R. Omidbaigi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2002)
Abstract
Purple coneflower (Echinaceae purpurea (L.) Mnch) is one of the most important medicinal plants used by pharmaceutical industries in industrialized countries. The active substances of this plant are antiviral and are used as human immunostimulant. The plant of purple coneflower is not included in the Iranian flora. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptability of the plant to the conditions in the north of Tehran (Zardband region). The results from this research should contribute to large-scale production as a raw material for Iranian pharmaceutical industries. Comparison of means of the different characteristics was carried out using t-test at 5% level. Results showed that purple coneflower is adaptable to the climatic conditions in the north of Tehran and can be produced on a large scale. The suitable time for transplanting the seedling in the field was from 5 August to 5 September. Maintaining the purple coneflower until its fourth vegetative period is economical. Transplanting after this date produces woody stems and reduces both the herb yield and the quality of its active substances.
