Cichorium intybus L - cultivation, processing, utility, value addition andbiotechnology, with an emphasis on current status and future prospects

Cultivation of chicory plants for various applications, such as utilisation of the root biomass for preparation of a coffee adjuvant, utilisation as a vegetable and, recently, utility of the plants for important phytochemical s, has received global attention. Chicory is widely grown in countries of d ifferent geographical locations owing to the economic importance of this cr op. This review addresses cultivation, utility, phytochemical studies and p harmacological aspects, with an emphasis on biotechnological developments i n recent years and safety evaluation of genetically modified chicory crops. These aspects are dealt with in detail to bring out the current status and future prospects of cultivation and utility of this economically important crop. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.