
More Vernonia Seeds = More Vernonia OilBy Dennis Senft March 14, 1997Vernonias potential as an industrial oilseed crop is on the rise,
thanks to scientists with USDAs
Agricultural Research Service. The
secret: Theyve discovered how to breed varieties that will hold onto more
of the seed until harvest. Vernonia oil might find a home as an environmentally friendly drying agent
in paints. The paint industry wants alternatives to the volatile organic
compounds now used. Vernonias commercial development has been crippled because available
varieties shed too many seeds. Last fall, ARS scientists discovered that some
vernonia plants possess a petal-like structure that holds the seeds upright.
These plants retained more seeds. The scientists will cross-breed these plants this summer. This will
reinforce the seed-holding trait and is the next step to higher-yielding
commercial varieties. Vernonia seeds epoxy oil content can reach 40 percent, double that of
most other oilseeds like soybean and linseed. Other possible uses for vernonia
oil: more flexible plastics and resin-based products like varnish. Scientific contact: David A. Dierig, USDA-ARS U.S.
Water Conservation
Laboratory, Phoenix, Ariz., phone (602) 379-4356, e-mail
[email protected] U.S. Department of Agriculture | |