Search Results (17)

Tagetes patula is a widely cultivated ornamental plant and a natural source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the effects of cultivation–substrate systems on growth, flowering, lutein and zeaxanthin accumulation, substrate microbiological properties, and pest and disease occurrence in three T. patula cultivars (‘Csemő’, ‘Robusta kénsárga’, and ‘Orion’) grown under two greenhouse (peat-based substrate and hydroponics) and three field conditions (peat-based and two peat-free substrates). Greenhouse hydroponics markedly enhanced vegetative growth, resulting in the highest plant height, stem diameter, and shoot biomass, whereas peat-based greenhouse substrates produced the lowest vegetative performance. Flowering responses were more moderate and largely cultivar-dependent: peat-based field conditions supported the highest inflorescence numbers, cv. ‘Orion’ produced the greatest inflorescence biomass, and cv. ‘Robuszta kénsárga’ showed the strongest flowering intensity in peat-based systems. Cultivar ‘Csemő’ consistently accumulated the highest lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations among cultivars. Substrate moisture and microbial activity differed substantially among systems, with peat-free substrates frequently exhibiting elevated enzymatic activity. No fungal diseases were detected; thrips occurred only in greenhouse systems, and spider mites were restricted to cv. ‘Orion’ under hydroponic conditions. Overall, hydroponic and peat-free systems enhanced vegetative growth and microbial activity, whereas flowering and carotenoid accumulation were primarily cultivar-specific, as further supported by correlation analysis and PCA. These findings demonstrate that sustainable peat alternatives and hydroponic systems can effectively support high-quality T. patula production and carotenoid yield. Full article

To elucidate the involvement of glutathione in the mitigation of induced oxidative changes and the sequestration of perceived volatiles in cells, we exposed potato plants to French marigold essential oil. The formation of short-lived radicals, the determination of scavenging activity towards ascorbyl and DPPH radicals, and the assessment of the potato plants’ overall intra/extracellular reduction status were performed using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The results showed the presence of hydroxyl radicals in potatoes, with significantly reduced accumulation in exposed plants compared to the control group after 8 h. However, the kinetics of EPR signal intensity change for the pyrrolidine spin probe (3CP) in these plants showed very low reducing potential, suggesting that the antioxidant system acts lethargically and/or the probe has been reoxidized. Total glutathione and its reduced/oxidized form ratio, determined spectrophotometrically, showed that the exposed plants initially had lower glutathione levels with diminutive, reduced form compared to the control. Still, after 8 h, both characteristics were similar to those of the control. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the volatiles altered the expression of glutathione metabolism-involved genes, especially that of glutathione-S-transferase, after 8 h. Glutathione metabolism was affected by volatiles in the initial response of potato plants exposed to French marigold essential oil, and glutathione molecules were involved in the mitigation of induced oxidative burst. Full article

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as ‘MIX’. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha⁻¹) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture. Full article

The growing demand for higher-quality food production in smaller soil areas points to optimized land use. Intercropping has the potential to increase yield, reduce pests and diseases, and boost biodiversity. This study, conducted at the Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, from 2017 to 2019, aimed to determine the effect of white cabbage intercropping with aromatic plants, calendula, French marigold, thyme, and sage on yield, mineral and biochemical composition. Aromatic plants are known to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, so this study aimed to determine whether aromatic plants affect the yield, mineral, and biochemical composition of white cabbage. The two-year observations demonstrated that aromatic plants did not affect or slightly affect the mineral composition of cabbage’s primary macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, and Ca). Cabbage’s dry matter, sugars, and ascorbic acid content vary when grown intercropped with aromatic plants compared to monoculture. Although the results were comparable, sugar concentration was lower in all cabbage combinations than in monoculture. Lower nitrate levels were detected in cabbage monoculture, probably due to agro-meteorological circumstances. The highest cabbage yield was achieved by intercropping with thyme (7.25 t/ha) compared to monoculture (6.81 t/ha) in 2018. It was found that intercropping with aromatic plants had little effect on the biochemical composition of white cabbage. The study results suggest that French marigold and thyme can be grown together with white cabbage to improve the phytosanitary of vegetables without compromising the biochemical quality of the cabbages. However, the influence on biochemical composition, especially on the nitrate and glucosinolate levels, should be examined further, providing valuable insights for future research in this field. Full article

Apple replant disease (ARD) may cause significant losses both in commercial orchards and in fruit tree nurseries. The negative effects of ARD may be limited by using biofumigation. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of this treatment on the biological properties of replanted soil in a tree nursery. In two-year experiment, apple trees of the ‘Golden Delicious’ cultivar were used. The trees were planted into soil from two sites. The soil from one site had not been used in a nursery before (crop rotation soil). The other soil had been used for the production of apple trees (replanted soil). Three species of plants were used in the replanted soil as a forecrop: French marigold (Tagetes patula), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera). The following parameters were assessed in the experiment: the enzyme and respiratory activity of the soil, the total count of bacteria, fungi, oomycetes and actinobacteria in the soil, as well as the count and species composition of soil nematodes. The vegetative growth parameters of the apple trees were also assessed. The biological properties of the replanted soil were worse than those of the crop rotation soil. In the replanted soil, the organic matter content, enzyme and respiratory activity as well as the count of soil microorganisms were lower. The biofumigants, used as a forecrop on the replanted soil, significantly increased its enzyme activity and respiratory activity. Dehydrogenase activity increased more than twofold. Growth parameters of the trees were significantly improved. The height of the trees increased by more than 50%, and the leaf area, weight and total length of side shoots were higher as well. The density of nematodes in the replanted soil after biofumigation was significantly reduced, with a larger reduction in the marigold fumigated soil. Eight of the eleven nematode species were completely reduced in the first year after biofumigation treatment. Full article

The use of biodegradable paper pulp pots has been gaining traction, especially among environmentally conscious consumers and horticultural practitioners who prioritize sustainability. The choice between paper pulp and polyethylene nursery pots in horticultural practices is a complex decision, involving considerations such as environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, durability, and overall sustainability. This study aims to provide practical insights into the comparative performance of paper pulp and polyethylene pots, specifically in terms of plant health, degradation, and techno-economic considerations. The study involved the growth performance assessment of four plant species, Cannonball Tomato, Celebrity Tomato, Parris Island Lettuce, and French Marigold, in a greenhouse experiment setup. Additionally, a degradation analysis was conducted to determine the average degradation rate and pattern. Finally, a techno-economic analysis compared the value of plant health and degradation with the market price. By evaluating the quality performance aspects of paper pulp pots, this study not only provides valuable insights but also identifies potential areas of improvement for other biodegradable pots, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable horticultural practices. Full article

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. Full article

The imbalance of the soil microbiome is a primary indicator of ARD (apple replant disease). Biofumigation is a treatment that enables the restoration of microbiome balance. This study involved an analysis of the taxonomic and functional diversity of bacterial communities in replanted soil (ARD), in replanted soils with forecrops of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), white mustard (Sinapis alba), and oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleifera), and in agricultural soil. The biofumigation treatment with phytosanitary plants changed the structure and abundance of the replanted soil microbiome in a fruit tree nursery. The count of operational taxonomic units (OTU) of the Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, and Verrucomicrobiota phyla increased, whereas the count of the Firmicutes, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota phyla decreased. Biofumigation caused an increase in the content of some dominant bacterial genera, such as Flavobacterium, Massila, Sphingomonas, Arenimonas, and Devosia, in the replanted soil. Their presence in the soil may improve the growth of plants, induce their systemic resistance, and thus improve the production properties of soil with ARD. The research results led to the conclusion that the use of phytosanitary plants in nursery production can be an effective alternative to the chemical fumigation of soil. Full article

Short-cycle horticulture crops often rely on fertigation to provide immediately available nutrients. This practice poses an environmental threat when nutrients, particularly phosphorus, leach from containers and enter waterways. One method that could be used to reduce the loss of phosphorus and other key anions from horticultural crops is incorporating activated aluminum into container substrates. This study investigates the incorporation of three rates of activated aluminum into a pine bark substrate, and the effects this amendment may have on the container leachate nutrient content and the growth of a popular short-cycle crop (Tagetes patula, French marigold). The addition of activated aluminum reduced the cumulative mass of phosphorus in container leachate by 69–96% compared to a standard pine bark substrate. The growth index and subjective plant quality scores of Tagetes were equivalent between the activated aluminum-amended substrates and pine bark only substrates, in all cases, producing a salable, quality crop. This study demonstrates that incorporating activated aluminum into container substrates is an effective way to reduce phosphorus loss to the environment without sacrificing crop quality. Full article

Marigolds (Calendula officinalis L.) are valuable in ornamentation, human food, and other uses; to enhance productivity, plant growth regulators produce stimulatory effects, including salicylic acid (SA) and spermidine (SP), but there is a lack of scientific evidence about such effects in marigolds. The study assessed, under greenhouse conditions, changes in physico-chemical parameters, enzymatic activity, and bioactive compounds of marigold cvs. Hybrid and French marigolds were sprayed of SA (1 and 2 mM) and SP (2 and 3 mM) and compared to control (pure water). The SA at 2 mM improved leaf length (8.20 cm), flower height and diameter (5.32, 8.28 cm), flower fresh and dry weight (14.30, 1.5 g), and the maximum number of flower petals (55) in ‘Hybrid’. Similarly, 2 mM SA gave the maximum number of leaves (40.71) and stem thickness (5.76 mm) in ‘French’, but 3 mM SP promoted the maximum plant height in ‘Hybrid’. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities increased in ‘Hybrid’ with 2 mM SA; with this SA dose, ‘Hybrid’ had higher contents of total phenolic compounds (68.34 mg GAE g⁻¹), antioxidants (77%), carotenoids (110 mg 100 g⁻¹), and flavonoids (67.5 mg RE g⁻¹) than the control. The best dose for improving growth in both marigold varieties was 2 mM SA. Full article

The addition of flowering companion plants within or around crop fields is a promising strategy to strengthen pest regulation by their natural enemies. Aromatic plants are frequently used as companion plants, but their effects on natural enemies remain unclear under field conditions. Here, we evaluated the effects of two aromatic plant species on the parasitism of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and the recruitment of predatory arthropods (spiders, earwigs) in a factorial field experiment. Apple trees were intercropped with basil (Ocimum basilicum), French marigolds (Tagetes patula), or ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The association between apple trees and O. basilicum increases codling moth parasitism, but does not affect arthropod predator abundances. Furthermore, we find a general negative effect of T. patula on arthropod diversities and abundances, including the pest and its natural enemies. Finally, changes in the parasitism rate and arthropod community structure due to the aromatic plants do not reduce codling moth density or associated apple damage. Further experiments are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in aromatic plant effects on pest repellence and on natural enemy recruitment (volatile organic compound composition, floral resource supply, or pest density dependence). Full article

Microgreens are edible seedlings of vegetables and flowers species which are currently considered among the five most profitable crops globally. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for plant growth, development, and synthesis of health-promoting phytochemicals with a more flexible and feasible spectral manipulation for microgreen production in indoor farms. However, research on LED lighting spectral manipulation specific to microgreen production, has shown high variability in how these edible seedlings behave regarding their light environmental conditions. Hence, developing species-specific LED light recipes for enhancement of growth and valuable functional compounds is fundamental to improve their production system. In this study, various irradiance levels and wavelengths of light spectrum produced by LEDs were investigated for their effect on growth, yield, and nutritional quality in four vegetables (chicory, green mizuna, china rose radish, and alfalfa) and two flowers (french marigold and celosia) of microgreens species. Microgreens were grown in a controlled environment using sole-source light with different photosynthetic photon flux density (110, 220, 340 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and two different spectra (RB: 65% red, 35% blue; RGB: 47% red, 19% green, 34% blue). At harvest, the lowest level of photosynthetically active photon flux (110 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) reduced growth and decreased the phenolic contents in almost all species. The inclusion of green wavelengths under the highest intensity showed positive effects on phenolic accumulation. Total carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity were in general enhanced by the middle intensity, regardless of spectral combination. Thus, this study indicates that the inclusion of green light at an irradiance level of 340 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in the RB light environment promotes the growth (dry weight biomass) and the accumulation of bioactive phytochemicals in the majority of the microgreen species tested. Full article

French marigold is an aromatic plant rich in polyphenolic secondary metabolites, which pesticidal potential was examined in this study. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) connected with OrbiTrap mass spectrometer (MS) identified 113 phenolics and revealed the most detailed phytochemistry of French marigold published so far. Depending on plant material (flowers or leaves) and solvents used for extraction (water, methanol, dichloromethane), the phenolic composition varied. Methanol extract of flowers, with 89 identified phenolics and high antioxidant activity statistically comparable with positive control Trolox, was chosen for testing of antifeedant potential against the 3rd and 4th instars of Colorado potato beetle (CPB). A significant reduction in final body mass of 4th larval stage fed with potato leaves coated with methanol extract of flowers in the concentration of 10 mg/mL was observed (157.67 mg vs. 182.26 mg of controls fed with non-treated leaves). This caused delayed molting since treated larvae reached the maximal mass a day after controls and this delay persisted during the entire larval development. Continuous feeding caused a 25% decline in digestive proteolytic activity of the 4th instar in comparison to controls. The results suggest that French marigold methanol extract of flowers could be proposed as a promising antifeedant for CPB management, with an impact on the reduction in the environmental footprint associated with synthetic pesticide application. Full article

The main focus of the study was to determine the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and organic acids in the flowers of Tagetes patula ‘Petite Gold’ and ‘Petite Orange’. The growth of the plants was assessed depending on the cultivation conditions. The above plants were illuminated with white light, whereas the ‘Petite Gold’ ones with white light enhanced with blue or red light. Both cultivars grew in a two-level-mineral compounds organic substrate. The research showed that the French marigold flowers were rich in phenolic compounds and organic acids. The ‘Petite Gold’ flowers had more bioactive compounds compared with the ‘Petite Orange’ flowers. Three flavonoids, 10 phenolic acids and seven organic acids were found in the ‘Petite Gold’ flowers. The artificial lighting used during the cultivation of the plants showed diversified influence on the content of organic compounds in their flowers. The measurements of the plants’ morphological traits and the number of inflorescences showed that illumination with red light resulted in a better effect. Large plants with numerous inflorescences grew in the substrate with a lower content of nutrients. Full article

Organic and ecological farming programs require new and efficient biostimulants with beneficial properties for the sustainable and safe production of seedlings and ornamental plants. We examined the effect of non-fermented and lacto-fermented alfalfa brown juice (BJ) on seed germination and the vegetative, physiological, and anatomical properties of French marigold (Tagetes patula L. ’Csemő’) plants which were treated with 0.5–10% fermented and non-fermented BJ, with tap water applied as a control. Applying 0.5% fermented BJ significantly improved seed germination compared with non-fermented BJ, resulting in an increase of 9.6, 11.2, 10.9, and 41.7% in the final germination percent, germination rate index, germination index, and vigor index, respectively. In addition, it increased the root and shoot length by 7.9 and 16.1%, respectively, root and shoot dry mass by 20 and 47.6%, respectively, and the number of leaves by 28.8% compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in contents of water-soluble phenol, chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid was reported upon the application of 0.5% fermented BJ, while peroxidase activity decreased. Our results prove that alfalfa BJ can be enrolled as a biostimulant as part of the circular farming approach which supports the sustainable horticultural practice. Full article