Production potential and economic viability of Croatian pyrethrum ecotypes

Croatia is pyrethrums original growing zone and among rare places in the world where wild populations are found intact in nature. The aim of the research was to explore a production potential of Croatian wild pyrethrum ecotypes, and its use in breeding programs. Three wild ecotypes were tested for vegetative and yield parameters and a comparison between financial production parameters in Croatia and Slovakia was made. Plant height, number of flowers per plant, lodging, fresh and dry flower yield were not affected by ecotype in productive seasons (second and third). However, ecotypes differed in plant diameter and mass of 100 flowers. Positive linear regression among plant height, plant diameter, and number of flowers per plant with yield was found, but these traits did not correlate with lodging. Even though we found no significant difference between ecotype yields, financial analysis revealed the difference between ecotype profitability. Positive financial result was obtained in third season of growing with ecotypes 2 and 3. High costs of labour could be the main constraint in commercial pyrethrum production. Tested wild ecotypes, showed good productive characteristics and profitability potential, but there is a need for high yield breeding, and selection for traits adjusted to use of agro-mechanization.