The suitability of medicinal and aromatic plants grown in the garden, established on a 10-decare area with the support of the Thrace Development Agency at the institute’s campus in Karaağaç Neighborhood, for the regional climate and soil structure is being tested.
High-yielding plants used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries provide alternative production opportunities for local farmers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adnan Tülek, the Director of the Institute, told AA correspondent that they are making efforts to improve agricultural diversity in the region.
Tülek stated that they started the work five years ago and achieved successful results, mentioning collaborations with universities and institutes.
Tülek expressed that adaptation studies of both annual and perennial plants, especially lavender, are being conducted.
Pointing out the expansion of production areas for medicinal aromatic plants worldwide, Tülek stated that they are pioneering the production of these plants in Edirne. He said, “Some of these plants are collected from nature, while some are culturally cultivated. Our goal is to culturally produce these plants and meet the needs of the industry. With the arrival of spring, plants in our garden have started to bloom. We have more than 60 plant species in our garden.”
Tülek mentioned that they organize courses for producers related to plants at certain times every year, stating that the training is beneficial.
Stating that many farmers who see the garden have taken steps to grow these plants, Tülek said, “Many of our farmers have started production after seeing the exemplary work here. We want to contribute in this way. We have added bulbous plants to our garden this year. We have studies on plants such as tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth. Apart from that, there are different plants planted. We aim to grow medicinal aromatic and dye plants suitable for the ecological conditions of Edirne. We also want to popularize the adaptation studies of plants grown in areas similar to the climate conditions of our region but not cultivated here.”
source: aa.com.tr/ prepared by Melisa Beğiç