The 2009 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
1. to provide research-based information on production of medicinal plants, herbs and spice crops in different ecosystems 2. to disseminate research findings on the effects of cultivation practices on growth, development, yield, phytochemical content, and bioactivity of medicinal plants, herbs, and spice crops. 3. to provide a platform for scientists and professional to exchange information and develop collaborations for furthering the science of medicinal plants, herbs, and spice crop production

Niche markets for medicinal plants, culinary herbs, and specialty spice crops and their products have developed in the U.S. during the past few years. However, research-based information that is necessary to appropriately advice and support growers and processors of these crops is limited as compared with the research-based information available to the growers producing traditional agronomic and horticultural crops.  Successful development of medicinal, herb, and spice crop markets requires the knowledge on germplasm selection, good agricultural and manufacturing practices to produce a marketable product.  Such knowledge and support could help to stimulate local and regional agricultural growth, and improve the financial status of small farm/land owners and associated horticultural and processing industries in US.  Fulfillment of such potential, however, faces a number of challenges due to limited information available on cultivation know-how, effects of production practices on plant growth and development, effects of pre- and post-harvest practices on phytochemical profiles and bioactivity of these crops. 

The primary objective of this workshop is to provide science-based information to better understand the dynamics of interactions in these specialty crops and their production systems as they relate to product quality and bioactivity. This workshop aims to provide a platform for scientists to share their research findings and interact with industry professionals engaged in these specialty crops.  Such an exchange of information could foster collaborative approaches to problem solving and development of these niche market crops into mainstream cash crops.