ISHS Acta Horticulturae 576: International Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Possibilities and Limitations of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Production in the 21st Century
POSSIBILITIES FOR ORGANIC HERB SEED PRODUCTION IN FINLAND |
| Authors: | B. Galambosi, ZS. Galambosi, R. Pesonen, R. Valo, R. Pessala, I. Hupila, A. Aflatuni |
| Keywords: | yield, seed quality, organic cultivation, germination, Achillea, Agastache, Angelica, Anthriscus, Dracocephalum, Hyssopus, Levisticum |
| Abstract:
Seed yield, quality and seed production techniques of four annual and four perennial herb species were studied at three experimental stations of Agrifood Research Finland during 1997–2000. The experimental fields were situated in South Finland at Piikkiö (60° N, 23` E), in South-East Finland, Mikkeli, ( 61° N, 44`E) and in North Finland, Ruukki (64° N, 41`E). The plants were cultivated in organic conditions. The plots (1-2 m² in size) in four replications were covered by black plastic mulch and fertilized by 20 t/ha of compost before laying the mulch. As a result of the study, we conclude that to some extent it is possible to produce organic seeds of some selected and climatically adapted herb species in South Finland. High-purity seeds of high germination capacity (70-100 %) were obtained in relatively warm years from yarrow, angelica, dragonhead, anise hyssop and hyssop, that of medium seed germination capacity (40-70 %) from chamomile, lovage and chervil. The highest yields and the best quality were obtained at the southern and south-eastern experimental sites. However, due to the great annual climatic variations, seed growers have to be prepared for poor and good years in respect of seed production. In organic seed production, additional technological studies are required, especially concerning insect control, fertilization and storage of the seed. | |
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