients. Plant parts will be harvested for laboratory analysis using established assay methods. The most productive genotypes will be selected for further research. 5. Studies will be conducted to ascertain how changes in growing conditions affect the yield and concentration of bioactive compounds. Depending upon the species, these factors may include fertility levels, irrigation, shade, date of planting, stage or timing of harvest, etc. Optimum seeding rates and spacings, methods of establishment, seed treatment, influence of soil types, etc. may also be studied. 6. Results will be published in refereed journals, conference abstracts and proceedings and extension brochures. We also hope to communicate the results in meetings with growers. Because of the uncertainty of future market demands, it is necessary to maintain a portfolio of adapted species, but research efforts will be focused on those species for which there is an established demand or the likelihood that demand will develop in the future.

Progress 10/01/07 to 10/01/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences are 1) the scientific community interested in plants with medicinal or health properties, 2) farmers and growers hoping to grow medicinal plants commercially, and 3) members of the general public interested in medicinal plants and alternative and complementary medicine. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Meili Wang obtained a M.S. degree after carrying out research on Astragalus membranaceus. Arsene Similien and Santosh Shiwakoti obtained M.S. degrees after carrying out research on Scutellaria lateriflora. Students and faculty have had the opportunity to attend scientific conferences to present results and learn from other researchers. Other faculty and extension staff, including from other universities, have benefited from visiting our medicinal plant collection and obtained materials for their own research and extension efforts. Training was also provided to Certified Crop Advisors. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We helped organize the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association (AMPGA), which holds biannual educational workshops on cultivation and use of medicinal plants. Dr. Shannon is on the Board of the Association and provides support and advice to the leadership. Lectures on cultivation of medicinal plants have been given at AMPGA meetings and at other venues open to the public, and in a Certified Crop Advisor training workshop. Our medicinal plant collection has been opened to the public and guided tours were provided several times in 2013. In addition, plot plans and descriptions of medicinal uses of each species in the collection are placed in a document box next to the collection to allow self-guided tours by students, faculty and staff of the University and by members of the public. Our medicinal plant collection has been utilized by faculty at Tuskegee University and Jacksonville State University to obtain plant material for research and also planting materials for their own research plots. Seed, rhizomes and seedlings have been distributed to members of AMPGA and members of the public for planting in their personal gardens and farms. Two papers on cultivation of Scutellaria lateriflora were published and two more have been submitted for publication on the effects of cultural practices on flavonoid content. Papers on turmeric and Astragalus membranaceus are being prepared for submission. In addition, poster presentations have been given at scientific conferences. Dr. Shannon and Dr. Kemppainen also assisted in organizing and chairing sessions in the second annual conference of the Association for Medicinally Active Plants in Huntsville, Alabama, 17-20 July 2011. Dr. Barbara Kemppainnen developed and teaches a course on Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We carried out multi-disciplinary research which is supporting Alabama growers and providing opportunities for commercial production of medicinal plants in Alabama. Under objective 1, we determined that the skullcap species, Scutellaria lateriflora and S. baicalensis and turmeric (Curcuma longa and C. amada) have potential for commercial production in Alabama and buyers are interested in purchasing thse crops from Alabama growers. We also determined that the Chinese medicinal herb, Astragalus membranaceus, can be grown in Alabama, but serious soil-borne insect and disease problems must be overcome before this species can be grown commercially in Alabama. Although we have not carried out replicated experiments with other species, we observed many species in our collection that are well adapted under our conditions. One species that is of interest to the plant products industry and which is very productive under our conditions is roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Under objective 2, we collected multiple accessions several species. Most notably, we have 13 accessions of turmeric and related species and eight of these have been assessed for yield and curcumin content. We have identified five accessions with relatively high concentration of curcumin, which has potential to treat cancer. We tested seven accessions of Astragalus membranceus for adaptation to Alabama and for content of Astragaloside IV, believed to be a major bioactive constituent conferring immunostimulant properties. Four accessions, one from South Korea, two from seed companies and one from the USDA collection performed best in terms of root yield and content of astragaloside IV. Under objective 3, Dr. Barbara Kemppainen refined methods to measure astragalus IV in Astragalus membranceus. Under objective 4, we obtained information on how to manage the crops to optimize their medicinal value. We determined that American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) gives highest biomass and flavonoid yield with a combination of partial shade, irrigation and added nutrients. However, higher concentration of some flavonoids was obtained in full sun than under shade. Two harvests of above-ground biomass may be made per year. Timing of harvests affect flavonoid concentrations. In greenhouse studies, application of N and P increased concentration of the flavonoid, baicalein, while K application increased concentration of scutellarein. With Astragalus membranceus, we learned that P application enhanced root yield and concentration and yield of Astragaloside IV. Subsoiling on a coastal plains soil increased root yield and astragaloside IV concentration and yield but did not prevent branching of the taproots. Under objective 5, we were not successful in obtaining funding to support economic studies on medicinal plants. However, we have learned a great deal about the market for medicinal plants through interactions with buyers of herbal products and individuals who have been successful in marketing products from medicinal plants. As a result of our efforts, a wholesaler of medicinal herbs has offered to purchase American skullcap and other plant products from Alabama growers and a manufacturer of herbal supplements is interested in obtaining turmeric and roselle from Alabama. Objective 6 is discussed "dissemination to communities of interest", below.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Shiwakoti, Santosh, Dennis A. Shannon, C. Wesley Wood, Kathy S. Lawrence, Barbara Kemppainen, Nirmal Joshee, Agnes Rimando. 2013. Harvesting Number and Timing Effects on Shoot Yield and Flavonoid Content in Organically Grown American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). J. Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants. 19:3, 248-261
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lohani, Madhukar, Manuj Ahuja, Manal A. Buabeid, Dean Schwartz, Dennis Shannon, Vishnu Suppiramaniam , Barbara Kemppainen and Muralikrishnan Dhanesekaran. 2013. Anti-oxidative and DNA Protecting Effects of Flavonoids-rich Scutellaria lateriflora. Natural Products Communications 8: 1-4
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lohani M, Ahuja M, Buabeid MA, Dean S, Dennis S, Suppiramaniam V, Kemppainen B, Dhanasekaran M. 2013. Anti-oxidative and DNA protecting effects of flavonoids-rich Scutellaria lateriflora. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24354189 Verified 1/21/2014 [PubMed - in process]
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Wang, Meili, Dennis Shannon, Charles Mitchell, Madhukar Lohani, Barbara Kemppainen. Evaluation of digoxin as an internal standard for analysis of bioactive compound (astragalus IV) in medicinal plant A. membranaceus using high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day, November 7, 2012, Auburn, AL.


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

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A paper by former graduate student Arsene Similien on the effects of shade, irrigation and nutrients on yield of American skullcap was published in HortScience. Former graduate student Santosh Shiwakoti published his M.S. thesis. A manuscript was submitted to the Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants on the effects of pruning frequency and timing on shoot yield and flavonoid content. The article was accepted pending revisions. Turmeric (Curcuma longa, C. amada) rhizomes were harvested in January 2012 and analyzed by Gaia Herbs for curcumin content. An experiment was carried out to compare the effects of shade v.s. direct sun, greenhouse planting on heat pads v.s. direct seeding, and varieties on yield and curcumin content of field-grown turmeric. Dr. Dennis Shannon assisted the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association (AMPGA) in organizing educational workshops on medicinal plants in Ariton, Alabama, in March and in Clanton, Alabama, in September 2012. Dr. Shannon is a member of the Board of Directors of AMPGA, representing research universities. At the March 31, 2012 AMPGA meeting, Dr. Shannon gave presentations on "Prospects for turmeric production in Alabama" and research on cultivation of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). On May 12, Dr. Shannon gave a presentation on "Medicinal Plants for Alabama" at the Old Alabama Town Herb Society Herb Day in Montgomery, Alabama. We maintain a medicinal plant collection which is used both as a seed source and to education the public on medicinal plants. Turmeric rhizomes and seed of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and other plants were distributed to growers. PARTICIPANTS: Horticulturalist Tia Gonzales assists with field work, maintaining the plant collection and assisting with harvest and processing of plant products and seed. TARGET AUDIENCES: Targeted audience includes researchers, and current and prospective growers of medicinal plants. The primary organization that we work with is the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association. The Old Alabama Town Herb Society was a secondary grower's association that was targeted in 2012. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Of the turmeric rhizomes harvested in January 2012, higher curcumin content was found in the "mother fingers", those rhizomes that are rounder and bear leaves, than in the ordinary rhizomes. Varietal differences were also observed. All readings were below the target curcumin content sought by the prospective buyer. The plants harvested had been direct seeded in the field in June 2011 and harvested after frost killed the shoots. More research is needed to determine if curcumin content can be increased by increasing the age of the plants at harvest by starting the plants in the greenhouse. Growers in Alabama have begun growing and testing turmeric on small scale in the field and and in high tunnels, and also experimenting with shade and heat. Numerous visitors have toured the medicinal plant collection and learned about medicinal plants.

Publications

  • Similien, Arsene, Dennis A. Shannon, C.Wesley Wood, Edzard van Santen, Nirmal Joshee, Wheeler G. Foshee. 2012. Partial Shade, Irrigation and Added Nutrients Maximize Dry Matter Yield of American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.). HortScience 47(12):1705-1709.
  • Joshee, N., A. Tascan, Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, P. Parajuli, A. M. Rimando, Dennis A Shannon, J. W. Adelberg. 2012. Chapter 3 Scutellaria: Biotechnology, Phytochemistry and its Potential as a Commercial Medicinal Crop. pp. 69 - 99 in Suman Chandra, Hemant Lata and Ajit Varma, Eds., Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants: Micropropagation and Improvement. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany.
  • Madhukar Lohani, Dean Schwartz, Dennis Shannon, Manuj Ahuja, Agnes Rimando, Barbara Kemppainen, Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran. 2012. Investigating the neuroprotective effects of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). Program No. 865.05/O15. 2012 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2012. Online.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In 2011, Graduate Student Santosh Shiwakoti completed a greenhouse study on the effect of N, P and K application on biomass and flavonoid yield of American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). Samples were analyzed for N, P and K analysis and content of four flavonoids. Data analysis was carried out on data from both his field experiment and the greenhouse study. Mr. Shiwakoti successfully defended his thesis on December 6, 2011 and final revisions to the thesis are underway. Two manuscripts are planned. A manuscript on graduate student Arsene Similiens research on the effects of shade, irrigation and nutrients on yield of American skullcap was submitted to HortScience and is currently being revised. Dr. Dennis Shannon assisted the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association (AMPGA) in organinzing educational workshops on medicinal plants in Selma, Alabama, in March and in Normal, Alabama, in September 2011. Dr. Shannon is a member of the Board of Directors of AMPGA, representing research universities. Dr. Shannon and Dr. Barbara Kemppainen also helped organize the second annual meeting of the American Council on Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP) held in Huntsville, Alabama, July 17-22, 2011 and chaired the sessions on Plant Breeding and Bioactives - Animal Health Benefits, respectively. On December 5, 2011, Dr. Shannon gave a talk on Medicinal Plants as Commercial Crops for Alabama, as part of continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisors. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the scientific community and prospective growers of herbs and medicinal plants. The primary audience for growers in Alabama is the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In a field experiment conducted in Shorter, Alabama to find out the effect of timing and frequency of harvest on shoot yield and flavonoid content of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), baicalein yield was higher with the one harvest treatment, whereas baicalin and chrysin yields were higher with two harvest per season than with one harvest. Harvest number in first year (2008) had no residual effect on shoot yield or flavonoid content in second year (2009). In the second year, the first harvest of the season gave higher shoot yield (824 kg ha-1 vs 363 kg ha-1) and yield of flavonoids baicalin, apigenen, baicalein, wogonin and chrysin than the second harvest. Lower yield at second harvest may be related to factors affecting regrowth, as well as disease incidence later in the season. In the pot studies, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application significantly increased shoot biomass yield, N, P and K uptake and flavonoid yield. Nitrogen and P application positively affected baicalein concentration, while K application increased concentration of scutellarein. Two harvests per season are feasible for American skullcap beginning in the first year. Fertilization with N, P and K are recommended to enhance biological and flavonoid yield.

Publications

  • Lohani, Madhukar, Thomas R Scott, Brandon D Moore, Joe E Toler, Rucha Karve, Barbara W Kemppainen and Denzil V Maurice. 2011. Immunomodulatory Properties of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) in broiler chickens. Electronic conference proceedings (abstract) 2nd Annual Conference of the American Council on Medicinally Active Plants, Huntsville, Alabama, July 17-20, 2011.
  • Kemppainen, B.W., J.S. Suddeth, B.T. Akingbemi, E.G. Welles, J. Wright, F. Hoerr, K.S. Joiner, F.W. Van Ginkle, J.B. Hess, W.B. Berry, A. Similien, G.E. Rottinghaus, D.R..Ledoux, D.V. Maurice and D.A. Shannon. 2011. Investigation of the sparing effects of American skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora on aflatoxin-contaminated feed in broiler chickens. Electronic conference proceedings (abstract) 2nd Annual Conference of the American Council on Medicinally Active Plants, Huntsville, Alabama, July 17-20, 2011.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Greenhouse studies on the effects of N, P and K on biomass yield and flavonoid content in American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) were established using fritted clay. Treatments consisted of 6 rates of N, P and K in separate trials. A basal application of macro and micro elements but lacking in the one element tested was added to each pot. Data were analyzed from a field study carried out during 2008 and 2009 in Shorter, Alabama on the effects of number and timing of shoot harvests on yield and flavonoid content of American skullcap. Samples were analyzed at the University of Mississippi for concentration of four flavonoids. Roots of two-year old plants of Baikal skullcap (S. baicalensis) were harvested on February 26, 2010 from organic plots in Shorter, Alabama to obtain baseline yield data with and without fertilizer. On March 31, Baikal skullcap seeds were planted in the greenhouse, and the seedlings were transferred to the same plots in the field on May 28. Together with plants established in 2008 and 2009, this will allow us to compare the yields 1, 2 and 3 year old plants in 2011. Dr. Kemppainen developed and taught a course entitled, "Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine." The focus of the course was medicinal plants/botanicals/herbs. Assistance was provided to the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association to organize two educational conferences on medicinal plants. Lectures were provided on cultivation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and skullcap. PARTICIPANTS: Santosh Shiwakoti is a graduate student carrying out research on American Skullcap under the supervision of Dr. Dennis Shannon. Jerry Suddeth was a third year veterinary student who was on a summer scholars program under supervision of Dr. Barbara Kemppainen. Other collaborators include Dr. C.W. Wood and Dr. Edzard van Santen, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University, Dr. Nirmal Joshee, Fort Valley State University, and Dr. Agnes Rimando, USDA/ARS in Oxford, MS, who is assisting with analysis of flavonoids. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target auduences include the scientific community and current and prospective growers of herbs and medicinal plants. The primary audience for growers is the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Statistical analysis of yields in the field trial testing timing and number of biomass harvests in American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) revealed that harvesting twice in the first year gave significantly higher yield than harvesting once, with no residual effect on yield in the second year. In the second year of the trial, disease late in the season prevented the comparison of three vs two harvests per season. There was no difference in yield between harvesting early (June 12, Aug. 6, 2009) or harvesting late (July 8, Sept. 11, 2009). In the Baikal skullcap (S. baicalensis) trial, plant dieoffs resulted in poor stands. However, when root yield was calculated based upon root weight of individual plants, 2-year old plants yielded 2,600 kg per ha when fertilized with a complete organic fertilizer in year 1 and 2,000 kg per ha without fertilizer. Five undergraduate veterinary students and one graduate student took the course on Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine The Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association held two successful training workshops in 2010. The enthusiasm of this group is evidenced by the fact that the leadership played and active part in proposing and developing a SARE Research and Extension grant proposal on medicinal teas together with Auburn and Tuskegee Universities.

Publications

  • Shiwakoti, S. D. Shannon, C.W. Wood, N. Joshee, K. Lawrence. 2010. Management Effects on Yield in Organically Grown American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). Abstract 211-2 In InternationalAnnual Meetings Abstracts. [CD-Rom] American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, held on October 31-November 3 , 2010 in Long Beach, CA. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI.
  • JS Suddeth, M Lohani, BT Akingbemi, EG Welles, J Wright, F Hoerr, KS Joiner, FW van Ginkel, JB Hess, WD Berry, A Similien, DA Shannon, GE Rottinghaus, DR Ledoux, and BW Kemppainen. 2010. INVESTIGATION OF THE SPARING EFFECTS OF A NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANT (AMERICAN SKULLCAP, SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA) ON AFLATOXIN-CONTAMINATED FEED IN BROILER CHICKENS Poster presented at Phi Zeta Research Day, November 10, 2010, Auburn, AL.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The second year of a study on the effects of number and timing of shoot harvests on yield and flavonoid content in shoots of American skullcap was carried out in Shorter, Alabama. The second year of a trial to obtain baseline data on the effect of age and fertilizer on yield of Baikal skullcap roots was also carried out in Shorter. Two Masters theses, one on American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and the other on Astragalus membranaceus were completed and published. Pot studies were initiated on the effects of N, P and K on root yield and flavonoid content in Baikal skullcap roots. Meetings were held with growers in January and March 2009 in order to organize an association dedicated to the cultivation of medicinal plants in Alabama. Assistance was provided to organize an educational conference on medicinal plants in conjunction with the Association's annual meeting and to bring in a speaker from out of state. A collection of medicinal plants is maintained for observational purposes, as well as to maintain accessions on the Agronomy Farm of the Auburn University campus. PARTICIPANTS: Meili Wang and Arsene Similien were graduate students who completed their program in 2009. Santosh Shiwakoti is a graduate student who is carrying out research on American and Baikal skullcaps. Assistance was provided to the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association (AMPGA). Rick Arnold was President Pro tem and Gene Hopper was elected President at the August 15 meeting. Dr. Shannon played an important role in creating the organization, was secretary pro tem for the organization and is currently a board member. Michael Reeves, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, also assisted the growers with organization of AMPGA. Tuskegee University Research and Extension Specialist, Alphonso Elliott, organized an information meeting in Selma, Alabama, on medicinal plant cultivation and the AMPGA. Edward Fletcher of Strategic Sourcing, Inc. provided training at the annual meeting on good management practices for cultivation and processing of medicinal plants to meet market requirements. Collaborating faculty include Dr. Wes Wood, Dr. Barbara Kemppainen, Dr. Edzard van Santen, Dr. Charles Mitchell, Dr. Wheeler Foshee of Auburn University and Dr. Nirmal Joshee, Fort Valley State University and Dr. Agnes Rimando, USDA/ARS, Oxford Mississippi. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the scientific community and current and prospective growers of medicinal plants. The primary audience for growers is the Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The Alabama Medicinal Plant Growers Association was formed on March 28, 2009 in Columbiana, Alabama. The association is dedicated to the promotion of commercial medicinal plant cultivation in Alabama. The first Annual Meeting and educational conference was held on August 15 in Montgomery. Over 50 people attended. Speakers included herbalists, growers, researchers and a dealer in medicinal plants. Talks focused on cultivation and marketing as well as utilization of medicinal plants and preparation of products. Due to unusually heavy rain in August, American skullcap died off in many of the plots in the study on the number and timing of shoot harvests. Although the protocol called for two harvests in some plots and three harvests in other plots, there were insufficient plants available for the third harvest. Pythium was suspected on the decaying rhizomes. Cucumber mozaic virus was also identified on leaves in some plots during the summer months.

Publications

  • Similien, Arsene. 2009. Effect of shade, irrigation and nutrients on dry matter yield and flavonoid content in American skullcap. M.S. Thesis. Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University.
  • Wang, Meili. 2009. Cultivation practices for Astragalus membranceus in the southeastern United States. M.S. Thesis. Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field research and laboratory analysis were completed on an experiment assessing the effects of shade, irrigation and nutrients on shoot yield and flavoid content of Scutellaria lateriflora. Results of field work on three experiments on Astragalus membranaceus were analyzed and roots were analyzed for content of astragaloside IV. The research focused on the effects of variety and P and K fertility on root yield and content of astragaloside IV, and on the effect of subsoiling on root branching and yield. Field trials were carried out under high tunnel at Chilton and in organic plots in Shorter, AL on timing and number of prunings on shoot yield in Scutellaria lateriflora, on years to harvest on root yield in Scutellaria baicalensis and effect of variety on rhizome yield in turmeric (Curcuma longa, C. amada). Trials assessing pine bark mulch, cotton gining compost and gypsum on yield of Astragalus membranaceus and varieties of Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) were initiated in Clanton, Alabama. A workshop on Economic Opportunities in Forest Medicinal Plants and Mushrooms was held in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 2 and 3, 2008 for prospective medicinal plant growers and landowners. A presentation was given on the benefits of research and of a growers association in the development of a medicinal plant industry in Alabama. A list of potential medicinal plant growers interested in forming a growers association was compiled and an extension specialist assigned to work with the group. Four medicinal crop species were shown to growers at the 2008 Farm Home and Wildlife EXPO, Chilton Research and Extension Center, Clanton, Alabama, August 2, 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Barbara W. Kemppainen, Professor, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University; Dr. C. Wesley Wood, Professor, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University; Dr. Charles Mitchell, Professor, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University; Dr. Wheeler Foshee, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Auburn University; Dr. Nirmal Joshee, Assistant Professor, Plant Science Department, Fort Valley State University; Dr. Agnes Rimando, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service,Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University, MS 38677; Robert Boozer, Extension Research Horticulturalist, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service; Michael Reeves, Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service; Arsene Similien, graduate student, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University; Meili Wang, graduate student, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience include scientific community and current and prospective growers of medicinal plants. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Loss of funding due to reductions in state funding will result in curtailing of planned research activities.

Impacts
Highest above-ground biomass and flavonoid yield in Scutellaria lateriflora was obtained with 40 % shade, but highest concentration of the flavonoids, baicalin and baicalein, were obtained in full sun. Irrigation increased biomass and flavonoid concentration and yield. Nutrient application increased biomass and flavonoid yield but decreased concentration of baicalin. Irrigation was especially important for plants grown in full sun. Both shade and irrigation enhanced survival following harvest. Survival after the first year was poor in plants grown in full sun without irrigation. Powdery mildew occurred mainly on plants grown under shade. Subsoiling enhanced root growth and yield and astragaloside concentration and yield in Astragalus membranaceus but did not prevent branching of taproot. Phosphorus enhanced root and astragaloside IV yield. Differences were observed among varieties for root yield and astragaloside IV concentration and yield. Concentration of astragaloside IV was higher in small roots than in larger roots. High mortality was observed in field because of feeding by white fringe beetle and root rot caused by fungal pathogens. No nodules were observed in the field, but nodules were observed on seedlings that had been inoculated with rhizobium specific to Astragalus genus. Over 100 people attended the medicinal plant workshop held in Birmingham, Alabama on May 2-3, 2008 and several participants indicated a desire to participate in a medicinal plant growers association.

Publications

  • Similien, A., D.A. Shannon, C.W. Wood, W.G. Foshee, B.W. Kemppainen, A. Rimando and N. Joshee. 2008. Shade, Irrigation and Fertility Effects on Biomass Production and Flavonoid Content in American Skullcap. Abstract 644-5 In 2008 International Annual Meetings Abstracts. [CD-Rom] American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, held on October 5-9, 2008 in Houston, TX. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI.
  • Wang, M., D.A. Shannon, B.W. Kemppainen and C.C. Mitchell. 2008. The Effects of Fertilizer and Deep Tillage on Growth, Root Development, and Astragaloside IV in Astragalus membranaceus. Abstract 588-23 In 2008 International Annual Meetings Abstracts. [CD-Rom] American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, held on October 5-9, 2008 in Houston, TX. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI.
  • Wang, M., D.A. Shannon, B.W. Kemppainen and C.C. Mitchell. 2008. The effects of variety, fertilizer and deep tillage on root development and yield of Astragalus membranaceus. Proc. 7th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals & American Society of Pharmacolognosy 4th Interim Meeting, held in Oxford, Mississippi, U.S.A. April 12-16, 2008. Planta Medica 3 Vol. 74: 325.
  • Similien, A., D.A. Shannon, C.W. Wood, W.G. Foshee, B.W. Kemppainen, N. Joshee and A.M. Rimando. 2008. Shade, irrigation and fertility effects on biomass production and flavonoid content in American skullcap. Proc. 7th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals & American Society of Pharmacolognosy 4th Interim Meeting, held in Oxford, Mississippi, U.S.A. April 12-16, 2008. Planta Medica 3 Vol. 74: 324.
  • Similien, Arsene, Dennis Shannon, Wesley Wood, Wheeler Foshee, and Nirmal Joshee. 2007. Shade, Irrigation and Fertility Effects on Biomass Production in American Skullcap. In 2007 InternationalAnnual Meetings Abstracts. [CD-Rom] American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America, held on November 4-8, 2007 in New Orleans, LA. ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Madison, WI.
  • Shannon, D.A. and B.W. Kemppainen. 2007. Preliminary Findings of a New Medicinal Crop Research Program in East Alabama. p. 110 in A.K. Yadav, N. Joshee and A. Yadav (eds.) Program and Abstracts, International Symposium on Medicinal and Nutraceutical Plants, Held in Fort Valley Georgia, March 19-23, 2007. College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia.