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【Objective】Pigmented marigold (Tagetes erecta) is widely cultivated for its rich natural pigment content. In arid and semi-arid regions such as the oasis zones of Northwestern China, optimizing water and nitrogen management is critical to improving photosynthetic efficiency and yield of pigmented marigold. This paper studies the effects of various irrigation methods and nitrogen fertilizations on photosynthesis and yield of pigmented marigold under drip irrigation.【Method】An experiment was conducted from May to September 2024 at the Yimin Irrigation Experimental Station in Minle County, Gansu Province. Irrigation treatments were to keep soil moisture at key crop growth during stages - seedling, bud, early flowering and full flowering - 55%-65% (W1), 65%-75% (W2) and 75%-85% (W3) of the field capacity. Each irrigation treatment had three fertilizations by applying 120 (N1), 180 (N2) and 240 kg/hm2 (N3) of nitrogen fertilizer. The control is sufficient irrigation and local fertilization that applies 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer (CK). In the experiment, we measured net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) during reproductive stage of the crop, as well as the crop yield. The TOPSIS method was used to optimize irrigation and fertilization.【Result】Irrigation and nitrogen application significantly affected all measured photosynthetic traits (P＜0.05). Photosynthetic efficiency increased with nitrogen application up to a moderate level and then declined when nitrogen application exceeded the optimal threshold. Yield varied significantly among treatments. The second crop of pigment marigold had the highest yield, with the highest-yielding treatment being W3N2 (16.26 t/hm2); the third crop had the lowest yield, and the lowest-yielding treatment was W1N1 (7.67 t/hm2). Moderate nitrogen application (N2) increased yield by 32.21% and 22.76%, compared to low (N1) and high (N3) nitrogen application, respectively. TOPSIS analysis showed W3N2 as the optimal irrigation-fertilization combination. 【Conclusion】Maintaining soil moisture at 75%-85% of the field capacity combined with a nitrogen application of 180 kg/hm2 (W3N2) is optimal for maximizing photosynthetic efficiency and yield of pigmented marigold under drip irrigation in oasis regions of Northwestern China.

Purpose Stimulating flowering ability is the main purpose of commercial development of ornamental plants. Colchicine could contribute to improve flowering and related physiological processes; however its potential mode on marigold ( Calendula officinalis ) as a marketable ornamental plant is unclear. Methods The present study was carried out during two successive generations (M1 and M2) along two experimental seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the nursery conditions. Shoot-tip seedlings of marigold were treated by different concentrations of colchicine (0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075 and 0.100%) to study its effect on the morphological traits, phytochemical composition as well as identifying the possibility of mutations induction using ISSR marker technique. Results Non-significant variations in survival rates were obtained among the tested colchicine concentrations, while a noticeable decline in germination percentage was observed as colchicine concentration increased. Application of colchicine at concentrations of 0.025% and 0.075% possessed the highest values of total carbohydrates content and phenols content, respectively, in both M1 and M2 generations. In M1 generation, application of 0.025% colchicine was the superior treatment for stimulating all inflorescence attributes with lowering flowering period, while the colchicine concentrations of 0.075% or 0.100% showed the longest flowering period. In M2 generation, application of 0.100% colchicine achieved the highest values of flowering date and inflorescence attributes, while the longest flowering period was obtained with application of 0.025% colchicine. Both 0.050% and 0.100% concentrations showed abnormal and multiplied branching. Conclusion Some variations in the habit of growth, leaf form and inflorescence structure were observed in both generations with application of colchicine. Commercially, using colchicine at 0.025% as growth stimulator is regarded as an effective practice for avoiding growth abnormality, while obtaining marketable marigold flowers. Also, ISSR marker- PCR technique was able to detect colchicine-caused mutations in marigold plant.

In our comprehensive review, we delve into the critical steps of isolation of lutein and zeaxanthin from marigold flowers focusing on several pre-treatment technologies for marigold flower hydrolysis, non-green and green solvent-based extraction techniques of hydrolyzed solid biomass, and saponification of oleoresin while addressing the associated challenges and limitations. The review highlights the varying effects of different pre-treatments on the degradation of pectin, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose as well as on lutein and zeaxanthin ester yield. Notably, the enzymatic pre-treatment emerges as the most efficacious approach, despite its reliance on costly commercial enzymes. Based on the literature review, it is determined that supercritical fluid extraction, combined with ultrasound and various co-solvents gives off better yields of lutein as compared to the other extraction methods. This review also covers the saponification, purification, and recovery process. The applications of marigold flowers and lutein are also summarized.

Empiricist philosophers such as Locke famously argued that people born blind might learn arbitrary color facts (e.g., marigolds are yellow) but would lack color understanding. Contrary to this intuition, we find that blind and sighted adults share causal understanding of color, despite not always agreeing about arbitrary color facts. Relative to sighted people, blind individuals are less likely to generate “yellow” for banana and “red” for stop sign but make similar generative inferences about real and novel objects’ colors, and provide similar causal explanations. For example, people infer that two natural kinds (e.g., bananas) and two artifacts with functional colors (e.g., stop signs) are more likely to have the same color than two artifacts with nonfunctional colors (e.g., cars). People develop intuitive and inferentially rich “theories” of color regardless of visual experience. Linguistic communication is more effective at aligning intuitive theories than knowledge of arbitrary facts.

Background Methane (CH 4 ) and brassinosteroids (BRs) are important signaling molecules involved in a variety of biological processes in plants. Results Here, marigold ( Tagetes erecta L. ‘Marvel’) was used to investigate the role and relationship between CH 4 and BRs during adventitious root (AR) formation. The results showed a dose-dependent effect of CH 4 and BRs on rooting, with the greatest biological effects of methane-rich water (MRW, CH 4 donor) and 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 20% and 1 μmol L − 1 , respectively. The positive effect of MRW on AR formation was blocked by brassinoazole (Brz, a synthetic inhibitor of EBL), indicating that BRs might be involved in MRW-regulated AR formation. MRW promoted EBL accumulation during rooting by up-regulating the content of campestanol (CN), cathasterone (CT), and castasterone (CS) and the activity of Steroid 5α-reductase (DET2), 22α-hydroxylase (DWF4), and BR-6-oxidase (BR6ox), indicating that CH 4 could induce endogenous brassinolide (BR) production during rooting. Further results showed that MRW and EBL significantly down-regulated the content of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin during rooting and significantly up-regulated the hydrolase activity, i.e. cmcase, xylanase and laccase. In addition, MRW and EBL also significantly promoted the activity of two major cell wall relaxing factors, xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) and peroxidase, which in turn promoted AR formation. While, Brz inhibited the role of MRW on these substances. Conclusions BR might be involved in CH 4 -promoted AR formation by increasing cell wall relaxation.

Marigold flower is a traditionally used plant material topically applied on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial activity. This potential of action justifies the implementation of marigold extract in nanofiber scaffolds based on poly-vinylpyrrolidone/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (PVP/HPβCD) and polycaprolactone/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PCL/PVP) obtained by electrospinning for wound treatment. Using SEM, the morphology of electrospun scaffolds showed a fiber diameter in the range of 298–527 nm, with a uniform and bead-free appearance. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of marigold extracts in nanofibrous scaffolds. The composition of the nanofibers can control the release; in the case of PVP/HPβCD, immediate release of 80% of chlorogenic acid (an analytical and functional marker for marigold extract) was achieved within 30 min, while in the case of PCL/PVP, the controlled release was achieved within 24 h (70% of chlorogenic acid). All systems showed weak antibacterial activity against skin and wound-infecting bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 100 mg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 200 mg/mL) and yeasts Candida albicans (MIC 100 mg/mL). Analysis of the effect of different scaffold compositions of the obtained electrofibers showed that those based on PCL/PVP had better wound healing potential. The scratch was closed after 36 h, compared to the 48 h required for PVP/HPβCD. Overall, the study shows that scaffolds of PCL/PVP nanofibers loaded with classic marigold extract have the best potential as wound dressing materials because of their ability to selectively modulate inflammation (via inhibition of hyaluronidase enzyme) and supportive antimicrobial properties, thereby aiding in the early stages of wound healing and repair.

Consumers’ desires for new culinary experiences have provided avenues for the resurgence of less commonly known food crops such as edible flowers. With historical uses in civilizations such as ancient Rome and the Victorian era, this specialty crop has followed waves of popularity with a current increase in public interest. Edible flower research has focused primarily on understanding the health benefits and increasing shelf life. General information about the edible flower markets and trends, especially in the United States, is limited. Edible flowers have the potential to be a profitable supplementary crop, so understanding the characteristics of the US edible flower market is key to assisting growers in making informed decisions related to production and marketing. A national survey of US farmers’ market managers was conducted in Summer 2025. The survey asked managers to share their market demographics, the perceived status of the edible flower industry in their area, and their opinions regarding edible flower market characteristics. Approximately 1000 farmers’ markets were contacted, with 229 responses for a 22.9% response rate. Respondents located in urban (62.8%) and western (52.1%) regions were more likely to sell edible flowers in their markets. Southern (25%) and rural (25.9%) respondents were less likely to sell them. The most sold edible species by markets were nasturtium, calendula, marigolds, and pansies. Vendors who sold edible flower species alone accounted for only 3.5%, with vendors who primarily sold vegetables (47.7%) and vegetables and fruit (32.6%) as the most common vendor type, thus supporting claims of edible flowers sales primarily as supplemental income. When asked about the largest barriers to the edible flower market, managers shared that public knowledge (72.5%) and marketability (63.8%) were the biggest barriers to the expansion of this industry. The results of our study provide more insight into the US edible flower market. Moreover, it highlights areas of future research that can support producers interested in growing and expanding edible flowers sales and supplementing their current practices.

Triterpenoid saponins, which are glycosidic derivatives of oleanolic acid, demonstrate numerous pharmacological properties. The hairy root cultures of marigold accumulate these phytoanticipins mainly in vacuoles, which may contain up to 40% of the triterpene glycosides synthesized in the cytoplasm. Dimethyl sulfoxide, Tween 20 (T20), Tween 80 (T80), and Triton X-100 (Tx100) were used as potential surfactants, allowing for an increase in the release of saponin into the culture medium. T20 at concentrations of 0.3–1.0% (v/v) caused a higher saponin content in the liquid medium, from 52 to 61 times for CH9, 15 to 22 times higher for CC16, and seven to twelve times higher for CH2, compared to the respective control cultures. DMSO was efficient toward the CC16 line, providing a 3–7 times higher saponin content for 0.5% and 1.0% (v/v) surfactant concentrations, respectively. The suitability of Triton X-100 for triterpenoid saponin could not be determined with the method used in this experiment, and there was a serious contamination of the analyzed samples. The ultrasound method accelerated surfactant action, and only for the CH9 line did it result in an increase in the secretion of glycosides to almost three-fold in the case of T80 and over two-fold in the case of T20. The conditions that were least harmful for the roots were: ultrasound, Tween 80, and T80 interacting with US. The permeabilized cultures, after 30 days of growth in the new medium, obtained fresh biomasses similar to the control or a reduction by the maximum of one-fifth for CH9. For the second line (CC16), the growth parameters were reduced twice. Polyoxoethylene sorbitan monolaurate was found to be the most powerful surfactant, and a proposed concentration and time of action allowed for culture viability only for the CC16 line. The young parts of the root tips generated a new culture, with the growth being reduced by 77% (FW) and 82% (DW).Key messagePolysorbates and ultrasounds allow to increase by 22-61 times triterpenic saponins content in medium of marigold hairy root cultures. Tween20 was powerful, while Tween80 did not weaken cultures regrowth.