2018 ASHS Annual Conference

This workshop will bring together those ASHS members (including students) who are interested in many types of plants and the valuable seeds they produce. We will have discussion on how we can improve on the seed production, seed technology, seed storage, seed production, seed physiology, seed pathology, plant breeding / propagation of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. We will have some short talks to lead into discussions on seeds and seed quality, to discuss problems, new methods and how they can help promote horticulture of plants with medicinal properties.

Rationale Groundwork: In 2016, Dr Gary Stutte published a Chapter in the American Chemical Society’s eBook series about “Controlled Environment Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants” to express concern about the fact that Although controlled environments are widely used for the production of vegetables and ornamental species, there is limited published data on growth, production, and chemistry of medicinal herbs and plants. Due to the increasing demand worldwide, we would like to discuss what technology is 1) required/needed in the opinion of the participants and what are 2) plants of interest to forge more inroads into increasing safe production of medicinal herbs and plants.

Speakers. Four brief talks which will be entry points for discussion:

1. Katherine Warpeha, University of Illinois at Chicago, Title, "Improvement of propagation technology of medicinal plants and crops".

2. Shengrui Yao, New Mexico State University, Title, "Jujube, a nutritious fruit and medicinal herb for its fruit and seeds".

3. Changbin Chen, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Title, "Assessment of production and harvest potential of urban grown ginkgo biloba for economic and environmental benefit."

4. Shinsuke Agehara, University of Florida, Gainesville, Title, "Plant adaptation to water stress and its practical application for phytochemical production"

Kate Warpeha is Coordinator of workshop.

Kate Warpeha (University of Illinois at Chicago) is an assistant professor at University of Illinois. She teaches Cell Biology as well as specialty classes in medicinal herbs/plants for medicinal purposes. She has a patent in a chemical coating that boosts production of crops, herbs. She uses controlled environments and outside controlled areas to grow plants and would like to advance technology in chemical treatments.

Dr. Amir Khoddamzadeh - Florida International University. Dr. Khoddamzadeh has taught the courses such as Medicinal, Aromatic, and Poisonous Plants, Sustainable Agriculture, Introduction to Environmental Science, Modern Crop Production, Introduction to Horticulture Sciences, Sustainability in Action, Biotechnology Applications in Horticultural Crops, and also organized number of professional workshops throughout his career. His current research focuses are on: a) In-vitro propagation (tissue/cell culture) and gene-banking (cryopreservation) of the endangered Floridian native plants (mostly orchids), b) Optical non-destructive handheld sensor technology for sustainable fertilizer management in horticultural crops c) Anti-quorum sensing activity of medicinal plants.

Dr. Shinsuke Agehara (University of Florida, Gainesville) will also moderate the session. Research and extension program focuses on crop stress physiology, and most studies are performed on vegetable transplants or established crops. He will introduce discussion on crops that have medicinal properties, such as artichoke, blueberry, pomegranate, and hops and how stress management or production practices (indoors, outdoors) to promote the growth of those crops should be considered. Of particular interest are deficit irrigation strategies to improve water conservation and crop water productivity and nutrients uptake.

Dr Changbin Chen (University of Minnesota, St Paul) will also moderate the session, particularly focusing on student involvement. Dr. Chen focuses on ginko, which has been used for conditions that affect blood flow in the brain, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and for disorders of the central nervous system. Dr Chen is an expert in Chinese medicinal plants and teaches their use and biotechnology advancement of plants of interest particularly by understanding cytogenetics and propagation, and teaches many horticultural topics at University of Minnesota Dept of Horticultural Sciences.