Introduction to the Department of Industrial Crops

The Department of Industrial Crops is an academic unit within the Department of Field Crops that conducts education, teaching, research, and extension activities. Established in 2002, the department offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. It consists of four sub-disciplines: Oil Crops, Fiber Crops, Starch and Sugar Crops, and Medicinal, Aromatic and Recreational Crops.

Industrial crops are highly strategic agricultural products due to their significant contributions to both employment and the economy. The Department of Industrial Crops carries out advanced education and research activities on industrial plants, which constitute an important component of the agricultural sector. Scientific studies in this field focus on oil crops, fiber crops, sugar crops, starch crops, medicinal plants, spice plants, and recreational plants. Research activities are mainly concentrated on species that are adapted or have the potential to adapt to the regional climate conditions.

Within the department, extensive research is conducted on oil crops such as safflower, sunflower, rapeseed (canola), flax, camelina, soybean, sesame, and peanut; starch and sugar crops such as sugar beet, potato, and Jerusalem artichoke; fiber crops such as hemp and flax; and medicinal and aromatic plants such as poppy, rose, lavender, thyme, sage, mint, basil, black cumin, fennel, immortelle, yarrow, chamomile, echinacea, rosemary, madder, and woad. In particular, for some medicinal and aromatic plants (poppy, oil rose, lavender, mint, immortelle, basil, thyme, sage, fennel, and black cumin), in addition to cultivation and breeding studies, rich collections focused on commercial production are maintained.

Research on industrial crops mainly focuses on cultivation conditions, biological and chemical properties, resistance to diseases and pests, yield improvement, and enhancement of economic value. Post-harvest processing techniques (such as distillation and extraction) and the development of high value-added products from these plants also represent an important research area. Through these studies, the department aims to explore the potential of native plant species and develop new products for global markets.

Students are provided with comprehensive education covering the identification and cultivation of industrial crops, their ecological requirements, plant health and diseases, post-harvest processing techniques, and chemical composition analysis. They are also encouraged to develop innovative solutions for increasing the economic value of industrial crops.

The Department of Industrial Crops contributes to national and international projects that strengthen the integration of agriculture and industry. In doing so, it aims to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure a stable supply of plant-based raw materials for industrial use.