Drought tolerance — Echinacea (hybrids)

Breeding of Echinacea purpurea × Echinacea paradoxa hybrids relies on the incorporation of the E. paradoxa genotype, which naturally grows in dry soils. Despite the transmission of this trait, modern hybrids often exhibit lower longevity in cultivation compared to the native parent species.

Water stress in plants of this genus causes a reduction in total biomass, suppression of growth processes, and changes in the biochemical composition of the raw material. In research, tolerance is evaluated by measuring markers such as antioxidant enzyme activity, proline levels, and pigment content.