Influence of Harvest Date and Postharvest Treatment on Carotenoid and Flavonoid Composition in French Marigold Flowers.

The aim of this study was to characterize carotenoids and flavonoids present in French marigold flowers (Tagetes patula "Durango Red") as well as to assess the effects of harvest dates and postharvest treatments on these compounds. Carotenoids and flavonoids were quantified using their respective standards or semiquantified using relevant related standards. Lutein and its derivatives largely dominated the flower carotenoids, while the flavonoids were diverse with patuletin leading the list. Of the different postharvest treatments, ensilage leads to the highest content of carotenoids (from 5.0 to 7.8 g kg-1 dw) and flavonoids (from 19 to 50 g kg-1 dw). The composition of individual flavonoids was greatly influenced by different postharvest treatments, while the influence of harvest dates was secondary. Ensilage and drying induced separate metabolic pathways leading to degradation of high-molecular glycosidic compounds, converting the compounds either to their aglycones or into the intermediate flavonoid glycosides. We conclude that according to the intended industrial application, different postharvest techniques can be employed to acquire desired flavonoids on a large scale.

Acclimatization study of Tagetes lucida L. in Egypt and the chemical characterization of its essential oils.

Seeds of Tagetes lucida were imported to Egypt from Canada and propagated under greenhouse conditions in peat moss media. Soil was sandy in texture and the irrigation system was dripping irrigation. The growth parameters were determined at five successive plant ages, fresh and dry weights of herb were determined at three successive plant ages. The yield of aerial parts after 175 days, was about 7.5 Mg/ha. The essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydro-distillation for three hours with a yield of about 0.5% (w/v). The EO of each sample was subjected to gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses to study the chemical composition. The main component of the EO was identified as methyl chavicol which matched over 90% of the whole composition. Chlorophyll a and carotenes increased with increasing plant age in both sites and seasons. Flavonoids decreased with the development of plant age, while the opposite was true with coumarines content.

[Effects of different perlite additions on physical and chemical properties of sewage sludge compost and growth of Tagetes patula].

In order to resolve the problem of poor permeability of sewage sludge compost (SSC) which was used as the substitution of peat, perlite was used to regulate the permeability of the sewage. The pure SSC was used as control. The proportions of perlite in the mixtures with SSC were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% (V/V), respectively. The effects of different perlite ratios on the physical and chemical properties and the growth of Tagetes patula were studied. The bulk density, water holding porosity and water holding porosity to aeration porosity decreased, but the total porosity and aeration porosity increased with the increasing addition of perlite to the SSC. For the chemical properties, the pH increased, and the EC and nutrient contents decreased with the increasing addition of perlite to the SSC. The aboveground biomass and flowers of T. patula were the highest in the 60% perlite treatment, and the lowest in the pure SSC treatment. The root morphology and activity were the best in the 40%, 60% and 80% perlite treatments. Aeration was the strongest factor to impact the maximum root length and average root diameter. Perlite promoted the growth of T. patula mainly through impacting the physical properties of the SSC. The addition of 60% perlite to the SSC could significantly improve the poor aeration and decrease the high salinity greatly in the SSC and regulate the growth of the root and aboveground of T. patula.

Callus culture development of two varieties of Tagetes erecta and carotenoid production

Background The properties of natural pigments, such as antioxidants, functional, medical, and nutraceutical, have demonstrated the advantages of these natural compounds over synthetic ones. Some products are accepted only when they are pigmented with natural, food-quality colorants: for example poultry products (manly marigold flower extracts). Carotenoids such as β-carotene, β-criptoxanthin and lutein are very attractive as natural food colorants due to their antioxidant and pro-vitamin activities which provide additional value to the target products. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is an Asteraceous ornamental plant native to Mexico, and it is also important as a carotenoid source for industrial and medicinal purposes but nowadays its production is destined mainly for ornamental purposes. Results Friable callus of T. erecta yellow flower (YF) and white flower (WF) varieties was induced from leaf explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 9.0 µM 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 8.8 µM benzyladenine (BA). Calluses developed from both varieties were different in pigmentation. Extract characterization from callus cultures was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analytical process detected several carotenoids; the main pigments in extracts from YF callus were lutein and zeaxanthin, whereas in the extracts of the WF callus the main pigments were lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. Callus cultures of T. erecta accumulated pigments even after several rounds of subculture. Conclusions WF callus appeared to be a suitable candidate as a source of different carotenoids, and tested varieties could represent an alternative for further studies about in vitro pigment production.

[Effects of seed soaking with biogas slurry on seed germination and seedling growth of Tagetes erecta].

OBJECTIVE: The experiment was conducted to study the effect of soaking seeds with biogas slurry on seed germination and growth of Tagetes erecta so that we can provide theory base for cultivation management of T. ercta. METHOD: In order to find the best combine of biogas slurry concentration (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) and soaking time (2, 3, 4, 5 h), completely randomized design was selected, germination percentage, seedling height, root length, root activity, content of chlorophyll (a, b) and MDA were analyzed and principle component analysis was adopted. RESULT: Both soaking for 5 h in 25% biogas slurry and soaking for 4 h in 50% biogas slurry had the highest germination percentage (81.3%). Soaking for 5 h in 50% biogas slurry had the longest root, and soaking for 4 h in 50% biogas slurry had the highest root activity. They were significant higher than other 19 treatments. Soaking for 5 h in 50% biogas slurry had the highest content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll (a + b) and ratio of chlorophyll a/ chlorophyll b. It was significant higher in these index, except b, than other 19 treatment. Soaking for 5 h in 25% biogas slurry had the lowest MDA content (0.0280 micromol x L(-1)), then was Soaking for 4 h in 50% biogas slurry (0.0286 micromol x L(-1) in MDA content). CONCLUSION: Appropriate biogas slurry concentration combined with seed soaking time can improve the germination and growth of T. erecta. As a whole, soaking for 5 h in 50% biogas slurry had the best effects on germination and growth in seedling stage for T. erecta.

Momento óptimo de plantación y de cosecha en Tagetes lucida Cav / Optimal time for cultivation and harvesting of Tagetes lucida Cav

Introducción: es necesario establecer guías de cultivo de Tagetes lucida Cav y disponer resultados sobre el momento óptimo de plantación y cosecha en función del rendimiento y del contenido de principios activos. Objetivos: obtener de T lucida mayor cantidad de biomasa y conocer cómo influye la fecha de establecer el cultivo y la hora de realizar la cosecha en la concentración del aceite esencial. Métodos: se hicieron estaquilleros en 2 fechas de 2009 (10 de mayo, 10 de junio), que fueron trasplantados a los 30 d. Se determinó el porcentaje de estacas enraizadas que sobrevivieron al trasplante al lugar definitivo. En el momento de cosecha, realizada con plantas en floración completa, se calculó la altura de las plantas y el rendimiento fresco de las partes aéreas. Se evaluó del total cosechado: porcentajes de flores, ramas y tallos lignificados. Se hicieron recolecciones en una plantación en estado de floración a: 9:00 am, 27 ºC; 12:00 m, 32 ºC y 3:00 pm, 29 ºC. El contenido de aceite esencial se determinó por hidrodestilación durante 2 h. La identificación de componentes se realizó por cromatografía en capa delgada, utilizando como referencias: eugenol, linalol y mirceno (0,3 por ciento). Resultados: en ambas fechas de plantación hubo buena adaptación en el campo, 95 por ciento; se cosechó a 6 meses de edad en la plantación de mayo y a 5 meses de edad en la de junio. Se encontró que entre ellas hubo pocas diferencias en cuanto a altura, rendimiento total de la parte aérea, porcentajes de ramas, flores y tallos, y aceite esencial. Se comprobó que la hora de cosecha realizada en la mañana, produjo la mayor acumulación de aceite esencial (1,20 por ciento) en comparación con las otras horas que fue de 0,75 por ciento...

Introduction: it is necessary to set the guidelines for cultivation of Tagetes lucida Cav and to obtain results about the optimal time of cultivation and harvesting according to the output and the contents of active principles. Objectives: to get as much quantity of biomass from T Lucida as possible and to find out how the date of cultivation and the time of harvesting influence the concentration of the essential oil. Methods: stake-farming beddings were built on two different dates (10 of May and 10 of June, 2009); they were then transplanted after 30 days. The percentage of rooted stakes that survived after transplantation to the final place was calculated. At the time of harvesting of fully flourished plants, the height of plants and the fresh output of the aerial parts were determined. The total harvested amount was evaluated, that is, percentage of flowers, branches and stems. Harvesting occurred in one flourished plantation at: 9:00 am at 27 °C, at noon at 32 ºC and at 3:00 pm at 29 ºC. Hydrodistillation for 2 h allowed estimating the contents of the essential oil. Thin-layer chromatography identified components using eugenol, linalool and mircene (0.3 percent) as reference. Results: on both dates of cultivation, there was good adaptation to the soils, 95 percent. The plants were harvested at 6 months of age in May and at 5 months in June. There were slight differences in terms of height, total output of the aerial parts, percentages of branches, flowers and stems, and the essential oil. It was confirmed that harvesting in the morning accounted for the highest accumulation of essential oil (1.20 percent) compared with the other harvesting times (0.75 percent)...

Momento óptimo de plantación y de cosecha en Tagetes lucida Cav / Optimal time for cultivation and harvesting of Tagetes lucida Cav

Introducción: es necesario establecer guías de cultivo de Tagetes lucida Cav y disponer resultados sobre el momento óptimo de plantación y cosecha en función del rendimiento y del contenido de principios activos. Objetivos: obtener de T lucida mayor cantidad de biomasa y conocer cómo influye la fecha de establecer el cultivo y la hora de realizar la cosecha en la concentración del aceite esencial. Métodos: se hicieron estaquilleros en 2 fechas de 2009 (10 de mayo, 10 de junio), que fueron trasplantados a los 30 d. Se determinó el porcentaje de estacas enraizadas que sobrevivieron al trasplante al lugar definitivo. En el momento de cosecha, realizada con plantas en floración completa, se calculó la altura de las plantas y el rendimiento fresco de las partes aéreas. Se evaluó del total cosechado: porcentajes de flores, ramas y tallos lignificados. Se hicieron recolecciones en una plantación en estado de floración a: 9:00 am, 27 ºC; 12:00 m, 32 ºC y 3:00 pm, 29 ºC. El contenido de aceite esencial se determinó por hidrodestilación durante 2 h. La identificación de componentes se realizó por cromatografía en capa delgada, utilizando como referencias: eugenol, linalol y mirceno (0,3 por ciento). Resultados: en ambas fechas de plantación hubo buena adaptación en el campo, 95 por ciento; se cosechó a 6 meses de edad en la plantación de mayo y a 5 meses de edad en la de junio. Se encontró que entre ellas hubo pocas diferencias en cuanto a altura, rendimiento total de la parte aérea, porcentajes de ramas, flores y tallos, y aceite esencial. Se comprobó que la hora de cosecha realizada en la mañana, produjo la mayor acumulación de aceite esencial (1,20 por ciento) en comparación con las otras horas que fue de 0,75 por ciento...(AU)

Introduction: it is necessary to set the guidelines for cultivation of Tagetes lucida Cav and to obtain results about the optimal time of cultivation and harvesting according to the output and the contents of active principles. Objectives: to get as much quantity of biomass from T Lucida as possible and to find out how the date of cultivation and the time of harvesting influence the concentration of the essential oil. Methods: stake-farming beddings were built on two different dates (10 of May and 10 of June, 2009); they were then transplanted after 30 days. The percentage of rooted stakes that survived after transplantation to the final place was calculated. At the time of harvesting of fully flourished plants, the height of plants and the fresh output of the aerial parts were determined. The total harvested amount was evaluated, that is, percentage of flowers, branches and stems. Harvesting occurred in one flourished plantation at: 9:00 am at 27 °C, at noon at 32 ºC and at 3:00 pm at 29 ºC. Hydrodistillation for 2 h allowed estimating the contents of the essential oil. Thin-layer chromatography identified components using eugenol, linalool and mircene (0.3 percent) as reference. Results: on both dates of cultivation, there was good adaptation to the soils, 95 percent. The plants were harvested at 6 months of age in May and at 5 months in June. There were slight differences in terms of height, total output of the aerial parts, percentages of branches, flowers and stems, and the essential oil. It was confirmed that harvesting in the morning accounted for the highest accumulation of essential oil (1.20 percent) compared with the other harvesting times (0.75 percent)...(AU)

Determinación de la fecha de plantación en Tagetes lucida Cav / Decision of the planting date in Tagetes lucida Cav

INTRODUCCIÓN: es necesario definir la época adecuada de plantación para cultivar exitosamente Tagetes lucida. OBJETIVOS: obtener valores altos de biomasa y aceite esencial. MÉTODOS: se establecieron estaquilleros y posterior trasplante en 2008 (30 de abril-27 de mayo; 27 de mayo-8 de julio; 24 de junio-30 de julio; 5 de agosto-11 de septiembre). Se determinó la supervivencia de estacas enraizadas en cultivo a pleno sol, la altura de las plantas en el momento de cosecha y el rendimiento fresco de follaje en 4 cosechas; generalmente, a 3 meses del trasplante y las restantes a intervalos de 3 meses. Se estimaron los contenidos de aceite en las cosechas segunda y tercera mediante hidrodestilación y la presencia de componentes por cromatografía en capa delgada (referencias: eugenol, linalol, mirceno). RESULTADOS: se obtuvo supervivencia 98 por ciento en el trasplante; la mayoría de las plantas no superaron 60 cm de altura, se determinó que en el período octubre-inicios de febrero las plantas presentaron completa floración, en mayo floración escasa y en junio-septiembre estado vegetativo y su crecimiento se detiene en invierno. Se demostró que en un período de explotación de 12-13 meses, se alcanzaron los mayores valores en la segunda fecha de plantación, que en la mayoría de las cosechas, salvo en la cuarta, presentaron abundante follaje en floración con altos porcentajes de aceite esencial y que se produce incremento significativo desde la primera hasta la cuarta cosecha, influenciada por las precipitaciones del período lluvioso (mayo/agosto-septiembre/2009). Se constató que después de 6 cortes del follaje, las plantas mostraron formación de tocones de tallos viejos que proporcionan mucho tallo lignificado y, consecuentemente, disminución de calidad del material vegetal a cosechar.

INTRODUCTION: it is necessary to define the appropriate planting period to cultivate successfully Tagetes lucida. OBJECTIVES: to obtain high values of biomass and essential oil. METHODS: picket fences were placed and posterior transplant in 2008 (April 30-May 27-July 8, June 24-30, and August 5-September 11). The survival of rooted stakes was determined in broad daylight culture, the plant's height at harvest and the fresh yield of foliage in four harvests; generally, at three months from the transplant and the remainder ones at three months intervals. The oil content in second and third harvests was estimated by hydrodistillation and presence of components by thin layer chromatography (references: eugenol, linalool, myrcene). RESULTS: there was a 90 percent survival in transplant; most of plants not passed of 60 cm height, determining that in October-the beginning of period February the plants showed a total flowering, in May a scarce flowering and in June-September a vegetative state and their growth stop in winter. It was demonstrate that a farming period of 12-13 months, the higher values in the second planting date were achieved than in most of harvests, except in the fourth one, where they had a abundant foliage in flowering with high percentages of essential oil and a significant increase from the first one up to the fourth harvest, influenced by rainfalls (May/August-September/2009). We confirmed that after the 6 foliage cuts, plants showed the stump of old stems with many lignin stems and consequently, a decrease in the plant material quality to be grown. CONCLUSIONS: the better planting date was where the picket fence was established was May 27, the harvests when plants has flowering and in culture must to be eliminated after 1,5 years

Determinación de la fecha de plantación en Tagetes lucida Cav / Decision of the planting date in Tagetes lucida Cav

INTRODUCCIÓN: es necesario definir la época adecuada de plantación para cultivar exitosamente Tagetes lucida. OBJETIVOS: obtener valores altos de biomasa y aceite esencial. MÉTODOS: se establecieron estaquilleros y posterior trasplante en 2008 (30 de abril-27 de mayo; 27 de mayo-8 de julio; 24 de junio-30 de julio; 5 de agosto-11 de septiembre). Se determinó la supervivencia de estacas enraizadas en cultivo a pleno sol, la altura de las plantas en el momento de cosecha y el rendimiento fresco de follaje en 4 cosechas; generalmente, a 3 meses del trasplante y las restantes a intervalos de 3 meses. Se estimaron los contenidos de aceite en las cosechas segunda y tercera mediante hidrodestilación y la presencia de componentes por cromatografía en capa delgada (referencias: eugenol, linalol, mirceno). RESULTADOS: se obtuvo supervivencia 98 por ciento en el trasplante; la mayoría de las plantas no superaron 60 cm de altura, se determinó que en el período octubre-inicios de febrero las plantas presentaron completa floración, en mayo floración escasa y en junio-septiembre estado vegetativo y su crecimiento se detiene en invierno. Se demostró que en un período de explotación de 12-13 meses, se alcanzaron los mayores valores en la segunda fecha de plantación, que en la mayoría de las cosechas, salvo en la cuarta, presentaron abundante follaje en floración con altos porcentajes de aceite esencial y que se produce incremento significativo desde la primera hasta la cuarta cosecha, influenciada por las precipitaciones del período lluvioso (mayo/agosto-septiembre/2009). Se constató que después de 6 cortes del follaje, las plantas mostraron formación de tocones de tallos viejos que proporcionan mucho tallo lignificado y, consecuentemente, disminución de calidad del material vegetal a cosechar. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: it is necessary to define the appropriate planting period to cultivate successfully Tagetes lucida. OBJECTIVES: to obtain high values of biomass and essential oil. METHODS: picket fences were placed and posterior transplant in 2008 (April 30-May 27-July 8, June 24-30, and August 5-September 11). The survival of rooted stakes was determined in broad daylight culture, the plant's height at harvest and the fresh yield of foliage in four harvests; generally, at three months from the transplant and the remainder ones at three months intervals. The oil content in second and third harvests was estimated by hydrodistillation and presence of components by thin layer chromatography (references: eugenol, linalool, myrcene). RESULTS: there was a 90 percent survival in transplant; most of plants not passed of 60 cm height, determining that in October-the beginning of period February the plants showed a total flowering, in May a scarce flowering and in June-September a vegetative state and their growth stop in winter. It was demonstrate that a farming period of 12-13 months, the higher values in the second planting date were achieved than in most of harvests, except in the fourth one, where they had a abundant foliage in flowering with high percentages of essential oil and a significant increase from the first one up to the fourth harvest, influenced by rainfalls (May/August-September/2009). We confirmed that after the 6 foliage cuts, plants showed the stump of old stems with many lignin stems and consequently, a decrease in the plant material quality to be grown. CONCLUSIONS: the better planting date was where the picket fence was established was May 27, the harvests when plants has flowering and in culture must to be eliminated after 1,5 years(AU)

Estudios preliminares para el establecimiento del cultivo de Tagetes lucida Cav / Preliminary studies for Tagetes lucida Cav culture establishment

INTRODUCCCIÓN: Tagetes lucida Cav. se ha cultivado en Cuba en jardines por la belleza de su follaje, pero para su explotación con fines medicinales se requiere establecer su cultivo. OBJETIVO: determinar preliminarmente los parámetros agrícolas fundamentales que brinden la información necesaria para orientar los experimentos que proporcionen la introducción al cultivo de T. lucida. MÉTODOS: propagación de la especie mediante multiplicación sexual y asexual por estacas, establecimiento de los estaquilleros y porcentaje de estacas enraizadas, así como los relativos al cultivo: determinación del método de plantación en canteros de un 1 m de ancho, colocar 2 y 3 hileras de plantas y distanciamiento entre ellas de 30 y 40 cm; la evaluación de las mejores variantes se realizó mediante los resultados obtenidos en 2 cosechas de follaje. Se llevó paralelamente otro experimento preliminar relacionado con la distancia entre plantas, donde las estacas enraizadas se colocaron en 2 hileras y el distanciamiento fue de 30 y 50 cm entre plantas y se evaluaron 6 recolecciones de follaje. RESULTADOS: las semillas no germinaron, bajo nuestras condiciones, la multiplicación de T. lucida se debe efectuar mediante estacas de yemas terminales obtenidas de ramas jóvenes de plantas madres seleccionadas que han sido podadas con anterioridad, con lo que se logran altos porcentajes de estacas enraizadas y que puedan llevarse a cultivo a pleno sol, en un período de 25 a 30 d. Su cultivo mediante la plantación de 3 hileras de plantas por canteros con distanciamiento entre ellas de 30 cm, resultó la más adecuada, se determinó que en la segunda cosecha se duplican los rendimientos y que continúan incrementándose hasta la sexta recolección, donde los valores comienzan a disminuir y las plantas aparecen con alta proporción de tallos lignificados, lo que sugiere se haga una poda baja buscando obtener nuevos brotes o eliminar la plantación, aspecto que será estudiado ulteriormente...

INTRODUCTION: Tagetes lucida Cav. has been cultured in Cuba in gardens due to the beauty of its foliage, but to exploitation for medicinal aims it is necessary to establish its culture. OBJECTIVE: to determine before the fundamental agricultural parameters together with the necessary information to direct the experiment supplying the introduction to T. lucida culture. METHODS: authors used the species spreading by sexual multiplication and asexual by stakes, the establishing of the stretch with pegs and the percentage of rooted stakes, as well as the processes relative to culture: determination of 1 m wide planting in plots, to place 2 and 3 plant rows and a 30 and 40 cm distance among them; the assessment of the better variants was carrying out by results obtained in two foliage harvests. In parallel we made another preliminary experiment related to the distance among plants, where the rooted stakes were placed in two rows and the distance was of 30 and 50 cm among plants assessing 6 foliage harvests. RESULTS: under our conditions, seeds no germinate; multiplication of T. lucida must be carried out by terminal buds stakes obtained from young branches from the prior pruned selected mother plants achieving high percentages of rooted stakes that my be cultured in broad daylight during 25 to 30 days. Its culture by means of three row plantation by plots separated 30 cm was the better method and authors determined that in the second harvest yields are duplicate and remain increasing until the sixth harvest, where values decrease and the plants have a high ratio of lignified sprouts, suggesting the need of a low pruning looking for new buds or to eliminate the plantation, a feature that will be subsequently studied. CONCLUSIONS: these results are the basis for latter experiments to determine the agro-technology of this species due to its medicinal properties.

Estudios preliminares para el establecimiento del cultivo de Tagetes lucida Cav / Preliminary studies for Tagetes lucida Cav culture establishment

INTRODUCCCIÓN: Tagetes lucida Cav. se ha cultivado en Cuba en jardines por la belleza de su follaje, pero para su explotación con fines medicinales se requiere establecer su cultivo. OBJETIVO: determinar preliminarmente los parámetros agrícolas fundamentales que brinden la información necesaria para orientar los experimentos que proporcionen la introducción al cultivo de T. lucida. MÉTODOS: propagación de la especie mediante multiplicación sexual y asexual por estacas, establecimiento de los estaquilleros y porcentaje de estacas enraizadas, así como los relativos al cultivo: determinación del método de plantación en canteros de un 1 m de ancho, colocar 2 y 3 hileras de plantas y distanciamiento entre ellas de 30 y 40 cm; la evaluación de las mejores variantes se realizó mediante los resultados obtenidos en 2 cosechas de follaje. Se llevó paralelamente otro experimento preliminar relacionado con la distancia entre plantas, donde las estacas enraizadas se colocaron en 2 hileras y el distanciamiento fue de 30 y 50 cm entre plantas y se evaluaron 6 recolecciones de follaje. RESULTADOS: las semillas no germinaron, bajo nuestras condiciones, la multiplicación de T. lucida se debe efectuar mediante estacas de yemas terminales obtenidas de ramas jóvenes de plantas madres seleccionadas que han sido podadas con anterioridad, con lo que se logran altos porcentajes de estacas enraizadas y que puedan llevarse a cultivo a pleno sol, en un período de 25 a 30 d. Su cultivo mediante la plantación de 3 hileras de plantas por canteros con distanciamiento entre ellas de 30 cm, resultó la más adecuada, se determinó que en la segunda cosecha se duplican los rendimientos y que continúan incrementándose hasta la sexta recolección, donde los valores comienzan a disminuir y las plantas aparecen con alta proporción de tallos lignificados, lo que sugiere se haga una poda baja buscando obtener nuevos brotes o eliminar la plantación, aspecto que será estudiado ulteriormente...(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Tagetes lucida Cav. has been cultured in Cuba in gardens due to the beauty of its foliage, but to exploitation for medicinal aims it is necessary to establish its culture. OBJECTIVE: to determine before the fundamental agricultural parameters together with the necessary information to direct the experiment supplying the introduction to T. lucida culture. METHODS: authors used the species spreading by sexual multiplication and asexual by stakes, the establishing of the stretch with pegs and the percentage of rooted stakes, as well as the processes relative to culture: determination of 1 m wide planting in plots, to place 2 and 3 plant rows and a 30 and 40 cm distance among them; the assessment of the better variants was carrying out by results obtained in two foliage harvests. In parallel we made another preliminary experiment related to the distance among plants, where the rooted stakes were placed in two rows and the distance was of 30 and 50 cm among plants assessing 6 foliage harvests. RESULTS: under our conditions, seeds no germinate; multiplication of T. lucida must be carried out by terminal buds stakes obtained from young branches from the prior pruned selected mother plants achieving high percentages of rooted stakes that my be cultured in broad daylight during 25 to 30 days. Its culture by means of three row plantation by plots separated 30 cm was the better method and authors determined that in the second harvest yields are duplicate and remain increasing until the sixth harvest, where values decrease and the plants have a high ratio of lignified sprouts, suggesting the need of a low pruning looking for new buds or to eliminate the plantation, a feature that will be subsequently studied. CONCLUSIONS: these results are the basis for latter experiments to determine the agro-technology of this species due to its medicinal properties(AU)