Optimizing Stevia production and response of glucoside profile with soil amendments

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The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will partner with NutraEx Food Inc. for a Phase I project to test the response of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni to various nutrient conditions and soil amendments to optimize specific glucosides (i.e. rebaudioside B,C,D,E) which are believed to be the next generation of Stevia sweetener products. While these components can be enhanced through breeding programs, several studies have also shown enhancement by varying nutrient profile and amendments in both invitro and field trials. The company wishes to develop the most beneficial growing conditions with natural amendments for the conditions in BC, to produce the highest quality natural Stevia sweetening products, and manage the entire product cycle to allow it to diversify into specialty markets (like organic). The first challenge is to optimize growing conditions before specialized varieties are sought out for testing. The project will begin with a common Stevia variety to study the response of individual glucosides to various amendments and growing conditions, and the tolerance of Stevia to a common root disease (Pythium). Further optimization of Stevia production in field trials in BC conditions will follow this project. The company will benefit from access to horticultural expertise at KPU to explore optimal growing conditions for this new crop, and KPU will benefit from expanding its ability to work with local industry, increasing its capacity to characterize plant compounds, and training students and new grads in applied research of high value to our region.