Rhodiola Growers of Canada is working to make the sustainable cultivation of Rhodiola rosea easier and more efficient for growers around the world. One of our contributions is in testing of strains for vigour and yield. The video clip below highlights one of the newer strains which is dwarfing the other strains, at least in the seedling stage.
The nighttime temperatures are still dropping below freezing. Frosty temps or not, this strain is far ahead of all other strains in size and also in shoots per plant.
We will be releasing these seedlings to various farms and individuals. Rhodiola Growers will follow up with the farmers regarding performance and root yield.
Not Just for Alberta, Canada
Just because one strain does not do well in Alberta, it may perform and thrive somewhere else. Each strain has evolved to flourish in specific climates and environments. And each strain will thrive somewhere in the world. Rhodiola Growers will reach out to growers in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere who are ready to test new strains. The search is on to find the best Rhodiola rosea for sustainable cultivation in all environments.
A List of our Current Work Towards Sustainable Cultivation
Strain Tests – Rhodiola Growers of Canada is currently growing and monitoring multiple strains from Russia and East Coast Canada. We are connecting with growers to exchange seed stocks from various parts of the world.
Crop Trials for herbicide tolerance and residue – Rhodiola Growers is assisting in two trials for grass and broadleaf weed control. Weed control requires excessive amounts of labour and finding the right herbicides will give the conventional growers a much needed boost in crop maintenance.
Harvest Timing and Effects of Stress on Bioactive Compounds – We are working to crack the code on what makes Rhodiola generate and concentrate its beneficial compounds. Trials are underway to test for compounds at different growth stages and under different environmental stresses.
Collaboration with Growers Worldwide – Growers are the best for innovation! As growers we all share our stories of successes and failures. Rhodiola Growers is developing our Knowledge Base to bring all information together in one place and we will make it freely accessible to anyone who has an interest in growing this amazing adaptogen.
Hi Nelda:
I recall speaking with you and Mike in Anchorage several years ago during the SARE Conference.
Exciting news regarding the new strain of Rhodiola mentioned in your article. If you want to have it test-grown in Alaska, I am cultivating a small 3 acre field in Sutton, Alaska. Sutton is just north of Palmer, Alaska which is approximately 50 miles north of Anchorage.
I’m using plastic covered raised beds and have room for a test row of the new strain if you would like to expand its testing area.
Just let me know.
Dick Ray
(561) 309-3997