Tagetes Patula Research Articles

Cadmium accumulation and main rhizosphere characteristics of seven French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) cultivars

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to determine Cd accumulation and Cd fraction in the rhizosphere soil of seven Tagetes patula cultivars (Little Hero Orange, Durango Yellow, Janie Yellow Bright, Lucifer Yellow, Hero Flame, Hongyun Red, Konghuang Yellow). T. patula cultivars showed strong tolerance and accumulation to Cd. The highest Cd concentration (273.77 mg kg−1) in shoots was observed in Little Hero Orange when treated with Cd100. For most cultivars, Cd treatments significantly affected rhizosphere pH values, but had a slight effect on dissolved organic carbon (DOC). pH were negatively correlated with Cd accumulation and Cd percentages in the exchangeable fraction in the rhizosphere soil of Little Hero Orange, Durango Yellow, and Konghuang Yellow. No significant correlation was observed between DOC, Cd accumulation and Cd percentage in the exchangeable fraction in the rhizosphere soil, except for Konghuang Yellow. The results suggested that pH might be related to Cd bioavailability and their uptake by T. patula. Among seven cultivars, Little Hero Orange showed the greatest pH decrease, highest shoot Cd accumulation and Cd percentage in the exchangeable fraction, suggesting the difference in pH responses to Cd levels among T. patula might be responsible for their different ability of Cd activation.

Studying acute toxicity of the lipophilic extractions from Tagetes L. containing carotenoids

Marigold (Tagetes L.) is species of plants widely spread all over the world which is used in folk medicine for treating gastro-intestinal and infectious diseases. Multicomponent chemical composition assures large-scaled therapeutic action for the medicines obtained. Extractions and biological active substances from Marigold (Tagetes L.) as a promising source for new vegetable medicines attract attention of scientific community. Therefore, studying acute toxicity in lipophilic extractions from Tagetes L. is of great scientific and practical significance. The aim of this research was studying acute toxicity in lipophilic extractions from Tagetes patula L., undersized, brand Goldkopfen and Tagetes erecta L., high-sized, brand Hawaji in epicutaneous application and intragastric administration. The samples for research have been obtained from Tagetes dried raw material by extraction with corn oil refined and deodorized. The research has been carried out on white non-standard rats according to the Ukrainian legislation. Single external application of the sample in dosages 0.7500ml/cm², 0.3750ml/cm², 0.1875ml/cm² was used to assess toxicity. Studying acute toxicity in intragastric administration has been performed by Litchfield–Wilcoxonу technique on three linear groups of animals. To attain higher dosages the samples have been introduced repeatedly at intervals 30 minutes within 120–180 minutes. During experiment no statistically reliable changes in behavior and general condition in animals have been noted. Pathomorphologic examination revealed no deviations in structure and mass indices for internal organs. It has been determined that lipophilic extractions from inflorescences of Tagetes patula L., undersized, brand Goldkopfen and Tagetes erecta L., high-sized, brand Hawaji are nontoxic both in intragastric administration in limiting dosage and in epicutaneous application, therefore they can be attributed to the VI class of toxicity and they are suitable for obtaining vegetable medicines.

Evaluation of growth, flowering characters and yield of commercial annual flower crops as intercrop in coconut ecosystem

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the growth and the flowering of some of the commercial annual flower crops as intercrop in coconut ecosystem. Commercial annual flower crops viz., African marigold, French marigold, celosia, gomphrena and China aster were grown as an intercrop in coconut plantation and also under open condition for comparison. The results of the experiment showed that all of the crops performed to its optimum in the coconut shade, but less well than the open condition. The parameters viz., Plant height, internodal length, number of lateral branches, days taken for first flowering, flower diameter and yield were recorded. The yield was relatively higher in the open condition. The morphological characters were higher in the open condition and the earliness to flower bud initiation and flowering were observed in the open condition.

Usage of Tagetes and Tanacetum as Dye Plants for Natural and Artificial Fibers

Abstract 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.

Responses of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita Infective Juveniles to Root Tissues, Root Exudates, and Root Extracts from Three Plant Species.

The infective juvenile (J2) stage of endoparasitic plant nematodes uses plant chemical signals, released from roots, to localize and infect hosts. We examined the behaviors of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) J2 in the presence of root signals from marigold (Tagetes patula), soybean (Glycine max), and pepper (Capsicum annuum). Signals were obtained from sources commonly used in phytoparasitic nematode chemotaxis studies: root tips, root exudates, and root extracts. Root tips from each plant species attracted M. incognita but H. glycines was attracted only to soybean. In contrast, root exudates prepared from marigold, pepper, or soybean seedlings were attractive to H. glycines but were repellent to M. incognita. Root extracts had the same effect as exudates. Fractionation of exudates by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (acetonitrile [CH3CN] and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) revealed highly polar and less polar components affecting behaviors. Fractions eluting at 12% CH3CN from all three plants attracted H. glycines and repelled M. incognita. None of the less polar HPLC fractions (>15% CH3CN) affected H. glycines but those from G. max and T. patula repelled M. incognita. Differences among exudates and effects of fractionation on behavior are discussed.

In situ phytoremediation of dyes from textile wastewater using garden ornamental plants, effect on soil quality and plant growth

In situ phytoremediation of dyes from textile wastewater was carried out in a high rate transpiration system ridges (91.4 m × 1.0 m) cultivated independently with Tagetes patula, Aster amellus, Portulaca grandiflora and Gaillardia grandiflora which reduced American Dye Manufacturers Institute color value by 59, 50, 46 and 73%, respectively within 30 d compared to dye accumulated in unplanted ridges. Significant increase in microbial count and electric conductivity of soil was observed during phytoremediation. Reduction in the contents of macro (N, P, K and C), micro (B, Cu, Fe and Mn) elements and heavy metals (Cd, As, Pb and Cr) was observed in the soil from planted ridges due to phyto-treatment. Root tissues of these plants showed significant increase in the specific activities of oxido-reductive enzymes such as lignin peroxidase, laccase, veratryl alcohol oxidase, tyrosinase and azo reductase during decolorization of textile dyes from soil. Anatomical studies of plants roots revealed the occurrence of textile dyes in tissues and subsequent degradation. A minor decrease in plant growth was also observed. Overall surveillance suggests that the use of garden ornamental plants on the ridges of constructed wetland for the treatment of dyes from wastewater along with the consortia of soil microbial flora is a wise and aesthetically pleasant strategy.

Surface characterisation and reaction kinetics of silver nanoparticles mediated by the leaf and flower extracts of French marigold (Tagetes patula).

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.

Effectiveness of Biopolymer Horticultural Products for Production and Postproduction Nutrient Provision of Garden and Bedding Crops and Container Ornamentals

We evaluated emerging biopolymer horticultural products that provide fertilizer nutrients to plants (fertilizing biocontainers, pelletized biopolymer fertilizer, and biopolymer fertilizer spikes) for their effectiveness during greenhouse production and garden growth of floriculture crops, and during postproduction culture of container ornamentals. Greenhouse experiments (in 4.5-inch containers) and garden trials were performed with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), petunia (Petunia ×hybrida), and marigold (Tagetes patula). Postproduction experiments were performed with 12-inch hanging baskets containing lobelia (Lobelia erinus), trailing petunia (Calibrachoa ×hybrida), and petunia, and with 13-inch patio planters containing zonal geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), spikes (Cordyline indivisa), bidens (Bidens ferulifolia), and trailing petunia. Although slightly less effective than synthetic controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), all three nutrient-containing biopolymer horticultural products were sufficient and suitable for providing fertilizer nutrients to plants grown in containers and in garden soil. Results of the postproduction experiment provided proof-of-concept for the effectiveness and potential of biopolymer fertilizer spikes as a sustainable method for providing fertilizer nutrients to containerized plants. The current formulation of pelletized biopolymer fertilizer was somewhat more effective for vegetable crops (pepper and tomato) than for floriculture crops (marigold and petunia). For plants produced in 4.5-inch containers, the combination of the fertilizing biocontainer with no additional fertilizer in the greenhouse, then burying the fertilizing container beneath the plant to degrade and provide nutrients in the garden was very effective. Biopolymer horticultural products represent a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastic containers and synthetic fertilizers. Adoption of some or all of these technologies could improve the environmental sustainability of the horticulture industry without reducing productivity or efficiency, and without increasing labor intensity.

Quantitative profiling of polyacetylenes in tissue cultures and plant parts of three species of the Asteraceae

Polyacetylenes are a group of fatty-acid derived specialized metabolites with several C–C-triple bonds and derived compounds which are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, but are especially abundant and structurally diverse in the Asteraceae family. Despite their interesting structural and biological properties, the biosynthesis of polyacetylenes is only poorly understood. We have used three species of the Asteraceae (Carthamus tinctorius, Tagetes patula, and Arctium lappa) to compare their suitability for studies of polyacetylene biosynthesis when used after cultivation on soil or as tissue culture. The polyacetylene profiles detected in different plant parts together with information from the literature indicate that C. tinctorius seedlings and flowers as well as T. patula roots and flower buds are major sites of polyacetylene biosynthesis. Highest levels of polyacetylenes were detected in T. patula [about 30 µmol/g dry weight (d.w.) thiophenes in roots] while A. lappa contained less than 1 µmol/g d.w.. Methyljasmonate (MeJ)-induced T. patula hairy root cultures proved to be an excellent source of butenynyl-bithiophene (200 µmol/g d.w., 43 mg/g d.w.) while T. patula flower buds could serve as a source of pentenynyl-bithiophene and α-terthienyl (5–10 µmol/g d.w.) and C. tinctorius flowers or seedlings as a source of polyacetylenic C13 hydrocarbons, the biosynthetic precursors of thiophenes (5–10 µmol/g d.w.). Upon addition of elicitors to tissue cultures, highest elicitation factors (between four and seven) were reached for 1,11-tridecadiene-3,5,7,9-tetrayne in C. tinctorius cell suspension cultures with 40 µM MeJ and α-terthienyl in T. patula hairy root cultures with 100 µM MeJ.

Bioavailability of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) to French Marigold (Tagetes patula) in relation to Soil properties

Bioavailability of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) to French Marigold (Tagetes patula) in relation to Soil properties

Responses of Marigold Cultivars to Saline Water Irrigation

Marigolds (Tagetes sp.) are ornamental plants with fine-textured, dark green foliage, and yellow, orange, or bicolored flowers. The relative salt tolerance of eight marigolds [‘Discovery Orange’, ‘Discovery Yellow’, ‘Taishan Gold’, ‘Taishan Orange’, and ‘Taishan Yellow’ african marigold (Tagetes erecta); ‘Hot Pak Gold’, ‘Hot Pak Orange’, and ‘Hot Pak Yellow’ french marigold (Tagetes patula)] was evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Plants were irrigated weekly with nutrient solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2 dS·m−1 (control) or saline solutions at an EC of 3.0 or 6.0 dS·m−1 (EC 3 or EC 6). Marigold plants began to show foliar salt damage (leaf burn and necrosis) at 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment. At harvest (9 weeks after the initiation of treatment), ‘Discovery Orange’, ‘Discovery Yellow’, ‘Taishan Gold’, and ‘Taishan Yellow’ plants exhibited severe foliar salt damage with visual scores less than 2 (on a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 = dead and 5 = excellent with no foliar salt damage) in EC 6. In the same treatment, ‘Hot Pak Gold’ and ‘Taishan Orange’ plants all died and only one of nine ‘Hot Pak Orange’ and ‘Hot Pak Yellow’ plants survived. In EC 3, all cultivars had slight or minimal foliar salt damage with visual scores ≈4 with the exception of Taishan Gold and Taishan Orange plants that showed moderate foliar damage with a visual score of 2.3 and 2.1, respectively. Treatment EC 3 reduced the flower number of ‘Discovery Orange’, ‘Discovery Yellow’, ‘Hot Pak Gold’, and ‘Hot Pak Yellow’ by 52%, 28%, 50%, and 30%, respectively, whereas EC 6 decreased the flower number of ‘Discovery Orange’ and ‘Discovery Yellow’ by 48% and 52%, respectively. In addition, both EC 3 and EC 6 did not reduce total dry weight (DW) of any cultivars, except Hot Pak Yellow and Taishan Yellow. In conclusion, all marigold cultivars are moderately sensitive to salt. ‘Discovery Orange’, ‘Taishan Yellow’, ‘Discovery Yellow’, and ‘Taishan Gold’ were more tolerant than ‘Hot Pak Gold’, ‘Hot Pak Orange’, ‘Hot Pak Yellow’, and ‘Taishan Orange’.

Influence of storage conditions of marigold flowers on retention of carotenoids and antioxidant activities

The present investigations were carried out to find the effect of different storage temperatures and durationson retention of total carotenoids and antioxidant activities of dried marigold flower petals in varieties Pusa Arpita of Tagetes patula L., Pusa basanti Gainda and Pusa Narangi Gainda of Tagetes erecta L. The results revealed that vacuum dried petals of varieties, namely Pusa Arpita, Pusa Narangi Gainda and Pusa basanti Gainda recorded the highest content of carotenoids (952.78, 1923.94 and 119.75 mg/100 g DW), lutein (220.48, 205.26 and 65.87 μg/g DW), β carotene (14.61, 11.68 and 3.86 μg/g DW), total phenolic content (46.50, 45.48and 63.34 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid content (30.85, 29.32 and 31.28 mg GAE/g DW) and antioxidant activities {FRAP (430.59, 595.29 and 509.57 μmol FeSO4/g DW) and DPPH (49.28, 59.73 and 51.30%)} after 60days of storage temperature at-20°C, respectively followed by 4°C and lowest content was observed in driedmarigold flower petals stored at ambient temperature. It was also revealed from the studies that carotenoids, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities were found decreased during storage at all the temperatures. The retention of carotenoids and their antioxidant activities was found to be high in vacuum dried petals stored at-20°C. Among varieties, Pusa Narangi Gainda of African marigold retained better carotenoidsand antioxidant activities after 60 days of storage at-20°C.

Effect of biofertilizers on growth and flowering in French marigold cv. Pusa Arpita

An experiment was carried out to study the response of French marigold cv. Pusa Arpita to biofertilizers during the period from September 2014 to January 2015. There were 7 treatments comprising different combinations of VAM and Azotobacter replicated thrice. Among the biofertilizer treatments T6 (VAM 2.0 g/plant + Azotobacter 1.5 kg/ha) was significantly superior in terms of vegetative growth parameters as it recorded the maximum values of plant height (47.04 cm), number of primary branches per plant (24.30), number of secondary branches per plant (45.06) and plant spread (60.83 cm). This treatment was found superior in flowering parameters also recording the earliest flower bud appearance (53.59 days), earliest 50% flowering (68.67 days), longest flowering duration (76.92 days), maximum flower diameter (56.54 mm), highest number of flowers per plant (278.67), highest individual flower weight (8.19 g), highest flower yield per plant (884.35 g) and highest flower yield per plot (13.00 kg). This treatment was found superior in seed parameters also as it recorded earliest seed ripening (93.21 days), maximum number of seeds per flower (150.60), maximum weight of seeds per flower (0.89 g), maximum 100 seed weight (0.51 g) and maximum seed yield per plant (126.67 g).

Substantiation of the composition of probiotic cosmetic products for the toning of oily skin

The efficiency of using lysates of probiotic cultures of lacto- and bifidobacteria in cosmetics is analyzed, the expediency of using live probiotic cultures in natural cosmetics is shown. The efficacy of using illuminated acid whey and hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants with a high content of bioantioxidants with antiseptic effect (in particular, the extract of dried flowers Tagetes patula) is proved to be effective in the composition of cosmetic means for toning the skin. The optimal mass proportions of acid whey, obtained with the use of probiotic cultures of lacto- and bifidobacteria in the composition of the direct bacterial concentrate FD DVS ABT-2, are justified. As well as a water-alcohol extract of dried flowers Tagetes patula (59.98 and 40.02 % respectively) as components of a probiotic cosmetic for toning of oily skin. It has been established that the maximum antioxidant activity (45.6 act. units) and the normalized value of active acidity (4.76 pH units), the probiotic cosmetic for toning of oily skin, has the optimum content of raw ingredients in it. Namely: 59.98 % of the acid whey obtained using probiotic cultures of lacto- and bifidobacteria in the composition of the direct bacterial concentrate FD DVS ABT-2, and 40.02 % of the water-alcohol extract of the dry flowers of Tagetes patula. It is determined that the organoleptic and physicochemical quality indicators of probiotic cosmetic means for toning of oily skin, produced with the use of raw ingredients in the optimal ratio, meet the requirements of DSTU 4093-2002. By the content of ethyl alcohol the developed product can be attributed to cosmetic lotions. Microbiological indices of the developed probiotic cosmetic lotion differ from those in DSTU 4093-2002, therefore, for the introduction of it into production, it is necessary to develop appropriate regulatory documents. It is proved that the developed probiotic cosmetic lotion is natural and safe due to the improved microbiological characteristics. It is established that the strengths of the product are greater than those of the weak, which indicates its competitiveness in the consumer market. Strategic solutions are proposed for the movement of a new cosmetic product and for reducing the impact of weaknesses on its implementation.

Extracts and semi-purified fractions of Tagetes patula flowers in the control of root-knot nematodes

The genus Tagetes constitutes a group of antagonistic plant species that are cytotoxic against plant pathogenic nematodes, with T. patula being particularly efficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of extracts and semi-purified fractions of T. patula flowers on eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. paranaensis, as well as to verify the nematicidal effect of the flavonoids present in T. patula flowers. Extracts and semi-purified fractions were obtained from dried T. patula flowers after maceration and liquidification, yielding crude aqueous (CAE) and crude ethanol-water (CEWE) extracts. Dried flowers were also treated with n-hexane to obtain a crude defatted aqueous extract (CDAE) and a crude ethanol-water defatted extract (CEWDE). Then, the CEWE was fractionated, and the ethyl acetate (EAF), ethanol (EF), methanol (MF), and ethanol:water (EWF) fractions were obtained. CAE, CEWE, CDAE, and CEWDE were tested to evaluate their effects on hatching, mobility, and mortality of J2 of M. incognita, M. javanica, and M. paranaensis. EAF, EF, MF, and EWF fractions were tested on the same variables of M. incognita. All extracts significantly reduced J2 hatching of M. incognita, M. javanica, and M. paranaensis when compared to water and water + DMSO. CEWE had nematicidal effects on the three evaluated species, whereas CEWDE demonstrated nematicidal effects against M. incognita and M. javanica, and nematostatic effects on M. paranaensis. This toxic effect showed by CEWE may be related to the high content of quercetin, a major substance present in this sample. It was also observed that EAF accentuated the nematicidal response on Meloidogyne spp., suggesting that other medium polarity (methoxylated) flavonoids act as nematotoxic substances. Thus, these results suggest that quercetin contributes significantly to the nematicidal activity of CEWE and EAF.

Hospedabilidade de plantas ornamentais e medicinais ao nematoide das galhas (Meloidogyne incognita) raça 2

Em razão do aumento na produção de plantas ornamentais e medicinais no estado do Ceará, da importância agrícola do gênero Meloidogyne e da escassez de dados sobre a hospedabilidade desse patógeno nessas espécies, objetivou-se avaliar a susceptibilidade de 30 espécies, sendo 20 ornamentais (Antirrhimum majus), (Gazania ringens), (Carthamus tinctorius), (Bryophyllum cayicinum), (Ceasalpinia pulcherrima), (Thumbergia alata), (Petunia hibryda), (Exacum affine) (Catharanthus roseus), (Opuntia sp.), (Sansevieria trifasciata), (Asparagus densiflorus), (Hibiscus mutabilis-roreus), (Impatiens balsamiana), (Celosia spicata), (Antirrhimum sp.), (Dianthus chinensis), (Zinnia elegans), (Tagetes patula), (Capsicum annuum) e 10 medicinais (Peumus boldus), (Ocimum gratissimum), (Mentha arvensis), (Mentha x Vilosa), (Plectranthus amboinicus), (Ocimum bassilicum), (Rosmarinus officinalis), (Cymbopogon citratus), (Lippia alba), (Cymbopogon winterianus). Realizou-se o ensaio em casa de vegetação, do Setor de Fitossanidade, Departamento de Fitotecnia, da Universidade Federal do Ceará. A inoculação foi realizada com 4.000 ovos/J2 por vaso. A avaliação das plantas deu-se aos 60 dias após a inoculação. Avaliou-se a reação das plantas, mensurando-se: número de galhas e de ovos, índice de massa de ovos, fator de reprodução e redução do fator de reprodução. A partir dos resultados, classificou-se a reação das plantas ao nematoide por meio de cinco critérios. Verificou-se que das plantas ornamentais apenas a espécie T. patula não apresentou galhas em suas raízes e das medicinais, as espécies M. vilosa, L. Alba, C. citratus, C. winterianus e P. boldus também não apresentaram galhas. Assim, conclui-se que as plantas ornamentais são potenciais introdutoras de nematoide das galhas em áreas indenes e que as medicinais, podem ser utilizadas em programas de rotação de culturas em função da pouca susceptibilidade ao nematoide das galhas.

New Study Concerning the Biodegradation of Dimethoate, Chlorpyrifos and Chlorfenvinphos in some Medicinal Plants

Herbal drugs are widely used in pharmaceutical industry due to their beneficial effects on human health. The current research was carried out to evaluate the organic pollutant degradation in the flower part of the plant after a foliar application of pesticides. Also, based on the fact that selected pesticides are highly toxic to bees, it is important to monitor the removal rate of the pollutant. Under laboratory conditions, the marigold and French flowers (Calendula Officinalis and Tagetes Patula) were spiked with a mix of organophosphorus insecticide, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos and chlorfenvinphos, where the first two substances are still used on Romanian territory. The samples were extracted at different time moments over 300 min after sprayed treatment in order to evaluate the concentration in flower. The analytes were quantified by using gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD) technique. The developed method ensures the quality and comparability of analytical results, with a good sensitivity in determining the analytes over the concentration range 5-250 �g/L.

Arsenic Bioaccumulation by Eruca sativa Is Unaffected by Intercropping or Plant Density

Because crop uptake of arsenic from soils poses a human health concern, this study examines the effect of plant species, neighborhood, and planting density on arsenic uptake by brassicas grown with companion crops. At a field site contaminated by arsenic and lead, we measured arsenic uptake in arugula (Eruca sativa) and collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) grown in arrangements varying in species diversity and density. We further tested the effect of species diversity on arsenic uptake in two greenhouse experiments with arsenic-spiked potting soil, one test using brassicaceous plants with intercropped pairs of arugula, collards, and kale (B. oleracea var. acephala). The other had intercropped pairs of arugula, lettuce (Lactuca sativa), and marigold (Tagetes patula). Arugula in all cropping arrangements accumulated the highest and most variable concentrations of arsenic compared to other species, with neither species diversity in the companion crops nor planting density affecting arsenic uptake. We observed increased phosphorus and sulfur uptake by arugula exposed to soil arsenic in the greenhouse brassica intercropping experiments, a result that may be explained by a biological response to arsenic or competition of arsenate with phosphate and sulfate for adsorption sites in the soil. Arsenic uptake was largely independent of plant-plant facilitation effects sometimes reported for other elements, possibly because of strong buffering of the bioavailable fraction of arsenic in the soils tested.

A search for glomuferrin: a potential siderophore of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the genus Glomus.

Most fungi are known to synthesize siderophores under iron limitation. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) have so far not been reported to produce siderophores, although their metabolism is iron-dependent. In an approach to isolate siderophores from AM fungi, we have grown plants of Tagetes patula nana in the presence of spores from AM fungi of the genus Glomus (G. etunicatum, G. mossae & unidentified Glomus sp.) symbiotically under iron limitation and sterile conditions. A siderophore was isolated from infected roots after 2-3weeks of growth in pots containing low-iron sand with Hoagland solution. HPLC analysis of the root cell lysate revealed a peak at a retention time of 6.7min which showed iron-binding properties in a chrome azurol S test. The compound was isolated by preparative HPLC and the structure was determined by high resolution electrospray FTICR-MS and GC/MS analysis of the hydrolysis products. From an observed absolute mass to charge ratio (m/z) of 401.11925 [M+H]+ with a relative mass error of ∆=0.47ppm an elemental composition of C16H21N2O10 [M+H]+ was derived, suggesting a molecular weight of 400Da for glomuferrin. Corresponnding ion masses of m/z 423.10 and m/z 439.06 were asigned to the Na-adduct and K-adduct respectively. A mass of 455.03836 confirmed an Fe- complex with an elemental composition of C16H19N2O10Fe (∆=0.15ppm). GC/MS analysis of the HCl lysate (6N HCL, 12h) revealed 1,4 butanediamine. Thus the proposed structure of the isolated siderophore from Glomus species consisted of 1,4 butanediamine amidically linked to two dehydrated citrate residues, similar to the previously identified bis-amidorhizoferrin. Thus, the isolated siderophore (glomuferrin) is a member of the rhizoferrin family previously isolated from fungi of the Mucorales (Zygomycetes).

A Study Regarding the Effects of Intercropping Celery with Cauliflower and Cherry Tomatoes

It has been proved that intercropping is a suitable approach for vegetable growing providing a high degree of sustainability. Due to its advantages this system reduces the presence of weeds, diseases and pests.Research was carried out in the experimental field of V. Adamachi farm from USAMV Iaşi. The biological material consist in three vegetable species: celery, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower and a flower, French marigold, cultivated in two intercropping systems, celery + cherry tomato + French marigold and celery + cauliflower. Biometric evaluations of celery plants were done on the edible part, length and width of the stalk and leaf, and number of leafs per plant.The obtained results showed in the two intercropping systems that celery plants were well developed, with a rich rosette and intense green colour of leaves. Celery, intercropped with cauliflower has a length and number of stalks slightly higher than the other system.The aim of this study is to analyze the agronomic and ornamental performances of the intercrop systems of celery with cauliflower and celery with tomatoes.