Exploration of edible chrysanthemum strains (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) in northern Niigata Prefecture and preliminary characterization of collected strains

Abstract

Edible chrysanthemums have been widely cultivated in Niigata Prefecture and some areas of the Tohoku region. In Niigata Prefecture, there are many minor edible chrysanthemum strains in addition to the main cultivars including ‘Kakinomoto’ in the Kaetsu area and ‘Omoinohoka’ in the Chuetsu area. However, little is known about their local cultivation status, and their characterization and preservation are insufficient. In the present study, we conducted a field research in farming areas in northern Niigata Prefecture for two years, resulting in the discovery of 13 strains which were apparently different from those already evaluated in our previous study. We also found a rare case of a strain being converted from ornamental to edible use in recent years. Furthermore, we confirmed that seven of the strains, which were collected mainly from the 1960s to the 1970s and have been preserved in the Niigata Horticultural Research Center, are still cultivated today. Most of the strains were cultivated in a small area by a limited number of elderly people, indicating that these strains face the risk of extinction. Preliminary characterization of collected strains was carried out to evaluate their morphology and yields, focusing on the selection of promising strains and their utilization as local resources in the future.