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A study was carried out in the Floriculture unit, Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru from 2022-2024 on 'Effect of gamma irradiation on vegetative and floral traits in French marigold (Tagetes patula L.)'. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments replicated thrice. Six gamma doses i.e., 50 Gy, 100 Gy, 150 Gy, 200 Gy, 250 Gy and 300 Gy and control (untreated) as treatments were imposed on seeds of marigold. In M1 generation, maximum plant height (19.50, 21.50 and 24.50 cm), number of primary branches per plant (4.50, 5.50 and 6.57), number of secondary branches per plant (13.50, 18.50 and 22.50), plant spread at EW (10.50, 14.60 and 18.50 cm), plant spread at NS (12.70, 14.67 and 20.50 cm) was recorded by 50 Gy gamma ray dosage at 30, 60 and 90 DAT, respectively. Minimum days taken for flower bud initiation (36.27), days to fifty per cent flowering (82.60), days taken for full flowering (90.50), maximum flower size (5.07 cm), shelf life (2.17 days), number of flowers per plant (19.50), fresh weight of flowers 10 in (g) (330), fresh weight of flower per m-2 (g) (3960), fresh weight of flower per hectare (t/ha) (16.30) were recorded at 50 Gy. Among all the treatments 50 Gy had performed better over other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) belongs to family Asteraceae, native to Mexico, is one of the most important flower crop grown commercially in different parts of India. The application of haploid techniques as anther culture can considerably accelerate marigold breeding programmes by providing homozygous doubled haploid (DH) lines for F1 hybrid seed production. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation was to study the effect of growth regulators for in vitro regeneration in both African marigold and French marigold genotypes viz., Pusa Basanti Gainda and Pusa Arpita, respectively for haploid induction. Among the different treatments tested for callus induction, anthers cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 1.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 45 g/l sucrose significantly induced highest (38.74%) callus in the shortest period of time (16 days). Among two genotypes tested, embryogenic callus induction (27.70%) was significantly higher in Pusa Arpita over Pusa Basanti Gainda (23.37%). Among the different regeneration treatments, the highest adventitious shoot bud induction (13.32%), maximum (1.09) number of buds/callus in shortest duration (19.47 days) was observed in anther derived callus cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.5mg/l NAA + 30 g/l sucrose. Among two genotypes evaluated for shoot bud induction, maximum (3.81%) regeneration was recorded in Pusa Arpita over Pusa Basanti Gainda (2.90%). In French genotype, the whole regeneration process was completed in 30 days whereas in African genotype it took nearly 40 days. This rapid regeneration system from anthers is highly useful in inducing haploids and di-haploids in African and French marigold lines, respectively.

A correct cultivation technique supported by scientific evidence that leads to high-quality standards can promote sustainable floriculture. It is urgent to find alternative solutions to the widely used chemical fertilizers and evaluate the effectiveness of other fertilizers. The liquid organic ones, already in use in organic vegetable farming, could be a good substitute if supplied together with growth-promoting products such as microbial biostimulants. In the hope of replacing the traditional chemicals with a more sustainable organic-based fertilization, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of a microbial biostimulant and various combinations of organic and mineral fertilization on morphological characteristics and physiological parameters of Tagetes patula L. and Ageratum houstonianum Mill. The plants were grown in pots with a substrate inoculated or not with the microbial biostimulant and were fertigated with nutrient solutions at different concentrations of elements from mineral and/or organic sources. Six fertilization formulas were adopted: control (only water without fertilizer), 100% mineral fertilization, 50% mineral fertilization, 100% organic fertilization, 50% organic fertilization, and 50% mineral + 50% organic fertilization. For the organic fertilization, a commercial liquid fertilizer admitted in organic farming with 3-2-5.5 NPK with 3% organic nitrogen was used. Mineral fertilization was formulated to match the organic solution as closely as possible. We observed an improvement in ornamental value (stem diameter and shoot number) with the biostimulant inoculum. Generally, the 50% mineral and 50% organic fertilization did not negatively influence the morphological characteristics. The reduction by 50% in the mineral nutrients and the integration of this reduction with an organic fertilizer was feasible to produce potted plants of these species during spring in the Mediterranean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correct cultivation technique supported by scientific evidence that leads to high-quality standards can promote sustainable floriculture. It is urgent to find alternative solutions to the widely used chemical fertilizers and evaluate the effectiveness of other fertilizers. The liquid organic ones, already in use in organic vegetable farming, could be a good substitute if supplied together with growth-promoting products such as microbial biostimulants. In the hope of replacing the traditional chemicals with a more sustainable organic-based fertilization, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of a microbial biostimulant and various combinations of organic and mineral fertilization on morphological characteristics and physiological parameters of Tagetes patula L. and Ageratum houstonianum Mill. The plants were grown in pots with a substrate inoculated or not with the microbial biostimulant and were fertigated with nutrient solutions at different concentrations of elements from mineral and/or organic sources. Six fertilization formulas were adopted: control (only water without fertilizer), 100% mineral fertilization, 50% mineral fertilization, 100% organic fertilization, 50% organic fertilization, and 50% mineral + 50% organic fertilization. For the organic fertilization, a commercial liquid fertilizer admitted in organic farming with 3-2-5.5 NPK with 3% organic nitrogen was used. Mineral fertilization was formulated to match the organic solution as closely as possible. We observed an improvement in ornamental value (stem diameter and shoot number) with the biostimulant inoculum. Generally, the 50% mineral and 50% organic fertilization did not negatively influence the morphological characteristics. The reduction by 50% in the mineral nutrients and the integration of this reduction with an organic fertilizer was feasible to produce potted plants of these species during spring in the Mediterranean area.

French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) is a valuable source of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids. The study was aimed at developing a quantitative determination method for total flavonoid content (TFC) in the aerial part of French marigold harvested after collecting flowers. The proposed method was based on differential spectrophotometry using rutin reference standard at analytical wavelength 412 nm. The TFC in the herb samples varied from 1.68 ± 0.05% to 2.94 ± 0.05% (recalculated as rutin). The mean error of a single TFC determination at confidence probability 95% was ± 3.86%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, a carbon-rich material resulting from pyrolysation, is one of the proposed alternatives as a substrate component to peat. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different ratios of peat substitution with a locally available hardwood biochar on the chemical characteristics of growing media, seed germination, plant morphological and nutritional parameters of Tagetes patula. Experimental results show that biochar can be used as a partial peat replacement, showing a complementary liming effect, rising the initial pH of peat (2.8) to values of 4.5 and 7.3 in mixtures with 50% and 75% substitution of peat by biochar, respectively. The mixture with a 50% biochar rate exhibited the strongest change between initial and final pH, rising from 4.5 to 5.7. Increasing content of biochar in the mixtures corresponded to increasing content of total K, Ca, Mg, available K and decreasing level of available Mg. The highest germination percentage was observed in the mixtures with biochar rates from 50% to 100%. Among all substrates, the greatest plant diameter, true leaf area and total root length were measured in the 50% peat substitution mixture, where the highest contents of P, K and Ca in plant shoots were found.

Selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) are the beneficial elements that may significantly modify plants’ tolerance to various types of biotic and abiotic stress. They may be particularly important due to the current climate changes. The aim of model experiments was to assess how selenium and silicon could alleviate short-term drought stress in French marigold (Tagetes patula L. “Pascal”). Tagetes plant species are economically important annual plants and are also very popular decorative flowering species in city parks due to its beautiful colored flowers and resistance on drought stress. Silicon was applied in the form of silica sol and choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA). Selenium was applied in the form of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). They were tested at the following concentrations (mg dm−3 of NS): silica sol – level I (23.25), level II (31.0); ch-OSA – level I (0.21), level II (0.63); and Se – level I (0.4), level II (0.8). The experiment showed that silicon had stimulating effect on the biometric parameters of control plants cultivated under an optimal water regime. When the plants treated with selenium were exposed to stress, the values of their biometric parameters were generally higher than in the plants treated with silicon. Both silicon and selenium significantly modified the gas exchange parameters. During the growing season, the net photosynthesis activity (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E) tended to decrease, but they increased significantly when selenium and silicon were applied. In general, the factors significantly modified the plants’ content of macro- and micronutrients as well as the proportions between them. Both selenium and silicon alleviated the short-term drought stress in French marigolds as a model plant, but when silicon was applied, the positive effect was modified by the source and its concentration.

The essential oils of Tagetes patula L. and Tagetes erecta L. from dried aerial parts (leaves and flowers) grown in Iran were obtained by hydro-distillation assay. The essential oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. The essential oil contents of T. patula and T. erecta were 0.57 and 0.48 % (w/w), respectively. In total, 38 and 40 different compounds were identified representing 93 and 90 % of total essential oils from T. patula and T. erecta, respectively. The major compounds of T. patula essential oil were β-caryophyllene (24.53 %), piperitenone (10.96 %), piperitone (9.66 %), and α-terpinolene (7.62 %). The T. erecta essential oil was characterized by neophytadiene (17.22 %), piperitone (12.52 %), β-caryophyllene (8.7 %), and trans-phytol (7.59 %). This is the first report of neophytadiene as the main compound in T. erecta an important new compound in this plant. Our findings suggested that the essential oil of these herbs due to different constituents can be used by the flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar, a carbon-rich material resulting from pyrolysation, is one of the proposed alternatives as a substrate component to peat. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different ratios of peat substitution with a locally available hardwood biochar on the chemical characteristics of growing media, seed germination, plant morphological and nutritional parameters of Tagetes patula. Experimental results show that biochar can be used as a partial peat replacement, showing a complementary liming effect, rising the initial pH of peat (2.8) to values of 4.5 and 7.3 in mixtures with 50% and 75% substitution of peat by biochar, respectively. The mixture with a 50% biochar rate exhibited the strongest change between initial and final pH, rising from 4.5 to 5.7. Increasing content of biochar in the mixtures corresponded to increasing content of total K, Ca, Mg, available K and decreasing level of available Mg. The highest germination percentage was observed in the mixtures with biochar rates from 50% to 100%. Among all substrates, the greatest plant diameter, true leaf area and total root length were measured in the 50% peat substitution mixture, where the highest contents of P, K and Ca in plant shoots were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is presenting results from an experiment with two well-known dye plants and their interaction with different types of textile fibres. Briefly, fresh and dry inflorescences of Tagetes patula and dry inflorescences of Tanacetum vulgare were used for the preparation of a dyeing bath. Then, different samples of cloth (made from natural plant fibres (wool), artificial fibres (sloter and ortalion), both artificial and plant fibres (canvas) and natural animal fibres (wool)) were immersed into the hot dyeing baths. Results showed that both chosen plant species are suitable for textile dyeing, but they differ in colour density.

• Local strain of Tagetes patula L. with bud length (2 to 2.5 cm) having floret size (3 to 3.5 mm) was found best as it observed maximum early uninucleate (38 %), late uninucleate (45 %) and early binucleate (14 %) stages, which were highly suitable for culturing anthers. • For in vitro androgenesis treatment (T3) i.e. floret size - 3 to 3.5 mm cultured in Enriched Murashige and Skoog - MS + organic and inorganic supplements + 5 % coconut water medium supplemented with 2.0 ml/l BAP + 0.5 ml/l NAA + 3 % sucrose + 0.8 % agar-agar was found best for the maximum parameters. • Out of 25 plants screened, one plant (4 %) was dihaploid, 15 plants (60 %) were tetraploids and 9 plants (36 %) were polyploids in cytological analysis; Whereas in chloroplast counting, out of 25 plants screened of which one plant (4 %) was di-haploid with mean of 8 chloroplasts in the guard cells, 15 plants (60 %) were tetraploids with mean of 16 chloroplasts in the guard cells and 9 plants (36 %) were polyploids with mean of 18 to 20 chloroplasts in the guard cells. • Finally one dihaploid from anther derived regenerants was isolated and confirmed by cytological analysis and chloroplast counting. In present investigation, local strain of Tagetes patula L. was used for in vitro androgenesis with floret size ranging from 2 to 4.5 mm. The results indicated that treatment (T 3) i.e. floret size - 3 to 3.5 mm cultured in EMS (Enriched Murashige and Skoog - MS + organic and inorganic supplements + 5 % coconut water) medium supplemented with 2.0 ml/l BAP + 0.5 ml/l NAA + 3 % sucrose + 0.8 % agar-agar was found best for different parameters. Screening of anther derived regenerants was done through cytological analysis and chloroplast counting of stomatal guard cells. The results revealed that in cytological analysis out of 25 plants screened, one plant (4 %) was dihaploid, 15 plants (60 %) were tetraploids and 9 plants (36 %) were polyploids. Whereas in chloroplast counting, out of 25 plants screened of which one plant (4 %) was di-haploid with mean of 8 chloroplasts in the guard cells, 15 plants (60 %) were tetraploids with mean of 16 chloroplasts in the guard cells and 9 plants (36 %) were polyploids with mean of 18 to 20 chloroplasts in the guard cells. Finally one haploid from anther derived regenerants was isolated and confirmed by cytological analysis and chloroplast counting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In order to improve physical and mental human healthy, development of the urban area landscape is necessary. Water deficit is one of the most important problems in arid and semi- arid regions. Water deficit causes to reduce growth of different plants parts, including roots, aerial parts, leaf area, height, dry weight, proteins, amino acids and chlorophyll. Using drought tolerance plantsisone solution. Moreover, one physiological method to decrease the hazardous effects of environmental stresses on plants is to applyplant growth regulators such as salicylic acid (SA). SA is one of the plant phenolic compounds in low amounts (mg/g wet weight or lower). This hormone can perform an important role in resistance to stresses. Asteraceae is one of the biggest plant families with over 20,000 species which is distributed worldwide in moderate and tropical regions. A lot of border flowers of this family are widely used in landscaping. Toselect drought tolerance flowers and application of materials that reducing stress effects, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid on some morphological and physiological characteristics of five border flowers of this family. Materials and Methods: The field experiment was conducted as split plot on randomized complete blocks design with four replications in which factors included two levels of water deficit (50, 100% FC) as main plot and two levels of SA (0, 1mmol/L-1) as sub plot in the horticulturedepartment of faculty of Agriculture atFerdowsi University of Mashhad. In this investigation five border flowers (Ageratum houstonianum‘Blue Danube’, Tagetserecta ‘Discovery Yellow’, Tagetspatula‘Hero Harmony’, Zinnia elegans ‘Lilliput rose’andCallistephuschinensis ‘Milady Mix’ ) of Asteraceae family were chosen for study. The soil mixture was analyzed before starting the test. According to the result of physicochemical analysis of the soil, it had loamy texture (52% sand, 30% silt and 18% clay) with 7.04 pH and 3.6 ds/m electrical conductivity (EC) and total N (0.175mg/kg), P (142.7 mg/kg) and K (142.3mg/kg) were reported, too. Investigated characteristics were height of the plants, leaf area,flower number,root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight,chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ,total chlorophyll,carotenoide,stomata conductance,relative water content (RWC) and electrolyte leakage. Tomeasureleaf area and stomata conductance, leaf area meter and prometer were used, respectively. In addition, electrolyte leakage, RWC, chlorophyll and carotenoide were evaluated by Sairamet al., Smart and Bingham, Arnon and Rangan methods, respectively. Minitab 16 software was used for data analysis and LSD test (p≤ 5%) for mean comparison was applied. Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that all characteristics of examined flowers decreased underwater deficit treatment (50% FC). SA had different effect on flowers properties. Although SA had not significant effect on flower number, it improved the percentage of characteristicssuch asflower dry weight, chlorophyll a, stomata conductance and RWC of Ageratum houstonianum; root dry weight, carotenoid andstomata conductance of Zinnia elegans; carotenoid of Tagetserecta; flower number, flower dry weight, carotenoid and stomata conductance of Tagetspatula; root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight andstomata conductance of Callistephuschinensis. Moreover, SA had significant effect on the considered characteristics of the other studied flowers. Interaction effect of these two factors had different effects on all of the examined characteristics of five flowers. The highest amounts of the investigated characteristics mostly obtained from water deficit with SA application treatment. Under water deficit, SA could influence leaf area and electrolyte leakage of all examined flowers and aerial parts dry weight of all flowers except Callistephuschinensis. Among the studied flowersTagetserectaand Zinnia elegans showed the highest and Callistephuschinensisdisplayed the lowest response to SA application under water deficit. Underwater deficit conditions SA probably cause to improve nutritious elements that can increase plant growth. Different effects of SA on morphological and physiological properties may be due to the plant species and environmental conditions that can influence on morphophysiologic process variously. Conclusions: The results of this studyindicated that SA resulted in the improvement of themost of morphological and physiological properties. However different results obtained,due to the variation in morphological and physiological characteristics of flowers.

For the first time, we have developed a protocol for rapid and successful induction of haploids in Tagetes spp. using in vitro androgenesis techniques. Various factors affecting the in vitro androgenesis response in Tagetes spp. were optimised. At first, a correlation was established between floret size/bud size and stage of microspore development in different genotypes of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula. The floret size of 3.5–4.0 mm (French marigold) and 3.0–3.5 mm (African marigold) contained the highest percent of microspores at early-uninucleate to early-binucleate stage. The frequency of shoot formation from anthers ranged from 0 to 78.6% in T. patula cv. Pusa Arpita and 0 to 63.9% in T. erecta cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda. The French marigold cultivars exhibited higher androgenic response over the African marigold cultivars. The effects of basal media, plant growth regulator combinations and sucrose concentration for direct differentiation of shoot buds and haploid induction were studied. Marigold anthers cultured on newly formulated EMS1 basal media (enriched with coconut water, AgNO3, PVP etc.) exhibited a very high androgenic response over the other commercially available media. We have also optimised the cold temperature pre-treatments and culture condition for high frequency androgenesis in marigold. Ten days cold pre-treated anthers along with 20 days dark incubation of cultures proved highly beneficial for haploid induction. Among a total of 424 anther-regenerants, 56 plants were randomly selected for flow cytometry and cytological analysis. The ploidy analysis revealed 14.3% of anther regenerants as dihaploids, 66.1% as tetraploid (similar to donor mother plant) and 19.6% as polyploid. The determination of ploidy level by counting the number of chloroplast in stomatal guard cells of marigold was also established for rapid screening of haploids. The identified haploids were successfully diploidised and are being utilised in the hybrid breeding programme at our institute. The developed protocol will facilitate doubled haploids based breeding in Tagetes spp. Key message: This is the first report of successful induction of haploids in Tagetes spp. using in vitro androgenesis techniques. We have studied various factors affecting the in vitro androgenesis response in Tagetes spp. A correlation was established between floret size/ bud size and stage of microspore development in different genotypes of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula. Basal media and cultural conditions were optimised for high frequency androgenesis in marigold. Haploids were successfully induced and their ploidy level was assessed through flowcytometry and cytological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower strips of French Marigold are commonly used pest repellents in potato fields. However, the effect of French Marigold volatiles on potato metabolism, physiology and induced defense is unknown. Thus, a microarray transcriptome analysis was performed to study the effects of French Marigold essential oil (EO) on laboratory-grown potato. After 8 h of exposure to EO, with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-detected terpinolene and limonene as dominant compounds, 2796 transcripts were differentially expressed with fold change >2 compared to expression in controls. A slightly higher number of transcripts had suppressed expression (1493 down- vs. 1303 up-regulated). Since transcripts, annotated to different photosynthesis-related processes, were mostly down-regulated, we selected a set of 10 genes involved in the leaf starch metabolism pathway, and validated microarray patterns using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Except for decreased synthesis and induced decomposition of starch granule in leaves, 8 h long EO exposure slightly elevated the accumulation of sucrose compared to glucose and fructose in subjected potato plants. An in vitro feeding bioassay with Colorado potato beetle showed that EO-induced alternations on transcriptional level and in the sugars’ metabolism caused the enhancement of feeding behavior and overall development of the tested larvae. Results of comprehensive analysis of transcriptional responses in potato exposed to French Marigold EO provide a basis for further elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying eco-physiological interactions in companion planting cropping systems.

In this study, French marigold's leaf and flower were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in order to explore their potentials towards bioreduction of Ag+ to Agᵒ. The as‐synthesised SNPs were characterised using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta‐potential analysis. The results obtained showed that the particles are polydispersed with sizes in the range 15.8–42.8 nm. The bioreduction was believed to be due to the amides, aldehyde functional groups, and essential oils present in the extracts as confirmed by the FTIR analysis. The growth mechanism involved in the reaction was studied which revealed oriented attachment (OA) onwards Ostwald ripening in the case of the flower‐mediated synthesis and typical OA in the leaf‐mediated synthesis. The studied kinetics of the particle formation showed that the reaction is possibly a pseudo‐first‐order reaction with some diffusion‐controlled mechanism which is driven by high surface area to volume ratio in both the leaf‐ and flower‐mediated synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is presenting results from an experiment with two well-known dye plants and their interaction with different types of textile fibres. Briefly, fresh and dry inflorescences of Tagetes patula and dry inflorescences of Tanacetum vulgare were used for the preparation of a dyeing bath. Then, different samples of cloth (made from natural plant fibres (wool), artificial fibres (sloter and ortalion), both artificial and plant fibres (canvas) and natural animal fibres (wool)) were immersed into the hot dyeing baths. Results showed that both chosen plant species are suitable for textile dyeing, but they differ in colour density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the total number of eubacteria, moulds and actinobacteria and to determine dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase and urease activity in peat substrates with different composts under French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) 'Boy Golden' cultivation. Apart from that, the aim of the study was to determine the influence of composts on the morphological traits of French marigold. Plants were placed in peat substrates with admixtures of composts produced from sewage sludge, wheat, maize and lupine straws. Samples of the substrate were collected at three terms: at the stages of plantation, vegetative growth and florescence. Then the samples were analysed microbiologically and biochemically. The results of the investigations gave an outline of variations in the population of basic groups of microorganisms and enzyme activity during the plants' growth, depending on the experimental combination applied. The research revealed that different doses of the aforementioned composts added to peat stimulated the growth of eubacteria and moulds the most, whereas they stimulated the growth of actinobacteria to a lesser extent. The research also revealed that the metabolic activity of microorganisms in peat combinations with different doses of composts was greater than in peat by itself (the control sample). Apart from the compost with the admixture of lupine straw, all the composts can be used for growing French marigolds, but first they need to be mixed with peat. This research seems to solve both the problem of excessive amounts of sludge that has been produced and that is being produced. The research also showed the possibility to use sewage sludge composts for the production of garden substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the possibility and justification of controlled release glass application as a new ecological material in the production of plants-seedlings of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.). During the investigation its influence on the development of the produced plants-seedlings was monitored. The seedlings were produced in poly-propylene containers (speedling system) and poly-propylene pots (pot system). The trial was conducted in the greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade during 2011. In the course of seedling production the glass granulation of < 0.5 mm was added in the following doses: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/l. The results of the research show a positive effect of controlled release glass application in the production of French marigold seedlings, since high quality seedlings were produced justifying its application. The best effect on the analyzed parameters of plant-seedling development was found when substrate was applied in the dose of 1 g/l.

The objective of the study was to determine the dynamics of the enzymatic activity in a substrate containing a microbiological inoculum (Effective Microorganisms - EM) intended to improve French marigold growth and flowering. The material used in the study was peat substrate of 5.5-6.0 pH into which plants were planted and then inoculated with different doses of the EM biofertilizer (1 : 10, 1 : 50, 1 : 100). Samples of the substrate on which experimental plants were cultivated were collected during the following three phases: the phase of seedling planting, the phase of vegetative growth and the phase of flowering. The scope of investigations comprised determination of the activity of dehydrogenases, urease and acid phosphatase activity by the spectrophotometric method. In addition, the following plant morphological analyses were performed: plant height, shoot number and length, number of buds and inflorescences, and leaf greenness index (SPAD). It was found that the phase of plant development was proved to be the main determinant of the activity of the enzymes under study. The EM biofertilizer had positive effect on the acid phosphatase activity. However, the preparation did not have stimulating effect on the activity of urease or dehydrogenases. The EM biofertilizer concentrated at 1 : 100 and applied into the soil and foliage resulted in a larger number of darker leaves and greater number of inflorescences on the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tagetes patula Linn. (Asteraceae) (French Marigold) flowers are used by local practitioners for cancer treatment; however, it lacks scientific justification. Objective: Identification of bioactive compounds in T. patula flower for cytotoxic and growth inhibition in human cancer cell lines along with its antioxidant properties using chemical and cell based systems. Materials and methods: The T. patula flower methanol extract, its seven fractions, and three phenolic compounds including methyl protocatechuate ( 1), patuletin ( 2), and patulitrin ( 3) were evaluated using sulforhodamine-B assay against HeLa, HT-144, NCI-H460, MCF-7, PC-3, and SF-268 human cancer cell lines. In parallel, antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemical (DPPH·, deoxyribose, and lipid peroxidation assays) and cell-based chemiluminescence systems (human neutrophils and mice macrophages). Results: The methanol extract and ethyl acetate insoluble fraction exhibited cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects against HeLa in which 2 exhibited highest cell growth inhibition (GI50: 0.6 ± 0.1 µg/ml) and cytotoxicity (LC50: 2.5 ± 0.1 µg/ml). It also scavenged LOO· (IC50: 6.5 ± 0.7 µg/ml) and (IC50: 27.5 ± 1.3 μg/ml) in chemical systems and human neutrophils, respectively. However, 1 preferably scavenged H2O2-Cl− (IC50: 0.5 ± 0.01 μg/ml) in mice macrophages. Discussion and conclusion: Compound 2 from T. patula flower exhibited both growth inhibitory and cytotoxic properties while 1 and 3 were only growth inhibitory against HeLa. 1- 3 also displayed antioxidant properties implying its probable role in growth inhibition/cytotoxic action. The present study provides scientific evidence for the use of T. patula flower in cancer treatment by traditional healer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]