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INVESTIGATOR: Chin, K. L.; Qi,, Y.; Gebrelul, S.; Marshall, R.; Malekian, F.; Brown, A.; Simon, J.; Hankins, G.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
SOUTHERN UNIV
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70813

ALTERNATIVE UTILIZATION OF ROSELLE HIBISCUS AS SMALL FARM AND NICHE MARKET CROP

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The emergence of global economy for traditional horticultural crops has compelled Southern University to undertake research to embrace NIFA priority areas in sustainable agriculture and expanded opportunities for small farms to explore alternative crops to enhance farm sustainability. Roselle hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa was selected and evaluated for its adaptability, flavonoid properties and value-addition in Phase I. The outcomes of Phase I activities warrant the continuation of this proposal to further validate some research findings and to find new uses to enhance profitability. The multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research approach includes (i) developing appropriate cultural practices, (ii) evaluating it as a container flowering plant for the Christmas market, (iii) utilizing its anthelmintic foliage as forage supplement for goat production, (iv) evaluating the refined calyce and leaf extracts on apoptosis of cancer cells, and (v) developing alternative but marketable value-added products such as drinks, health supplements, antimicrobial food seasonings to strengthen niche marketing and commercialization in Louisiana. This proposal provides supportive information and niches to nurture entrepreneurship development. Results will enhance science-based knowledge and education in specialty crops and natural plant products database for USDA/ARS. It enhances SUAREC research capability and competitiveness by building human capacity in natural product science, and equipping analytical, bioassay and food safety laboratories with the state-of-the-art facilities. The acquired collaborative research experience and participation strengthen students' experiential learning. Funds provided by this project can be used as leverage to secure external funding and impact the livelihood of more than 50 niche market producers and 1,184 sustainable agriculture farmers.

OBJECTIVES: 1: To validate the performance of selected roselle hibiscus accessions from Phase I and to develop appropriate cultural practices for the production of calyces: (i) Genetic identification of roselle hibiscus accessions, (ii) Evaluation of fertilizers and (iii) Evaluation of the effects on dates of planting. 2: To produce container-grown flowering roselle hibiscus plants for Christmas. 3: To develop alternative niche market for roselle hibiscus value-added products to promote small-scale commercial market. 4: To assess roselle hibiscus as a nutritive and natural deworming forage for goat production. 5: To further evaluate the refined extracts of roselle hibiscus calyces and leaves for their antagonistic and anti- proliferation effects on selected human cancer cells.