Enhancing Medicinal Plant Growth In Southwest Mississippi

Two field experiments were used to determine the effect of three cropping systems (Conventional, Transitional, and Organic), and three row preparation methods (Heap, Bed, and Flat) on purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) survival, growth potential and quality.  The studies were conducted on a Memphis silt loam soil in southwest Mississippi during the 2005 and 2006 planting seasons.  A split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block (RCB) experiment design was used, with the cropping systems as the main plots, and row preparation methods replicated four times as the sub-plots.  Transplanting at a within-row spacing of 0.61m, on 6.1m long and 1.2m wide were similar for all cropping systems.  However, other field preparation activities, fertilization and pest management varied with the cropping system.  Findings indicate that the cropping system (Transitional) and row preparation method (bed row) with lowest plant survival rate and canopy height had the highest quality (root volatile oil content) for both study periods.  The interaction between cropping systems and row preparation methods were significant except for root length (2005) and root volatile oil (2006).  The transitional cropping system and bed row preparation method should be considered when both the root and shoot biomass are desired.