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Gum weed or gum plant (Grindelia camporum Greene - family Compositae) is a conspicuously resinous, herbaceous perennial species native to the arid regions. It grows well under harsh desert conditions with restricted amount of irrigation. Thus the plant appears to satisfy the requirements of a new crop for such an environment.

In this experiments the optimal fertilisation doses and watering frequency of Grindelia were studied to improve its growth and resin content. In this concern, Grindelia were irrigated in 2, 4, 6 and 8 day intervals during the period of its vegetative growth. Furthermore, in separate experiment, N, P, and K fertilisers were used in 12N + 4P + 6K combinations, applying 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/pot dosages during the growing season.

According to the results the limitation of the water supply - watering in 6 or 8 day intervals only, dramatically decreased the plant growth, the flower yield and the resin content of the plants. In addition, the plants, which were fertilised with high amount of NPK (2.0 and 4.0 g/pot) increased their height, dry mass, and yield of flower heads. Contrarily, the accumulation level of crude resin, percentage of resin acid were higher under lower levels of NPK fertilisation (1.0 and 2.0 g/pot).