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 mat (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 fo r epoxy fatty acids include plasticizers, additives to polyvinyl chloride, polymer blends and coatings, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Cur rently, no oilseed crop has been commercialized as a source of natural epox idized 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 evalu ate feasibility of vernonia production in mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate available vernonia germplasm f or seed yield, oil content, and oil quality, and to determine suitable prod uction practices. The seed yield (kg/ha) in field experiments conducted fro m 1994, 1995, and 1996 at Randolph Farm of Virginia State University (37 de grees 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 t o 75.6%. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.34) between oil content and vernolic acid content indicated that both these characteristics could b e 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. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science B.V. AU rights reserved.