Research Initiatives for Rhodiola rosea
Continued research into growing Rhodiola rosea as a cultivated crop is essential to ensure its economic viability. Rhodiola Growers of Canada was formed to support the growers and to collaborate with them to discover efficiencies in growing, improvements in yields, development of new strains and control of weeds.
Over the next many years Rhodiola Growers of Canada will conduct research into various aspects of growing, harvesting and processing Rhodiola rosea. Through research our goal is to improve cultivated Rhodiola rosea beyond sustainability to where it becomes the preferred choice for quality, purity, consumer health and planet health.
In the Beginning – Where it all started
Rhodiola rosea grows wild in select northern circum-polar environments, but until 20 years ago, the plant had not been deliberately grown or cultivated in North America, at least in recorded history. We have learned many things about Rhodiola rosea in the last 20 years, and at the same time we have only started learning.
Cultivation in Canada of this intriguing adaptogen first started in 2004 when a group of growers in Alberta decided to put together a list of beneficial herbs which they thought were capable of withstanding and possibly flourishing in Alberta’s climate. They called their group ANHAN (the Alberta Natural Health Agriculture Network) and among the many plants that thrive in the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere, they picked Rhodiola rosea as the best plant species to focus on cultivating as a commercial crop.
And so the research began. . .
ANHAN worked with Provincial Agronomists who collaborated with Dr. Bertalan Galambosi and the ongoing efforts in Finland to identify, collect and cultivate strains from several northern European countries. Several wild strains of Rhodiola rosea were identified through the early work of Dr. Galambosi, and seed was exchanged with Alberta’s Agronomists who gave some seed to ANHAN members, and started the strains growing in Provincial test plots.
Initial research in Alberta was conducted by Dr. Kwesi Ampong-Nyarko. His research and work in Rhodiola rosea ran from 2003 to 2011, and was funded by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. The book, Rhodiola Rosea, edited by Dr. Alain Cuerrier and Dr. Ampong-Nyarko is a compendium of knowledge on Rhodiola rosea through this time period. The book was originally published in 2014.
Fast forward to 2022
Over the last ten years Rhodiola rosea has been cultivated as a niche crop with some success in Alberta and in Alaska. Efforts to cultivate have also started in Quebec and New Brunswick. The plant is hardy and can thrive locally, but there are many reasons for failure, including invasive weeds, drought, flooding, and digging animals. There is much to discover about Rhodiola rosea and there is much research required to truly make Rhodiola rosea a successfully cultivated crop.
Rhodiola Growers of Canada is collaborating with growers to discover the best strains of Rhodiola for various environments across Canada. We will continue testing strains acquired from around the world for suitability in our part of the world. This year we look forward to starting native strains from the east coast of Canada, as well as new strains acquired from the US.
In addition, Rhodiola Growers of Canada will conduct research into weed control. We will be working with growers and with herbicide manufacturers to determine the best organic and conventional weed deterrents. Rhodiola requires at least five seasons of growth to mature and provide adequate yields. That’s plenty of time for invasive perennial weeds to crowd out Rhodiola, if left on its own. We appreciate the input, initiatives and enthusiasm of the growers and agronomists we are collaborating with, and look forward to learning from and working with them.
Also, of great interest to customers and consumers will be our research into the beneficial chemical markers (active ingredients) – Salidroside and Rosavins. We will be investigating variations in these markers throughout the growing season. Also, in an effort to preserve these beneficial components, Rhodiola Growers of Canada will be looking into the effects of harvesting and processing practices.
Watch Us Grow
Stay tuned and watch for further information through our blogs as we unfold our plans to support and collaborate with growers and researchers. 2022 will be a busy year for Rhodiola Growers of Canada and we look forward to the benefits down the road for consumers and growers.
