The 2011 ASHS Annual Conference

A research partnership between Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi was established in 2000 to develop new crops, production systems, and products that may enhance human health and the region’s economy.  This research initiated with a USDA-NRI grant to develop a domestic source of podophyllotoxin which is the starting material for the semi-synthetic anticancer drugs etoposide, teniposide, and etopophos. American mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.) and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) were evaluated as alternative sources of podophyllotoxin. The objectives of the podophyllotoxin project were to secure a reliable domestic source and to provide a high quality product to the pharmaceutical industry while providing opportunities for agricultural producers of high-value specialty products. Later, the partnership has extended to scientists of USDA/ARS (Natural Products Utilization Research Unit) that have evaluated basil (Ocimum basilicum), skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), artemisia (Artemisia annua), and oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum ) as new specialty crops for Mississippi farmers. Scientists at the USDA/ARS Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory in Poplarville, MS continue to evaluate a number of  plant species, such as Mayan marigold (Tagetes nelsonii) and dog-fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), for their antifungal and insecticidal activity and they have characterized and compared five Eucalyptus essential oils and their repellent activity against the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). As for the near future, the partnership will focus on botanicals to treat and prevent diet-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, thus we will evaluate inulin containing crops such as yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and some of our native rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) as new or improved specialty crops for Mississippi. The MSU Extension Service will facilitate a tour of the research plots and facilities at Mississippi State University and at the Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, University of Mississippi for interested ASHS members.