encompasses a range of climatic Stand Establishment and Yield Potential zones, and many medicinal plants that of Organically Grown Seeded and are in demand could he grown in the state. If production practices could be Transplanted Medicinal Herbs determined, many farms could sup- plement the production of agronomic and vegetable crops with herb culti- Kathryn M. Kleitz" 6, Marisa M. Wall , , Constance L. Falk , vation (Falk et al., 1996). Diseases in Charles A. Martin4 , Marta D. Remrnenga5 , and Steven J. Guldan4 8 current crops such as chile pep- pers (Capsicum annuum) could he reduced with alternate crops that may ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Calendula officinalis, Nepeta cataria, Melissa officinalis, not serve as hosts to the pathogens. Urtica dioica, Sphaeralcca, calendula, catnip, lemon balm, stinging nettle, Thus, the cultivation of medicinal globemallow herbs on small New Mexico farms SUMMARY. Field studies were conducted in 1995 and 1996 at Las Cruces, New could be an important avenue for Mexico, and Alcalde, New Mexico, to compare direct seeding to transplanting for economic development in rural areas stand establishment and yield estimates of calendula (Galendula officinalis), catnip (Miller, 1985). (Nepeta cataria), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica), We selected medicinal herbs to and globemallow (Sphaeralcea spp.). Calendula established well from seed or include in field studies in southern transplants at both sites. Transplanting increased establishment of lemon balm, and northern New Mexico based on catnip, stinging nettle, and globemallow. Lemon balm establishment was increased a national market surve conducted by 230% to 400% at Las Cruces, and catnip establishment was increased by 84% to y 100% at Alcalde by transplanting. Direct seeding resulted in little or no stand by New Mexico State University in establishment for stinging nettle and globemallow at Alcalde. In 1996, transplants which participants in the study indi- increased lemon balm and stinging nettle dry weight yields by a factor of three or cated that these herbs were used more at both sites. Dry weight yields of transplanted catnip were 4.86 tha in 1995 regularly and that they were looking and 7.90 tha in 1996 in Las Graces. Alcalde yields for transplanted dried catnip for new sources (Falk et al., 1996). were 2.43 tha in 1995 and 5.12 tha in 1996. Transplanted globemallow dry These herbs included calendula, cat- weight yields were 6.04 tha in 1995 and 9.17 tha in 1996 for Las Cruces. nip, lemon balm, stinging nettle, and Transplanted stinging nettle yield in Alcalde was 5.91 t-ha for plants that globemallow. overwintered and were harvested in the second season. Transplanting versus Calendula is an annual, whereas direct seeding medicinal herbs has the potential to substantially increase stand establishment and yield in New Mexico, particularly in the more northern catnip, lemon balm, stinging nettle, and cooler part of the state. and globemallow are generally con- sidered perennials, depending on where the) aregrown. Traditional he daily use of herbs by people pharmaceuticals with herbal com - uses of these medicinal herbs vary. throughout the world is com- pounds to treat illnesses, virtually Calendula flowers are used in topical Tmon and widespread. From everyone has used herbs in one man- applications for minor skin ailments spices in foods and as herbal tea ner or another. The total sales of and burns (Odv, 1993). An infusion beverages to the substitution of herbal dietary supplements have made from flowers is useful for treat- shown growth in eight out of 10 years ing mouth ulcers and gum disease This research was supported by the New Mexico from 1996 to 2005, including a 3.4% (Tyler, 1994). Catnip has general Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State increase from 2003 to 2004 and a antimicrobial properties (Angelini University, Las Cruces, and the USDA Agricultural 2.1% increase from 2004 to 2005 Marketing Service, Federal-State Marketing Improve- et al., 2006; Bourrel et al., 1993) ment Grant program. Use of trade names does not (Blumenthal et al., 2006). and is used as a tea to relieve head- imply endorsement of the products named nor In New Mexico, commercial-size aches, stomach aches, anxiety, and criticism of similar ones not named. farms are being fragmented, and as sleep disorders (Cauffield and For- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, the urban sector encroaches on rural New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM bes, 1999; Foster, 1993). Lemon 88003-8003 areas in the irrigated valleys, higher- balm tea or tincture also acts as a 2 Deparrment of Plant and Environmental Sciences value alternative crops are being mild sedative and relieves digestive (formerly Agronomy and Horticulture), New Mexico sought. Small-scale farms cannot suc- upsets (Kennedy et al., 2006; Muller State University , Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003 cessfully compete in commercial and Klement, 2006; Odv, 1993). Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricul- commodity markets. New Mexico Lemon balm oil has antibacterial, tural Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003 aAlcalde Sustainable Agriculture Science Center, Ness Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003- Units 8003 To convert U.S. to S1, To convert SI to U.S., University Statistics Center, Ne\v Mexico State multiply by U.S. unit SI unit multiply by University, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003 7.8125 fl oz/gal mL[; 0.1280 Present address: 5820 Agave Lane, Las Cruces, NM 0.3048 ft m 3.2808 88012 0.0929 ft2 m2 10.7639 0Present address: U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural 2.54 inch(es) cm 0.3937 Research Center, USDA-ARS, 64 Nowelo Street, 0.4536 lb kg 2.2046 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 2.2417 ton/acre tha 0.4461 Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] (°F-32) ± 1.8 IF °C (1.8x°C)+32
116 I _diiik)gy . January-March 2008 18(1) antioxidant, and antitumor properties [fine-silty, mixed (calcareous), ther- to reduce water loss and weed (dc Sousa et al., 2004), and creams mic Typic Torrifluvent] with a pH of growth. The shells were obtained are used in Europe for the treatment 7.8. Fresh dairy cow manure was from a local pecan processing plant of herpes simplex virus (Koytchev incorporated into the soil at a rate of and were applied to create a surface et al., 1999; Tyler, 1994). Stinging 8.0 tha 1 in Fall 1994. The Alcalde mulch layer 2 inches deep. Weeding nettle leaf modulates the immune Sustainable Agriculture Science Cen- was done by hand on a weeldv basis, as system and is helpful in treating ter (lat. 36°N, long. 106°W, elevation needed. The herbs were watered by arthritis, rheumatism, and diabetes 5720 ft) averages 152 frost-free days drip irrigation as needed. In 1995, (Akbav et al., 2003; Odv, 1993). Leaf per year (New Mexico State Univer- weekly foliar applications of fish fer- extracts increase insulin secretion, sity, 1998), and is in climate zone 6 tilizer (using the same formulation and have analgesic, antioxidant, and (U.S. National Arboretum, 2003). as applied to seedlings in the green- antimicrobial activity (Farzami et al., Trials were conducted on a Fruitland house) were applied to the plants 2003; Gulcin et al., 2004). Clinical sandy loam [coarse-loamy, mixed until the surfaces of aerial portions studies showed that stinging nettle (calcareous), mesic Typic Torrior- were saturated and began to drip. The root provided relief for prostate thent] with a pH of 7.5 that had a experiment was repeated in 1996 on enlargement (Belaiche and Licvoux, previous crop of alfalfa (Mcdicago the same plots after 1995 plants were 1991). Globemallow has been used sativa). removed. to soothe sore throats and irritable All transplants were produced In Alcalde, furrow irrigation was stomachs (Moore, 1979), and has in a greenhouse at the Fabian Garcia used on single-row beds formed on been included in hair rinses and sham- Agricultural Science Center. In 1995, 3-ft centers. Each plot contained two poos to give the hair body, condition, seeds were sown in germination trays beds that measured a total of 15 x 6 ft. and shine (Moore, 1990). using Premier Promix media (Pre- Border plants were planted at the Although countless books on mier Horticulture Ltd., Steinbach, ends of each bed. In each plot, 20 herb gardening have been written, Canada) in early March for the Las plants were harvested from a 60-ft few of them provide the detailed infor- Cruces site and in late March for area. Weeding was accomplished by mation necessary to grow herbs on a Alcalde. In 1996, slightly larger ger- using a tractor-drawn rolling-tine cul- commercial scale. When comprehen- mination trays were used and the tivator early in the season and then sive information is found, it usually seeds were initiated in mid-February hand-hoeing was performed as needed. pertains to growing regions not appli- for Las Cruces and in mid-March for Irrigation was done as needed, which cable to the Southwest (Galambosi, Alcalde. Catnip, lemon balm, sting- was every week during establishment 1993; Starman et al., 1995; Sturdivant, ing nettle, and calendula seeds were and every 2 or 3 weeks throughout 1994). Field establishment of plants purchased from Richters (Ontario, the growing season, depending on can be challenging in New Mexico Canada), and globemallow seeds precipitation. In 1996, this study soils. The soil is typically alkaline, were purchased from Plants of the was replicated in an area adjacent to often forming a crust that is difficult Southwest (Santa Fe, NM). the original study, giving 2 years of for tender seedlings to penetrate Seedlings were watered twice first-year yields. In addition, some (Doolittle and Tiedebohl, 1953). daily and fertilized once per week plants established in 1995 overwin- Studies are needed to determine the starting when the seedlings were tered and provided second-year yields most efficient method of establish- about 3 weeks old. The fertilizer was in 1996. ment for the cultivation of medicinal a liquid fish fertilizer (5N-0.4P-- At both sites in 1995, the plants herbs. The purpose of this study was 0.8K; Alaska Fish Fertilizer Co., were measured for height at about to compare direct seeding to trans- Renton, WA) and was applied as a 2-week intervals to monitor their plants for plant establishment, and to diluted solution (1 fl oz/gal). Plants growth. Border plants were not find the number of marketable har- were grown for about 7 weeks before counted in the yields, and manual vests and the yield for five herbs: they were hardened off by placing harvests were made throughout the calendula, catnip, lemon balm, sting- them in a lath house (50% shade) for growing season. Flowers were liar- ing nettle, and globemallow. 1 week, followed by transplanting vested from calendula, and leaves them into the field. Plants in direct- and stems were harvested from sting- Materials and methods seeded plots were thinned to the same ing nettle, catnip, lemon balm, and Field studies were conducted in density as transplants at each site. globemallow. Open calendula flowers 1995 and 1996 in Las Cruces and A randomized complete block were harvested by detaching the Alcalde, New Mexico. Las Cruces and design with four blocks was used for flower from the stem beneath the Alcalde were chosen to evaluate the field trials. In Las Cruces, border calyx. The vegetative parts were har- herbs under growing conditions in plants of flrcwheel (Gaillardia pul- vested from the other crops by cut- the southern and northern parts of chella) were planted between each ting the plants stems 4 inches the state, respectively. The Fabian block. The plots measured 15 ft long above the soil line. Calendula was Garcia Science Center in Las Cruces and 3 ft wide. Each plot contained harvested when 75% or more of plants (lat. 32°N, long. 106°W, elevation two rows of plants with border plants had open flowers. Catnip, lemon 3890 ft) has an average of 220 frost- at the end of each row. The in-row balm, stinging nettle, and globemal- free days per year (Herrera, 1989), plant spacing for the herbs was 1 ft, low were harvested at bud to early and is in climate zone 8 (U.S. and 20 plants were harvested in an flower stage. In general, all four National Arboretum, 2003). Trials area of 30 ft2 for each treatment. The blocks were harvested at each site were conducted on a Glendale loam beds were mulched with pecan shells when a harvest decision was made; 117 HoiIdinology January-March 2008 18(1) in a few cases, an individual block was yellowing consistent with virus infec - at Las Cruces in 1996, and for sting- ahead or behind in growth. III tion, although plant growth was ing nettle and globemallow at Alcalde Cruces, calendula flowers were air- unaffected. in both years (Table 1). However, dried, in the dark, at ambient temper- Lemon balm grew slowl y in Las calendula exhibited good germina- atures (32 to 35 °C). The remaining Cruces. The plants were small and tion and seeded calendula stands were herbs were dried in an oven at 38 °C they developed leaf burn on the similar to transplant stands in three (Marcin, 1993). undergrowth after harvests. At out of four eases. In 1995, stand In Alcalde, harvests were made Alcalde, lemon balm was slow to establishment was 100% for seeded using the same methods as described establish through direct seeding and and transplanted plots (Table 1). for the Las Cruces site. However, transplanting, but grew well once However, in 1996 at Las Cruces, each because of inadequate space to dry established. Stinging nettle grew direct-seeded plot of calendula lacked all the plant material, dr y weights slowly in the establishment year a few plants. were determined from subsamples of whether from direct seeding or trans- NUMBER OF HARVESTS. Trans- the fresh harvest. At both sites, cul- plants, particularl y at Las Cruces. planting generall y decreased the time tural growing practices were consis- Globemallow, although showing to first harvest b y 3 to 4 weeks in Las tent with the guidelines for organic weak germination in the green- Cruces and by 2 weeks in Alcalde farming, as outlined in the organic house and when direct-seeded in the (Table 2). Except for calendula, crops certification program b y the New field, grew well at both sites once were harvested one to three times Mexico Organic Commodity Com- established. over the season (Table 2). Calendula mission (2003). ESTABLISHMENT. Across years, flowers must be harvested frequently Data were analyzed as a random- locations, and species, the stand to ensure herb quality and continued ized complete block design using the establishment of transplants was sig- crop flowering. More harvests of cal- GLM procedure of SAS (version nificantl y greater 74% of the time endula were made in 1995 than in 6.11; SAS Institute, Gary , NC) for when compared to direct seeding 1996 for both locations. The first each species. Four replications were (Table 1). In no case was percentage harvest in 1996 was about 2 weeks used, except for lemon balm at of stand establishment significantly later than in 1995, accounting for Alcalde in 1995, where three replica- lower b y transplant than b y direct fewer harvests in the second year. tions were planted. seeding. In fact, transplants increased Catnip was harvested three or four lemon balm establishment b y 230% to times in Las Cruces, and two times in Results and discussion 400% at Las Cruces, and catnip estab- Alcalde. lishment b y 84% to 100% at Alcalde, Lemon balm generall y required GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. In when compared to direct seeding. the longest period of growth before 1995, crops in southern New Mexico Direct seeding resulted in limited harvest, whether direct-seeded or were plagued with diseases vectored stand establishment for stinging nettle transplanted (Table 2). One harvest by leathoppers (e.g., Circulifer spp., Empoasca spp., and Macrosteles spp.) because of the mild winter of 1994- Table 1. Stand establishment of direct-seeded (S) and transplanted (T) medicinal 1995. The herb field in Las Cruces herbs in southern (Las Cruces) and northern (Alcalde) New Mexico. was similarly affected. Leafhoppers Stand (plants/plot) are known vectors of the curly top Las Cruces Alcalde virus and aster yellows (Pedigo, Treatment 1995 1996 1995 1996 1989). Leafhoppers attacked the cal- Calendula S 20.0 16.3 endula, causing mottling of the leaves 20.0 19.0 and reduced plant growth. For both T 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 years, the calendula plants flowered NS NS NS continuousl y for almost 2 months. Catnip S 15.8 11.5 10.5 10.0
However, calendula typically begins I 20.0 19.3 19.3 20.0 flowering about 6 weeks after plant- N5 Lemon balm ing and continues until late autumn S 3.9 6.0 17.8 6.3 (Foster, 1993). After 2 months, flow- I 19.3 20.0 14.5 20.0 ering essentiall y stopped and the N5
Stinging nettle S 13.8 plants deteriorated, indicating that 0.5 1.3 0.0 the southern New Mexico climate T 19.0 19.8 19.0 20.0
may be at the extreme zone that these
Globernallow S 9.8 5.8 1.3 plants can tolerate. Calendula grew 0.5 well at Alcalde, and had no noticeable T 14.8 20.0 20.0 19.8 pest problems. NS Catnip was also affected by the Means are averages of four replications. At Las Cruces, harvested plot .irca = 30 ft2 (2.8 1,12) and contained a leathoppers in Las Cruces, causing maximum of 20 plants. At Aicalde, harvested plot area = 60 112 (5.6 m ) and contained a maximum of 20 plants. Direct-seeded plots. At Las Cruces, stand counts were recorded 72 d (9 June 1995) and 71 d (ii June 1996)after virus symptoms of severel y stunted seeding. At Alealde, stand counts were recorded 65 d (6 July 1995) and 55 d (26 June 1996) after seeding. plant growth, chlorosis, and thick- Transplanted plots. At Las Cruces, stand counts were recorded 47 d (9 June 1995) and 56d (1.1 June 1996) after transplanting. At Alcalde, stand counts were recorded 53 d (6 Jul y 1995) and 41 d (26 June 1996) after ened leaves. At Alcalde, some of the transplanting. catnip plants exhibited variegated "" Nonsignificant or significant at P^ 0.05. 0.01. or ().001 respectively.
118 Hertidinoogy January-March 2008 18(1)
Table 2. Number of days from planting until first harvest and total number of harvests for direct-seeded (S) and transplanted (T) medicinal herbs grown in southern (Las Cruces) and northern (Alcalde) New Mexico.
Las Cruces Alcalde Total harvests Time until Total harvests Time until (iio)Y first harvest (d)z (no.) first harvest (d)z Treatment 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995 1996
68 80 13.0 8.0 65 78 9.5 7.0 Calendula 5 45 66 12.5 7.5 51 64 10.0 7.0 T 97 105 3.0 3.0 99 78 2.0 2.0 Catnip S 85 3.3 4.3 85 64 2.0 2.0 I 76 200 210 1.0 1.3 113 153 2.0 1.0 Lemon balm S 172 113 1.0 2.0 99 139 1.0 1.0 T 106 1.3 1.0 141 0 0.3 0 Stinging nettle S 116 92 2.0 2.0 85 64 2.0 2.0 T 88 115 85 2.0 2.8 0 0 0 0 Globemallow S T 88 65 2.0 3.0 92 75 2.0 2.0 Number of days from plantin g until first harscst. Number of harvests are means of four replications. Direct-seeded plots. "Transplanted plots.
Table 3. Yield for direct-seeded (S) and transplanted (T) medicinal herbs grown of lemon balm was made in 1995 at in southern (Las Cruces) and northern (Alcalde) New Mexico. - Las Cruces for both treatments wtz (Table 2). In the second year, trans- Dry (tha ) planted plots grew faster, allowing Las Cruces Alcalde two harvests in the season. Con- Treatment 1995 1996 1995 S-1995 1996 verselv, at Alcalde, seeded lemon Calcndula 5 0.25 0.41 0.77 - 0.46 balm produced two harvests in 1" 0.28 0.37 0.83 0.48 1995, whereas the transplanted plots NS NS NS NS produced one harvest. In 1996, both Catnip S 5.65 4.63 1.01 6.60 3.75 treatments produced onl y one harvest T 4.86 7.90 2.43 10.37 5.12 (Table 2). NS NS At Las Cruces, stinging nettle Lemon balm 5 0.18 1.27 1.03 0.80 0.49 produced about one harvest for T 2.35 3.91 0.28 2.63 2.18 seeded plots and an additional harvest for transplants. Transplanted stinging Stinging nettle S 0.54 0.04 0.03 0.34 0 nettle were also harvested twice at T 1.18 2.07 0.81 5.91 2.10 Alcalde. However, for seeded sting- ing nettle, there was one harvest of Glohemallow 5 4.46 7.89 0 0 0 one block in 1995, as the remaining T 6.04 9.17 2.86 15.20 6.39 seeded blocks did not germinate. NS NS Globemallow was harvested two Means are averages of four replications; 1 t•ha 0.4461 toil/acre. to three times, except for the seeded Spring harvest of overwintered 1995 planting. plots that did not germinate at Direct-seeded plots. `Transplanted plots. Alcalde (Table 2). At Las Cruces in Mean of rsrc, replications. 1996, there was an additional harvest Single observation. of globemallow that may have been Nonsignificant or significant at I S 0.05, 0.01, or 0.001, respectively. due to small pieces of roots that remained in the soil after the first year. These pieces remained viable, viruses in 1995 was evident in the methods and locations. There were and it is possible that the 1996 har- Las Cruces calendula yields. Al- no differences in yield between vests partially contained material ini- though more harvests were made in seeded and transplanted plots in tiated in 1995. 1995 for calendula at Las Cruces, 1995 at Las Cruces and in 1996 at GROWTH AND YIELDS. Dry fewer, smaller flowers were harvested, Alcalde. However, catnip transplants weight yields for calendula flowers and yields were not higher than in yielded 71% more drv weight than were similar from seed and from 1996 (Table 3). Given the added cost seeded plots in 1996 at Las Cruces, transplants in each location and year of initiating transplants in a green- and 141% more in 1995 at Alcalde (Table 3). In 1995, however, plants house, these results indicate that cal- (Table 3). grew about 20 cm taller (data not endula could be direct seeded in New Lemon balm grew to average shown) and yields were three times Mexico. heights of 22 cm (seeded) and 26 cm greater in Alcalde than in Las Cruces. Catnip plant heights reached (transplants) at Las Cruces and 18 em The impact of leathopper-vectored about 29 cm for both establishment (seeded) and 15 cm (transplants) at H,rWdtnoJogy January-March 2008 18(1) 119 Alcalde (data not shown). These plant than the highest first -year yield for climates in northern New Mexico heights arc well below the 60-cm that species. seem to facilitate growth of this herb, heights reported by Foster (1993) Ferguson et al. (1988) estimated particularly as a perennial, as the for lemon balm grown in other areas catnip yields of 4.4 to 6.7 tha under second harvest season yielded about of the country. Yields of lemon balm good growing conditions in North seven times more vegetative growth established by transplants were sub- Carolina. Duppong et al. (2004) than the initial harvest in 1995 stantially greater than yields by direct reported second-year catnip yields of for transplants. Economic analysis seeding: three and 13 times greater at 2.6 to 4.1 t . ha in a study evaluating showed a positive net return for trans- Las Cruces, and four times greater at the use of organic mulches. The planted stinging nettle only when pro- Alcalde (Table 3). Alcalde second-year yield from trans- duction yields exceed 2.24 t.ha- of Generally poor emergence of plants was higher than yields in both dried leaf weight and the selling price direct-seeded stinging nettle resulted reports. was at least $6.62/kg (Falk et al., in low or no yields for this treatment Our stinging nettle results are 2000). This yield level was exceeded (Table 3). Transplant yields were sim- consistent with a previous study in only in the case of second-year pro- ilar between sites in a given year, but Germany (Heeger, 1956) in which duction by transplants at Alcalde. were higher overall in 1996. In the plant development was slow for the Globemallow grew well in both establishment year, plants did not first year. Weiss (1993) also reported locations, although transplants were grow taller than 30 cm in Las Cruces slow growth of stinging nettle in the needed to grow this crop in northern or 25 cm in Alcalde. In Las Cruces, first year, with significant improve- New Mexico. Although the yields they appeared stressed, small, and ments in the second and third year. were high, the market for globemal- slightly wilted. Stinging nettle does For globemallow, it is possible that low is not well established (Falk et al., not appear well-suited for the hot, dry the plants spread from the root or 2000). summers and the alkaline soils with crowns and became prolific in the More research is needed on these low organic matter that are common second year. plants to provide comprehensive pro- in the southwestern United States. In duction guidelines for New Mexico their native habitat, stinging nettle Conclusions farmers. For example, studies need grow in damp, rich soil, often near Based on our results, we recom- to be conducted to establish organic streams, and reach from 60 to 180 cm mend that calendula be direct seeded soil fertility strategies and optimum in height (Foster, 1993). into New Mexico soils. However, irrigation schedules that maximize At Alcalde, there was no yield profits are marginal because harvests medicinal herb viclds. Currently, for direct-seeded globemallow because are labor intensive and yields are low there are no guidelines governing of low establishment. In contrast, at (Falk et al., 2000). If yields could be these aspects of production. Las Cruces, neither year showed sig- increased, perhaps through fall plant- Medicinal herbs have been and nificant differences in yield between ing in southern New Mexico, higher will continue to be used by various the two establishment methods plant densities, or enhanced fertility, segments of the world s population. (Table 3). Therefore, direct seeding then profitability could be increased. The native stands of these herbs can- of this crop would be recommended The strong germination potential of not fill the demand, thus the necessity for the Las Cruces area rather than this herb keeps initial production for commercial cultivation. Few farm- using transplants. Globeniallow grew costs low, making this plant an attrac- ers will attempt to grow these herbs taller than any of the herbs studied, tive crop for New Mexico farmers to until specific questions regarding pro- reaching average heights of 90 and grow. However, techniques need to duction and marketing are answered. 105 cm in Las Cruces and Alcalde, be improved to make harvest more Although it is unlikely that medicinal respectively (data not shown). Once cost effective. The use of a mechanical herbs will be as commonplace as other established, globernallow produced rake, similar to one used for chamo- crops in New Mexico and the south- relatively high yields at both locations mile flowers, may reduce harvest western United States, medicinal in both years. However, markets have labor costs for calendula flowers herbs can bring substantial economic not been developed for globemallow (Johnny s Selected Seeds, 2007). returns and also improve the quality (Falk et al., 2000), therefore, supply Catnip seems to be well suited of life for rural communities. could easily exceed demand. for New Mexico. Yields were high in ALCALDE SPRING HARVEST OF both locations, particularly for trans- OVERWINTERED 1995 PLANTING. In plants. In either case, whether from Literature cited the spring of 1996, harvests at Alcalde seed or transplants, catnip production Akbay, P., A.A. Basaran, U. Undeger, and were taken from catnip, lemon balm, could generate a positive economic N. Basaran. 2003. In vitro immunomo- stinging nettle, and globemallow that return (Falk et al., 2000). dulatorv activity of flavonoid glycosides overwintered from the 1995 growing Lemon balm yields were modest from Urtica dioica L. Phytotherapy Res. season (Table 3). Except for lemon in Las Cruces and Alcalde. However, 17:34-37. balm and direct-seeded plots with transplanting increased yields sub- Angelini, P., R. Pagiotti, A. Menghini, poor establishment, yields were stantially over direct seeding, allow- and B. Vianello. 2006. Antimicrobial higher from this second-year harvest ing transplants to be grown profitably activities of various essential oils against compared to first year yields. Yields in both locations (Falk et al., 2000). foodborne pathogenic or spoilage for transplanted catnip, stinging net- The climate in southern New moulds. Ann. Microbiol. 56:65-69. tle, and globemallow were 103%, Mexico may be too hot for cultivation Belaiche, P. and 0. Lievoux. 1991. Clin- 181%, and 138% higher, respectively, of stinging nettle. However, cooler ical studies on the palliative treatment of
120 HcWèdinology January-March 2008 18(1) prostatic adenoma with extract of Urtica Islets of Langerhans and its in vivo effects Miller, R.A. 1985. The potential of herbs root. Phytotherapy Res. 5:267-269. in normal and streptozotocin diabetic as a cash crop. Acres USA, Kansas City, MO. rats. I. Ethnopharmacol. 89:47-53. Blumenthal, M., G.K.L. Ferrier, and C. Moore, M. 1979. Medicinal plants of the Cavaliere. 2006. Total sales of herbal Ferguson, J.M., W.W. Weeks, and W.T. mountain west. Museum of New Mexico supplements in United States show steady Fike. 1988. Production of catnip in North Press, Santa Fe, NM. growth. HerbalGrani 71:64-66. Carolina. Herb Spice Medicinal Plant Moore, M. 1990. Los reniedios. Red Dig. 6(4):1-4. Bourrel, C., F. Perineau, G. Michel, and Crane Books, Santa Fe, NM. J.M. Bessiere. 1993. Catnip ( Nep eta cata- Foster, S. 1993. Herbal renaissance: Muller, S.F. and S. Klement. 2006. A cia L.) essential oil: Analysis of chemical Growing, using and understanding herbs combination of valerian and lemon balm constituents, bacteriostatic and fungi - in the modern world. Gibbs Smith, Salt is effective in the treatment of restlessness static properties. J. Essential Oil Res. Lake City. and dyssomnia in children. Phytomedi- 5:159-167. Galambosi, B. 1993. Introduction of cine 6:383-387. Cauffield, J.S. and H.J. Forbes. 1999. Echinacea purpurea and Leuzea chart/so- New Mexico Organic Commodity Com- Dietary supplements used in the treat- noides into cultivation in Finland. Acta mission. 2003. Organic certification ment of depression, anxiet y, and sleep Hort. 331:169-178. handbook. 4 May 2007.
HorIidinology January-March 2008 18(1) 121