Cultivation of the Species Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. in the Context of Climate Changes and Sustainable Development in Agriculture
Keywords:
phacelia, honey plant, fodder, climate change, cultivationAbstract
Native to the American continent and part of the Hydrophyllaceae botanical family, Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. is an annual cultivated species that has become increasingly important in recent years in the current ecological context, marked by many evident climate changes. Known as the honey plant that "saves" honey production in difficult years when acacia harvesting productions present poor results, phacelia has recently attracted the attention of Romanian farmers due to its remarkable agrophytotechnical characteristics. These include the species high genetic resistance to extreme weather conditions (drought and even frost), resistance to diseases and weeds, short vegetation period and even its ability to contribute to soil improvement (specially when used as green manure). Also, due to its distinct characteristics, it can also be used as a fodder species with an extremely high degree of palatability, and from an ecological point of view, it actively contributes to the preservation and improvement of biodiversity. This study aims to explore the multiple uses of this valuable species, both from a honey and fodder perspective, as well as from the perspective of the agro-ecological advantages offered by its expansion in cultivation.
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