A Potential for Greenhouse Aeroponic Cultivation
of "Urtica dioica "
Industry
supporter: Dr. Teena Hayden, Native American Botanics, Inc.
Chris
Pagliarulo, M.S. Student Plant Sciences
Medicinal crops like Echinacea, Burdock,
Ginger, Stinging Nettles and Yerba Mansa are being studied to determine
whether aeroponic technology can improve the quality, quantity, and cost
efficiency of their production. Aeroponics is a form of hydroponics
in which plants are grown with their roots suspended in an open chamber
and misted with nutrient solutions. Because aeroponic systems
maximize the availability of oxygen to the roots, plants can exhibit
phenomenal growth. Aeroponics allows full access to the roots during
the entire life of the crop. The technique also provides effective control
over the root zone, which is important when the desired products are
phytochemicals produced within the roots. Root zone environmental
conditions can be manipulated to maximize desired phytochemicals and
reduce others, something impossible to do in
soil.
Cooperators: Dr. Teena Hayden, Native American
Botanics, Dr. Gene Giacomelli
Technical support: Mr. Stephen
Kania
Completed December
2003 |
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