We investigated patterns of variation in alkamides and cichoric acid accumulation in the roots and aboveground parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench. These phytochemicals were extracted from fresh plant parts with 60% ethanol and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Concentrations of alkamides and cichoric acid were measured on a dry-weight basis (mg·g ^–1 ). For total alkamides, concentrations among individual plants varied from 5.02 to 27.67 (mean = 14.4%) in roots, from 0.62 to 3.42 (mean = 1.54) in nearly matured seed heads (NMSH), and 0.22 to 5.25 (mean = 0.77) in young tops (about ½ flower heads, ¼ leaves, and ¼ stems). For cichoric acid, concentrations among individual plants varied from 2.65 to 37.52 (mean = 8.95), from 2.03 to 31.58 (mean = 10.9), and from 4.79 to 38.55 (mean = 18.88) in the roots, the NMSH, and the tops, respectively. Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10E-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide and dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (alkamides 8/9) accounted for only 9.5% of the total alkamides in roots, but comprised 87.9% in the NMSH, and 76.6% in the young tops. Correlations of concentrations of alkamides or cichoric acid between those of roots and those of the NMSH were not statistically significant, and either within the roots, the NMSH, and the young tops. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between the concentration of cichoric acid in the roots and in young tops, and a significant positive correlation was observed between total alkamide concentration in the roots and cichoric acid concentration in the young tops. These results may be useful in the genetic improvement of E. purpurea for medicinal use.

The production of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has expanded recently in the US. Limited agronomic knowledge and supply chain issues, however, stemming from a long-standing cultivation ban, pose a barrier to continued market expansion of hemp, which leads to the import of most hemp products. This review examines the most recent cultivation methods, fertilizer and nutrient requirements, soil management practices, environmental parameters, and post-harvest processing methods, particularly in the context of environmental benefits such as soil phytoremediation and CO2 sequestration. Details of the valorization of hemp biomass into sustainable products, such as fibers, papers, packaging, textiles, biocomposites, biofuels, biochar, and bioplastics, along with current limitations and scope for improvements, are explored. Finally, an overall summary of the life cycle and techno-economic analysis aimed at optimizing their environmental performance and economic feasibility are discussed with a focus on intersection with the growing circular economy paradigm.

Unstable prices and increased competitive market pressures have caused many staked-tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) producers to reexamine the costs and benefits of various production practices. In 1988 and 1989, field studies were conducted to determine if changes in plant in-row spacing and pruning could reduce production costs, increase yields, and improve grower net returns of staked `Mountain Pride' tomatoes. In both years, early-season yields were highest using early pruning (when lateral shoots were 5 to 10 cm long) or delayed pruning (when lateral shoots were 30 to 36 cm long) and in-row spacings ≤46 cm. In 1988, total-season yields per hectare of pruned plants increased as in-row spacing decreased. For nonpruned plants, however, total-season yields were high at all spacings. In 1989, total-season yields were lower from delayed-pruned plants than from nonpruned plants and there was little yield difference due to in-row spacing. In both years, nonpruned plants produced low yields of fruit >72 mm in diameter but their total yields were greater than those of pruned plants. Net returns per hectare, calculated from combined data of both years, were highest when 1) plants spaced closely in-row were pruned early and 2) plants were spaced 46 to 76 cm apart and either pruned early or not pruned.