Vernonia oilseed production in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Epoxidized oils, manufactured by chemical epoxidation of fats and vegetable oils such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], are useful in reformulation of oil based (alkyd-resin) paints to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds that contribute to production of smog. Other potential markets for epoxy fatty acids include plasticizers, additives to polyvinyl chloride, polymer blends and coatings, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Currently, no oilseed crop has been commercialized as a source of natural epoxidized oils. However, Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less. has been identified to have potential for domestication as a new industrial oilseed source of natural epoxy fatty acids. The main objective of this research was to evaluate feasibility of vernonia production in mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate available vernonia germplasm for seed yield, oil content, and oil quality, and to determine suitable production practices. The seed yield (kg/ha) in field experiments conducted from 1994, 1995, and 1996 at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University (37 degrees 15'N and 77 degrees 30.8'W), with a selected group of vernonia lines, ranged from 490 to 1288, 494 to 1394, and 1070 to 1934, respectively. Oil content ranged from 30.2 to 36.7% and 32.1 to 39.2%, respectively for 1995 and 1996 and the vernolic acid content ranged from 68.9 to 74.7% and 69.1 to 75.6%. A significant positive correlation (r=0.34) between oil content and vernolic acid content indicated that both these characteristics could be improved simultaneously. The highest seed yield was obtained with 100 kg N/ha. A pre-plant-incorporated application of Trifluralin herbicide at 0.5 kg/ha a.i. did not reduce vernonia stand establishment. Seedhead shattering was observed to be a limitation in the evaluated vernonia germplasm. These results indicate that commercial vernonia production in Virginia and other areas in the mid-Atlantic region of United States may be feasible.