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Improvement of seed quality of medicinal plants and herbs in organic farming

Project

Production processes

This project contributes to the research aim 'Production processes'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Production processes


Project code: 03OE127/1
Contract period: 25.03.2004 - 31.01.2008
Budget: 283,027 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research

The focus of the BÖLN-project 'Improvement of seed quality of medicinal plants and herbs in organic farming' project 03OE127/1 was set on the seed-treatments. For the species anise, fennel, caraway and coriander of the plant family Umbelliferae, the parameters of the application of plant strengtheners has been developed and seed-treatment of different physical methods has been tested. As a result of three years, the plant strengtheners had no continuouce positive influense on germination capacity. In comparison to the biological applications the physical methods (hot water treatment, electron treatment and the vacuum-steam-treatment) showed a highly effectivity against several pathogens. A critical point of these physical methods is the risk of a reduction of germination capacity. The studies showed the importance of adaptation of the parameters at the physical seed-treatment of each seed batch to save both the efficiency and germination capacity. As a new physical method the Vacuum-Steam-Treatment (SteamLab) was proved in model tests. First positive results against Alternaria radicina on parsley [Petroselinum crispum] and Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola on coriander [Coriandrum sativum] were made. The influence of the plant cropping methods on the seed quality was another sub-range of the project. Especially the variation of harvesting time showed an influence on the germination capacity and the infestation of seed borne pathogens. In addition to the large workings concerning to the seed quality the coating of seed-pills on parsely and caraway were proved. The main difficulties of these intentions are the unavailable fundamental information about the host-parasite relationship. Resultant from the studies considerably many experiences could be introduced in the practice. The workings make clear that the seed as a production factor need attention. Pre-production important parameters (germination capacity, infestation with seed-born-pathogens) should be obtained from the seed-trade.

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