IES develops improved seed sprouting methods for spring plants

Team of researchers from the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) and SIA “Field and forest” started year 2020 with research on germination under different conditions for 9 wild spring medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) species, then developed new accelerated seed sprouting technology for each of them.

Seed germination research is an important step in development of innovative technologies for cultivation of 9 wild spring MAPs for organic farming needs, as well as with potential commercial use in pharmacy, cosmetic and food industries. To develop innovative cultivation technologies IES and SIA “Field and Forest” will cooperate with Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis.

Many wild MAP species that grow in Latvia hold a high market potential and different biological properties. These are species such as cowslip (Primula veris), woodruff (Galium odoratum), mezereon (Daphne mezereum), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), pasqueflower (Pulsatilla pratensis), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea), greater celandine (Chaledonium majus) and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla spp). Team of researcher has started evaluation of cultivation risks for each of 9 MAPs in order to find solutions for these risks.

In this research season researchers focus on germination of plant seeds to find the best sprouting solutions for each of selected MAPs. For development of improved accelerated seed sprouting technology researchers tested different environments – climate chambers and greenhouses. The results will indicate the most suitable environment for each of researched MAP. Seed quality is very important factor for yield production amount and quality. It contributes to high germination rate, promotes productive plant formation and helps to outgrow weed, as well as increases effectivity of nutrient use.

Since autumn 2019 scientists from Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis have been carrying chemical analysis of plant parts and seeds gathered in sampling expeditions during summer. The results of analyses will allow researchers to assess genetic resources of wild species that grow in Latvia and to evaluate the risks and solutions for their cultivation for commercial use.

The research is a part of the project “Innovative solutions for growing technologies and applications of spring medicinal and aromatic plants” (Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/043). It is supported by European Regional Development Fund, as a part of Measure 1.1.1.1 “Industry-Driven Research” of specific objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovation capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and their ability to attract external funding by investing in human resources and infrastructure”.

More about the project here.