Environment and Production System Influence Fresh Cilantro Yield and Quality in a Five-state Trial

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a cool season biennial herb, although it is primarily grown in an annual production system.  The fresh leaves, with a pungent odor and citrus flavor, are used in many ethnic food dishes.  The market potential of many specialty crops, such as cilantro, is expanding since ethnic cuisine is becoming increasing popular in the United States.  Furthermore, cilantro is easily adaptable to production systems, such as raised-beds, and many consumers are familiar with its preparation.  Thus, cilantro fits well in many local food production systems and direct markets.  Cilantro is grown under a wide range of climatic conditions, although temperatures between 10 °C and 27 °C are optimal for plant growth.  Since cilantro can be grown in various climatic conditions, the purpose of this study was to determine how different environmental regions effect the growth, yield, and quality of cilantro.  Collaborators from Mississippi State University (Crystal Springs and Verona), Washington State University, University of Rhode Island, and Virginia Tech evaluated cilantro cultivars Calypso, Leisure, Merino, Santo, and Turbo II.  Raised beds were prepared in Fall 2014.  Each location prepared beds and spaced rows 10 to 12 in. between rows.  Raised beds were fertilized with 50 lbs/ac of N, P and K according to local soil test and Extension recommendations.  Cilantro was direct seeded into single or double row at a rate of 50 lbs/acre.  Fertilization, row spacing, and seeding rates were based on recommendations given in the 2014 Southeastern Vegetable Production Guide.  The middle section of each single or double row was harvested at approximately 45 days after seeding.  The petioles were cut 2–3 inches above the soil surface. Weeds and discolored (yellow, necrotic), unmarketable leaves were discarded. The remaining marketable leaves were bunched, removed from the field, and their total weight recorded as marketable yield.  At the Virginia location there were significant (P ≤ 0.05) yield differences among the five cultivars.  Marino was the highest yielding cilantro cultivar, followed by Santo, Turbo II, Leisure, and Calypso.  At both Mississippi locations there were not significant differences in cultivar yields. In addition, there were significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in yield when comparing all five locations.  The Verona, MS, location yielded significantly higher cilantro yields, followed by Virginia and Crystal Springs, MS.  Results demonstrate that different regional environmental conditions may be factors that can lead to differences in growth, yield, and quality of different cilantro cultivars.