A team of leading researchers Dr Ilva Nakurte, Dr Arta Kronberga and Dr Andrea Primavera from Institute of Environmental Solutions (IES) and SIA “Field and Forest” were invited to present their conclusions on genetic diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) during the “6th World Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants” in Cyprus, November 2019.
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The wild MAPs such as valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and siler (Saposhnikovia divaricata) are known to have high concentration of active substances, and therefore they are already used in medicine, condiment, food and cosmetic industries. Since 2017, international team of researchers has been carrying innovative and holistic research on genetic diversity of above mentioned MAPs to find the most suitable herbs for growing and cultivation in Latvia’s climate conditions. In experimental garden located in Priekuļi municipality in Latvia, researchers measured and analysed MAPs’ genetic diversity, stability of yield morphological, biochemical and other parameters of these 5 abovementioned plants, grown in experimental garden located in Priekuļi municipality in Latvia.
To share their experience and scientific conclusions researchers presented two posters during the 6th World Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: “Biologically active substances of wild valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) roots from different regions of Latvia” and “Growing Technology for Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) Under Organic Croping System”. Presentation materials here.
Research “Genetic Diversity of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants” is in the last phase. Researchers currently carry out chemical analysis of 5 medicinal and aromatic plant samples to gather results. The last step in this research will be data analysis and selection of genotypes suitable for growing and cultivation in Latvia’s climate conditions, as well as development of innovative methodology for organic cultivation of high value MAPs.
The research is a part of the project “Growing genetic diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants” (Nr.1.1.1.1/16/A/307). 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”.
Find more about the project here.
