All three species of Echinacea are susceptible to aster yellows.
Aster YellowsĪster yellows, caused by the aster yellows phytoplasma, was first seen on E. Since many producers of medicinal herbs prefer to grow their crops under organic production systems, the use of biological and cultural pest control measures should be explored along with traditional pesticides. This factsheet will help growers become familiar with disease symptoms and recommendations for their control.īased on survey results conducted in Alberta in 19, six major diseases of echinacea were identified: These diseases, if not properly controlled, can cause serious losses in echinacea crops.Įarly detection could help prevent the spread of these diseases and reduce the damage to standing crops. Several new diseases have been found in echinacea plantings in the past few years, but many growers are not yet familiar with their symptoms. Millions of echinacea plants have been grown under greenhouse and field conditions in the Prairie provinces.Īlong with new crops can come diseases that have rarely, if ever, been seen on the Prairies. purpurea (L.) Moench.) is more popularly grown as an ornamental flower. Narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) is the most popular because it contains more concentrated active ingredients than the other two species. Three species of echinacea are currently grown in Canada. Root products are used to strengthen the human immune system and have gained popularity in the health and pharmaceutical food markets. There are several commercial plantings throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.Įchinacea is primarily harvested for its roots, three to four years after planting. The cultivated acreage of echinacea is increasing steadily because of the high value and strong demand for this crop worldwide.
Factors such as the pristine environment, the availability of high quality agricultural land and the rigorous climate all serve to increase the amount and quality of active ingredients produced in many medicinal herbs.Įchinacea (Echinacea spp.) has recently become one of the most common and highly valued medicinal plants on the Canadian Prairies (Figure 1). Crop production trends on the Canadian Prairies during the past decade have moved toward diversification and the increased production of exotic herb, spice, essential oil and medicinal plants.Īlberta and Saskatchewan are considered to be among the most desirable areas in the world to cultivate aromatic and medicinal herbs.
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