Family: Compositae
Genus: Stokesia
Species: laevis
(i) General background on the plant
This is a perennial aster, native to North America. A low-growing plant with dark green pointed leaves. It produces blue, pink or white flowers and grows to 12 - 18 inches high when given full sun and a well drained soil. It is sensitive to poor drainage during the winter. Winter frost protection is also required.
Stokes' Aster has been used ornamentally but is a good source of epoxy fatty acids.
(ii) Details of quality characters
Seed contains 36-49% oil of which 64 - 79% are epoxy fatty acids, the major one being vernolic acid.
(iii) Current production and yields
Seed yield potential has been estimated at 2000kg/ha.
The crop does not require annual ploughing and sowing as it is a perennial crop but stands establish slowly [2]. A productive lifespan of 5 years or more once established is suggested.
(iv) Constraints on production
Evidence from Europe is very limited, but the crop has been grown on a trial basis. As in the US, experience suggests establishment to be relatively slow. No selection work has been done to increase seedling vigour and reduce seed dormancy. Being a perennial plant Stokes Aster would become infested with weeds, especially since it is slow to establish.
From the botanical origin of the species, it seems probable that it will be susceptible to severe frosts.
(v) Markets and market potential
Stokes' Aster is a source of epoxy fatty acids which can be used in the manufacture of plastics, varnishes and adhesives. It could therefore compete with other species such as Vernonia. Market potential for the two species would be similar. (4) The market potential for seed oils rich in epoxy fatty acids is between 45,000 and 90,000 tonnes/yr, Stokes' Astor should be able to capture part of this market.
(vi) Other information
Stokes' Aster has been extensively collected in the US and approximately 20 accessions are in the USDA germplasm collection. There is thought to be substantial genetic variation in the populations. Sustained breeding work and industrial interest are needed to get Stokes' Aster commercialized.
See the following pages in the NF-2000 Database
Stokes aster (Stokesia laevis)
AGRE-0046 - Vegetable Oil for Innovation in Chemical Industries VOICI
Crops for Paints/Coatings/Plastics
(vii) Contacts
(viii) References
Campbell, A. (1981). Agronomic Potential of Stokes' Aster. In: Pryde, E.H. et al (ed). New Sources of Fats and Oils. American Oil Chemists Society, Illinois, USA.
1. Princen, L. H. (1983) New Oilseed Crops on the Horizon. Economic Botany 37 (4) 1983, pp 478-492.
2. Princen, L. H. (1978) New Crop developments for Industrial Oils. JAOCS vol. 56 (pp 845 - 848).
3. Askew, M. F. (1992). A review of novel oilseeds & fibre crops and their potential for the UK. ADAS Wolverhampton, Woodthorne, Wergs Road Wolverhampton, WV6 8TQ.
4. Gunn and White (1974) Stokesia laevis. Taxonomy and economic value. Economic botany 28 130-135.