Tagetes Patula Research Articles

Flavobacterium tagetis sp. nov., a novel urea-hydrolysing bacterium isolated from the roots of Tagetes patula.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile by gliding, non-sporulating and strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain GN10T, was isolated from the roots of Tagetes patula, collected from the garden of Dongguk University, Goyang, Republic of Korea. The cells could grow at 10-42 °C and at pH 5.5-9.0. Strain GN10T was sensitive to NaCl and tolerated up to 4 % NaCl (w/v). Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed the highest similarities to Flavobacterium tistrianum GB 56.1T (98.9 %), Flavobacterium sharifuzzamanii A7.6T (98.6 %), Flavobacterium zhairuonense A5.7T (98.3 %) and Flavobacterium anhuiense D3T (98 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain GN10T clustered within the genus Flavobacterium and formed a monophyletic cluster with its close relative members. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain GN10T and related species belonging to the genus Flavobacterium were well below the standard threshold for prokaryotic species delineation. The DNA G+C content of strain GN10T was 33.6 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10 %) were identified as iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c). Strain GN10T contained menaquinone 6 as the major respiratory quinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminoglycolipids, two unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified phosphoglycolipid and five unidentified lipids. Urease is a nickel-containing enzyme found in archaea, bacteria, plants and unicellular eukaryotes. It serves as a virulence factor and is responsible for pathogenesis in humans and animals. Here, we describe a novel urease-hydrolysing bacterium, strain GN10T. The urease activity of this strain may serve as an indicator of pathogenic potential and drug resistance, which may facilitate the development of many diseases. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain GN10T from its closely related members and considered to represent novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium tagetis (GN10T=KCTC 82695T=NBRC 114841T) is proposed.

Mushroom waste biomass alters the yield, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and essential oil composition of Tagetes patula L.

Champignon stalks are organic waste material widely underrated as a source of nutrients and substances with bio-stimulatory properties. French marigold (Tagetes patula L., Asteraceae) is an important crop plant that can be used in variety of different industries. This study assessed the usefulness of waste mushroom biomass - WMB (obtained in the production of champignon Agaricus bisporus), in the pot cultivation of two T. patula cultivars (‘Mikrus’ and ‘Petit Yellow’). It examined growth, plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments content, leaves and petals color and their antioxidant potential as well as the essential oil content and composition of plants grown in 100 % peat (control) and peat supplemented with WMB (5 % by volume). Postharvest physicochemical properties and nutrient status of the media were also investigated. The addition of WMB enriched the medium in nitrogen, potassium and sulfur (by 14−28 %, 106−160 % and 33−100 %, respectively), and reduced its C:N ratio without affecting its electrical conductivity and pH. The plants growing in peat supplemented with WMB had greater fresh weight (by 32−54 %) and number of flowers (by 35−46 %), higher total chlorophyll content in the leaves (by 73−117 %) and more intense color of leaves and petals than those growing in peat alone. Moreover, the leaves and petals had greater content of total polyphenols and higher antioxidant activity (determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP). The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of essential oils revealed that the oils of leaves contained higher amounts of spathulenol (2.3−2.9 %), isopropyl myristate (2.6−13.3 %) and palmitic acid (20.7 %−22.7 %). Whereas, the oils of the petals showed higher concentration of caryophyllene (1.5−4.6 %), myristic acid (11.0−19.1 %) and 2,2′:5′2″-terthiophene (7.7−12.8 %). Interestingly, dodecanoic acid (2.7−3.8 %) was found only in the oils obtained from T. patula petals. Moreover, the slightly higher content of this compound was found in the plants growing in peat supplemented with WMB (3.8 % and 2.9 % for ‘Mikrus’ and ‘Petite Yellow’ cultivars, respectively). In conclusion, the present study suggests a new, environmental-friendly strategy to increase plant productivity and bioactive compounds content by using champignon stalks as a medium supplement.

Using Advanced Optical Sensing to Quantify Phytotoxicity in Ornamental Plants

Ornamental crop production systems face low tolerance of aesthetic crop damage by consumers and during exports by quarantine inspection entities. Consequently, development and testing of pesticide applications on ornamental crops involve two equally important assessments: 1) demonstrate the ability of pesticides to suppress target pest populations significantly and 2) minimize risks of applied pesticides causing phytotoxicity of leaves, shoots, and flowers. To maximize the accuracy and repeatability of phytotoxicity assessments, it is paramount that methods of detection and diagnosis that are rapid, repeatable, and quantitative be developed and promoted. We performed visual phytotoxicity inspection of three ornamental plants [zinnia (Zinnia elegans), marigold (Tagetes patula), and gerbera (Gerbera sp.)] to a numbered compound applied at three doses. The same plants were also subjected to optical (remote) sensing and classified as having either no or low phytotoxicity response. Although results from visual inspections suggested very low levels of phytotoxicity, 32 of 40 plants (80%) were classified correctly based on optical sensing. Importantly, classified plants showed no significant morphometric differences. We provide proof-of-concept results that optical sensing may be used to detect accurately even highly subtle stress responses by ornamental plants to high doses of foliar pesticides.

Raw and Fermented Alfalfa Brown Juice Induces Changes in the Germination and Development of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Plants.

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.

Current issues of standardization of spreading marigold flowers

The spreading marigold (Tagetes patula L.) is a prospective source of flavonoids. The aim of the study is to develop methods of standardization of spreading marigold flowers, consisting in determining the identity of this raw material and the quantitative determination of biologically active compounds. As a result of a comparative chromatographic study, the presence of flavonoids was revealed at the wavelength of 254 and 366 nm before and after the reaction with the alcohol solution of aluminum chloride. The method of determination of patulitrin and patuletin in the spreading marigold flowers (Tagetes patula L.) with the use of high performance liquid chromatography was developed. The content of dominant flavonoid patulitrin in the flowers of T. patula varies from 5.11 0.18% to 5.64 0.17%. The error of single determination of patulitrin in the spreading marigold flowers with confidence probability of 95% is 3.32%.

Bazı bitki türlerinin yeşil gübre olarak soğan sak nematodunun (Ditylenchus dipsaci) mücadelesi için in vitro etkinliği

Stem and bulb nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, 1857) Filipjev, 1936, is a plant parasitic nematode that causes significant losses in plant production in the world. One of the promising methods for control of soil-borne diseases and pests that do not accumulate in nature is green manure application. Studies on the effectiveness of green manure on stem and bulb nematode are limited. In this study, the activity of 4 plant species from Brassicaceae family and one Tagetes patula L. variety on stem and bulb nematode was investigated in vitro. In the study, rates of motionless nematodes were recorded in the water and sand medium in 4 days and 11 days in five plant species. The efficiency of the plant species was increased over time. In all treatments in the study, the highest rate of motionless nematodes was obtained with arugula. On the 4th and 11th days in the water medium, 84.1% and 95.7% of motionless nematodes were obtained, respectively, while in the sand medium, the rate of motionless nematodes was 60.2% and 86.1%. Following the arugula, Tagetes patula showed activity at the rates of 72.9% and 98.3% in the water medium and 40.9% and 81.9% in the sand medium on the 4th and 11th days, respectively. Radish was also found promising with 62.5% and 94.2% in water medium, 59.2% and 80.9 in the sand medium, on the 4th and 11th days, respectively. The data obtained in the study provided preliminary data for green manure applications under field conditions.

Quantitative Determination of Total Flavonoids in Tagetes patula Marigold Flowers

Quantitative Determination of Total Flavonoids in Tagetes patula Marigold Flowers

Anthelmintic activity of a nanoformulation based on thiophenes identified in Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) against the small ruminant nematode Haemonchus contortus

The synthesis of thiophenic compounds, previously identified in Tagetes patula, revealed that 4-(5'-(hydroxymethyl)-[2,2'-bithiophene]-5-yl)but-3-yn-1-ol), or simply Thio1, has a pronounced in vitro anthelmintic effect against Haemonchus contortus, showing 100% efficacy in the egg hatch and larval development tests presenting EC50=0.1731 mg.mL-1 and EC50=0.3243 mg.mL-1, respectively. So, this compound was selected to preparation of a nanostructured formulation to be orally administered to Santa Inês sheep. In general, from the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), it was observed that the product kept the parasitic load in the digestive tract of the hosts stable, with eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) counts having a mean value < 3,000 (EPGmean=2167.1, efficacy=36,45%), thus protecting the animals from health risks caused by a massive nematode infestation. To better understand the mode of action of this thiophene derivative, in silico molecular modeling studies were carried out with the glutamate-activated chloride channel (GluCl), a well-known molecular target of anthelmintic compounds. Based on the affinity score (GlideScore=-5.7 kcal.mol-1) and the proposed binding mode, Thio1 could be classified as a potential GluCl ligand, justifying the promising results observed in the anthelmintic assays.

DRYING TECHNIQUES OF SOME SELECTED ORNAMENTAL FLOWERS-A REVIEWS

Drying of flowers is the method of maintenance of flowers or removing water and moisture. Dehydration is most important for getting dry flowers. There are Many different types of methods use for removing moisture contain from flowers are air drying, embedded (sand, borax, silica gel, and other materials) press drying, freeze drying, microwave oven drying, hot air oven drying, Glycerin drying, freeze drying. Chrysanthemum is one of the most widely cultivated garden flowers and ranks popularity. The Chrysanthemum flower has fully double flowers with flat petals and the central disc is generally absent. Many of the commonly grown marigolds are cultivars of African and French marigolds. Flower petals of African marigold are the best source of carotene for coloring foodstuffs. From the dried flowers varied manufacture are made and use like petal embedded handmade paper, press dried flower products, candle making, pot pourri, floral jewelry etc. This dried plants and flowers materials also used in industry. For chrysanthemum embedded drying is the best in which flower shape, size, structure, colour are maintained and for marigold microwave and air drying techniques are best in size, colour, shape, colour are maintained. KEYWORDS: Drying Techniques, Chrysanthemum, marigold, embedded, microwave

Growth, decorative and nutritional values of ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in flowerbed conditions

Ornamental cabbages are cultivars of cabbages grown for decorative purposes due to the varied shape and colour of their internal leaves. The aim of the study was to determine the course of growth and to assess the decorative and nutritional value of two cultivars of ornamental cabbage (‘Pigeon Red’, ‘Coral Prince’) grown in a flowerbed along with annual plants: the French marigold (Tagetes patula nana L.) and flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum Mill.), using a pine bark mulch. The impact of the marigold and flossflower on the cabbage height and foliage changed with the plant growth. Cabbages growing without the proximity to the other species had the smallest diameter and formed the least leaves; and the plant’s height was lower in September. The cabbage height, foliage and leaf colour were modified by the weather in the subsequent years of research. The proximity of the marigold or flossflower and mulching of the soil with bark did not affect the colour of the leaves. The nutritional value of the ornamental cabbage was high, and the content of the mineral components in the leaves depended largely on their colour. The coloured leaves were more abundant in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, while the green leaves contained more calcium and sulfur, and slightly more dry matter.

Hardwood biochar as an alternative to reduce peat use for seed germination and growth of Tagetes patula

ABSTRACT 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.

Pharmacognostic, Antimicrobial and Toxicological Studies of a Seasonal Medicinal Plant; Tagetes Patula L

Purpose of this study: This study has been carried out to explore the medicinal significance of Tagetes patula by evaluating its in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and toxicological effects. Pharmacognostic standardization is done to maintain the purity and quality of the drug.&#x0D; Methodology: Pharmacognostic studies (macro morphology and microscopy i.e. Histology and powder microscopy), solubility and color reaction of T.patula were carried out followed by in vitro antimicrobial studies of ethanol extract of the flowers. In this regard antibacterial, antifungal, and toxicological studies were performed by well diffusion, Agar dilution, and larvicidal activity respectively.&#x0D; Results: Flower extract of T. patula showed good antibacterial effects against gram +ve and gram –ve bacteria except Shigella flexanri. Moreover it showed powerful antifungal effects against various human (Aspergillus flavus, Candida glabrata, Trichophytonlongifusus), plant (Fusariumsolani)and animal pathogens (Microsporumcanis). Moreover remarkable larvicidal activity was observed against brine shrimp at 100 and 1000 µg/ml.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research study makes the valuable medicinal plant a good candidate for skin infections and wound management for topical use.Such studies will help in formulating topical herbal preparations to combat inflammatory and infectious skin disease.

Exploring wild edible flowers as a source of bioactive compounds: New perspectives in horticulture

Abstract The increasing interest in healthy and natural foods has raised the attention towards uncommon or unexplored ingredients, such as edible flowers. These products are proven to be a rich source of bioactive compounds, for example, vitamins or polyphenols that play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention. However, plant species with edible flowers are numerous and most of them still need to be studied with this aim. The high species richness of North-Western Italy provides interesting perspectives in the use of wild edible flowers, which are currently underutilized, but can be a valuable food source or food supplement for healthy diets. In this framework, the phytochemical composition of 22 wild edible flowers was analysed and compared with that of four cultivated species (Borago officinalis L., Calendula officinalis L., Tagetes patula L. and Tropaeolum majus L.) to evaluate their potentiality as sources of bioactive compounds. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the fresh flowers were assessed, together with their phenolic profiles and vitamin C content, through spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses. The evaluated parameters varied widely among species, with Paeonia officinalis L. and Rosa pendulina L. showing the highest values of polyphenols (1,930 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) · 100 g−1 and 1,774 mg GAE · 100 g−1, respectively), followed by Rosa canina L. (1,397 mg GAE · 100 g−1) and Geranium sylvaticum L. (1,268 mg GAE · 100 g−1). The same species also showed the highest antioxidant activity, measured with three different assays [ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS)]. The phenolic profile differed among the studied species, with Dianthus pavonius Tausch and R. pendulina having the highest sum of detected polyphenols (2,522 mg · 100 g−1 and 2,366 mg · 100 g−1, respectively). Vitamin C was identified in all but two flowers (Allium ursinum L. and B. officinalis) and Primula veris L. had the highest amount (45 mg · 100 g−1). The study showed that wild edible flowers outperformed the cultivated species, except for T. majus, providing new insights for the use of wild edible flowers as sources of bioactive compounds.

ASSESSMENT OF SEAFOOD PROCESSING SLUDGE AFTER COMPOSTING ON GROWTH OF TAGETES PATULA L.

Sludge of seafood processing factories discharged directly into the environment can lead to environmental pollution. Research on the use of seafood processing sludge as compost for agriculture in the Mekong Delta is encouraged. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the chemical composition of seafood processingsludge after 60 days composting and (2) to evaluate the growth of Tagetes patula L planted with composted sludge. The sludge composting experiment was carried out with 3 treatments: sludge + Trichoderma fungi; sludge + chicken manure + Trichoderma fungi; sludge + straw + chicken manure + Trichoderma fungi. The results showed that the treatment of sludge + straw + chicken manure + Trichoderma fungi had a betterquality than the other two treatments. The pH, TC, TN, NH+ 4 , NO- 3 , TP, PO3 4- and heavy metal(Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Hg) contents of sludge meet the environmental standard of Viet Nam (10TCN526:2002). E. coli and Salmonella were not present at the end of the composting experiment. Tagetes patula L grew and flowered on all 4 treatments: control – composted straw; sludge + Trichoderma fungi; sludge + chicken manure + Trichoderma fungi; sludge + straw + chicken manure + Trichoderma fungi. However,Tagetes patula L grew best on the sludge + Trichoderma fungi experimental condition .

Sustainable Production of Reclaimed Water by Constructed Wetlands for Combined Irrigation and Microalgae Cultivation Applications

Considering the increasing pressure on freshwater resources due to the constant increase in water consumption and insufficient wastewater control and treatment, recovering wastewater is a path to overcoming water scarcity. The present work describes the potential of reusing treated wastewater (reclaimed water) for irrigation and production of microalgae biomass in an integrated way, through experimental evaluation of plant and microalgae growth, and creation of an application model. First, two parallel experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of reclaimed water produced by a constructed wetland filled with a mix of solid waste: the irrigation of a set of small pots filled with soil and planted with Tagetes patula L., and the cultivation of microalgae Chlorella sp. and a mixed microalgae population with predominant species of the genus Scenedesmus sp. in shaken flasks and tubular bubble column photobioreactors. Results indicated no negative effects of using the reclaimed water on the irrigated plants and in the cultivated microalgae. The growth indicators of plants irrigated with reclaimed water were not significantly different from plants irrigated with fertilized water. The growth indicators of the microalgae cultivated with reclaimed water are within the range of published data. Second, to apply the results to a case study, the seasonal variability of irrigation needs in an academic campus was used to propose a conceptual model for wastewater recovery. The simulation results of the model point to a positive combination of using reclaimed water for the irrigation of green spaces and microalgae production, supported by a water storage strategy. Water abstraction for irrigation purposes can be reduced by 89%, and 2074 kg dry weight microalgae biomass can be produced annually. Besides the need for future work to optimize the model and to add economical evaluation criteria, the model shows the potential to be applied to non-academic communities in the perspective of smarter and greener cities.

Evaluation of some chelating agents on phytoremediation efficiency of Amaranthus caudatus L. and Tagetes patula L. in soils contaminated with lead.

This study was designed to evaluate the possible effects of some chelating agents on phytoremediation efficiency and plant growth parameters of Amaranthus caudatus L. and Tagetes patula L. in soils contaminated with lead. The plant species were grown in pots and treated with lead nitrate and in combination with 2.5, 2.0 and 2.5mmol/kg of EDTA, SA and CA, respectively. The results showed that the highest accumulations of Pb (mg/kg) with 0.74 and 0.13 were found in the roots and stems of A. caudatus exposed to 400mg/kg Pb containing EDTA and SA, respectively. Moreover, the highest accumulation of Pb in the roots and stems of T. patula with 0.87 and 1.5mg/kg were observed in 400mg/kg Pb- contaminated soil containing SA. Although the results obtained showed that T. patula would have a better phytoextraction potential than A. caudatus, it should be noted that due to the Pb behavior in the soil and/or leaching of Pb from the soil columns during the irrigation period the low amounts of Pb absorption by the root and aerial parts of the plants compared to the added doses of Pb(NO3)2 solution to the soil samples, imply the studied plants haven't the adequate potential for phytoextraction of Pb from contaminated soils.

Cloning of PCS gene (TpPCS1) from Tagetes patula L. and expression analysis under cadmium stress.

Phytochelatins (PCs) constitute an important mechanism for plants to resist heavy metal stress. Widely found in higher plants, they are small heavy metal binding peptides, synthesized through catalysis of phytochelatin synthase (PCS). We speculate that there may be PCS genes in Peacock grass (Tagetes patula L., Asteraceae), which is an important reason for its rich cadmium. In order to obtain the full-length cDNA sequence of the PCS gene from T. patula L. used rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Meanwhile, Relative expression of TpPCS1 under different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) stress was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results found ORF of TpPCS1 genes with a length of 1970 bp, a gene coding area length of 1764 bp, coding for 587 amino acids. Expression of TpPCS1 under Cd stress was tissue specific. TpPCS1 in the root showed higher expression, while expression in the leaf and seed was relatively low. This research demonstrates that expression of TpPCS1 enhanced the enrichment of cadmium in T. patula L. roots and could be used to construct a plant hyperexpression carrier that would provide new avenues for plant restoration technology.

Transcriptome Profiling of the Potato Exposed to French Marigold Essential Oil with a Special Emphasis on Leaf Starch Metabolism and Defense against Colorado Potato Beetle.

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.

Exploring Unconventional Growing Methods to Promote Healthy Growth in Common Household Plants: Tagetes patula L. and Lepidium sativum

Chemical fertilizers have been used in increasing quantities for household gardening and commercial agriculture worldwide since their advent during the Green Revolution. Such fertilizers have detrimental impacts on the environment, contributing to nutrient runoff and aquatic dead zones. At the same time, water consumption for agricultural needs has&#x0D; skyrocketed. Alternative growing methods are urgently needed to reduce the impacts of plant cultivation. This study focused on finding more sustainable growing methods that reduce chemical fertilizer or water usage and can be used at the household level for garden plants. We hypothesized that the alternative growing methods would better encourage healthy plant growth as compared to a control. Several marigold (Tagetes patula L.) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) plants were observed over a 13-week period. Metrics for healthy plant growth were height at first bloom, growing time, and survival rate. The results indicated that the treatments did not have a statistically significant effect on marigold and garden cress growth times in addition to marigold heights. However, the Deep Water Culture (DWC) treatment for garden cress plants significantly increased the height at first bloom compared to the control group. For rates of surviving plants, the treatments had little effect on garden cress, but the Eggshell Grounds, Wick System, and DWC system groups outperformed the control group for marigolds.

Temperature: a driving factor for Meloidogyne floridensis migration toward different hosts.

The peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis, is an emerging species and may become a threat to peach growers if contamination and spread are not avoided. The influence of temperature and two plants – tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and French marigold (Tagete patula) – on the vertical migration of second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. floridensis was studied using 14-cm long segmented soil columns. Plants were transplanted into cups attached to the top of each column. Nylon meshes were placed between cups and columns to prevent downward root growth. About 1,000 freshly hatched J2 were injected into the base of the columns and then the columns were transferred to growth chambers at 20 and 26°C under a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The number of J2 in each ring of the columns as well as inside tomato or marigold roots was recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after injection (DAI). Nematode data were subjected to a repeated measures MANOVA. The presence of plants did not improve J2 migration as compared to control. M. floridensis migration was best at 20°C at first, with J2 migrating more than 13 cm as soon as 3 DAI, while it took 9 DAI for J2 to migrate long distances at 26°C. The distribution of J2 along the columns was similar at both temperatures at 12 DAI. Temperature had no influence on J2 penetration. French marigold did not hinder J2 migration, but fewer J2 penetrated its roots.