Urticaceae

Originating from temperate regions of Eurasia and North America, the plant is now globally distributed. Its resilience allows it to thrive in diverse climatic conditions, provided that the soil is sufficiently moist and rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen.

Botanically, the plant is characterized by its rhizomatous root system and stems covered in stinging trichomes, which contain irritants like formic acid. It is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. The plant exhibits rapid vegetative growth throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Cultivation requires careful site selection, as the plant can become invasive if not properly managed. Optimal growth is achieved in deep, fertile soils with a neutral pH. The main agrotechnical tasks involve mechanical harvesting of the biomass before the flowering stage to ensure the highest quality of fiber or foliage.

The economic utility of nettle is vast: it is used for high-quality bast fiber production, as a protein-rich additive in animal feed, and as a potent ingredient in herbal medicine. Furthermore, it serves as a sustainable source for organic fertilizers and natural pest control solutions in ecological farming.

• Powdery mildew
• Nettle rust
• Aphids
• Small tortoiseshell butterfly larvae
• Stem weevils