ISHS Acta Horticulturae 569: I Latin-American Symposium on the Production of Medicinal, Aromatic and Condiments Plants
PREFACE |
| Author: | L.E. Craker |
| Abstract:
FOREWORD Although medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants have contributed to the quality of human life for thousands of years, utilizing these plants for treating human ailments and satisfying contemporary human tastes requires the efficient production of clean, quality plant materials in sufficient quantities for use in health care and food systems. Such production is clearly advanced through the scientific exchange of observations, facts, and ideas represented by the contributions in this publication. Thus, the “1st Latin American Symposium on the Production of Medicinal, Aromatic, and Condiment Plants” can be declared a success, focusing world attention on horticultural research for medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants. Participating scientists and institutions can take pride in a scientific program that brought together medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plant specialists from across Latin America, creating the opportunity for sharing information and coordinating research efforts. In addition, the need to study medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants as important horticultural crops in several Latin American countries was well established. The total value of all medicinal, aromatic, and condiment crops in the world market place can be estimated at many billions of dollars. On a global scale, the awakening of “modern” medicine and business to consumer interest in medicinal, aromatic, and condiment crops promises increased market demand for these plant products. To meet the challenge to produce enough plant products, plant growing and processing techniques will need to be enhanced, species once collected in the wild will need to be brought into cultivation, and new plant materials will need to be discovered. Progress in such activities can only occur if communication among growers, scientists, businesses, and government becomes firmly established, enabling co-operative efforts and the sharing of results. Sponsors of this symposium are to be thanked and congratulated for their efforts towards promoting such communication. Production of medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants involves much more than simply seeding the crop. Growers need advice on such items as plant selection, culture, maintenance, mechanization, and harvesting. Processors need information on such items as plant constituents, extraction methods, and analytical techniques. The principles outlined in Good Agricultural Practices, Good Collecting Practices, and Good Manufacturing Practices, developed for medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants, need to be understood and followed for production and processing of quality products. As society becomes more global and trade becomes more international, information sharing and creation of standards for medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants will follow, demanding both national and international co-operation among scientists. Latin America, especially the Amazon basin of Brazil, undoubtedly represents the greatest resource of plant diversity on earth. Thus, holding this first Latin American symposium on medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants in São Pedro, Brazil, was most fitting, an opportunity to showcase Latin American research and botanical resources. By sharing scientific discoveries on medicinal, aromatic, and condiment plants through a symposium, Latin America has brought attention to these species and the need for production systems that will enhance the quality of plant material and preserve native species. I am pleased to acknowledge the work by the Convenor, Dr. Lin Chau Ming, and his associates in organising the symposium.
Lyle E. Craker
PREFACE The ISHS Board of Directors | |
