255 Biomass and Phenolic Content of Echinacea Species Grown in Kentucky

Abstract

Purple coneflower, Echinacea sp. (Asteraceae), is a herbaceous perennial native to North America. Within the past decade, extensive research has been conducted to confirm echinacea's immunostimulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial benefits to humans. E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida are the primary species grown and studied for the herbal industry. However, there are other species and cultivars that may produce higher yields in biomass and chemical quality. The objective for this study is to evaluate the differences in biomass and phenolic content of five cultivars of E. purpurea and five species of Echinacea under Kentucky growing conditions. Differences in biomass (dry weight) of Echinacea species and cultivars harvested after the first year of growth was determined. There was a significant difference in total dry weight between E. purpurea cultivars. E. purpurea `Bright Star' and `Clio' produced significantly greater total dry weight compared to all other cultivars. There was no significant difference in root or flower biomass between cultivars. Biomass production differed between Echinacea species for root, vegetative, and flower parts. The total biomass of E. purpurea and E. tennesseensis was significantly higher compared to other species. E. pallida and E. paradoxa were not significantly different from E. purpurea in root biomass, even though both species produced less above-ground growth. E. tennesseensis produced 45% to 105% more flowers compared to other species. Differences in phenolic content between species and cultivars will also be presented.