| Abstract Detail
Economic Botany Section Archambault, Mariannick [1], Cuerrier, Alain [2], Bruneau, Anne [3]. The identification, population diversity and potential for cultivation of the medicinally important Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae) in northern Québec. Rhodiola rosea L. is an amphi-Atlantic species found along the East coast of North America. This medicinal plant is currently used in Eurasia for its adaptogen, anti-depressive, cardioprotective and immunomodulating properties. The cultivation of this species is underway in some countries to supply the medicinal demand and to protect endangered populations. The Russian populations of R. rosea have been subjected to many studies, but little is known about the Canadian populations. We therefore aim to confirm the identity of the species in northern Quebec and to evaluate the relationships of the Quebec populations with those in Russia, Norway and elsewhere. In parallel, the quality and quantity of phytochemical compounds are being investigated. Finally, the possibility of cultivating this species are being analysed and steps are being taken to ensure its production and promotion within Inuit communities. Our research has focussed on populations situated along the shore of the Ungava Bay (Nunavik, Quebec). Taxonomic identifications are based on DNA sequences (trnL-F and ITS) using herbarium specimens and field collected samples. DNA sequencing has allowed us to generate primers specific to R. rosea, producing an easy, fast and cheap method to verify the taxonomic identification before marketing the product. Our analyses to date indicate that the Canadian species is the same as the Eurasian one. AFLPs also are being used for identification and to establish relationships among populations at different geographical scales (Quebec, Canada, Northern Hemisphere). This information combined with the phytochemical analyses will help us choose the most appropriate source populations for the cultivation of R. rosea. This project will benefit Nunavimiut in helping them start plant propagation projects and in promoting the economic development of a quality product.
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1 - Plant Biology Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of Montreal, 4101, Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec, H1X 2B2, Canada
2 - Plant Biology Research Institute, Ville de Montreal, 4101, Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec, H1X 2B2, Canada
3 - Université de Montréal, Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, 4101 rue Sherbrooke est, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2, Canada
Keywords:
Medicinal plant
Population diversity
taxonomy
AFLP.
Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Exhibit Hall (Northeast, Southwest & Southeast)/Hilton
Date: Sunday, July 8th, 2007
Time: 8:00 AM
Number: P50001
Abstract ID:1093 |
