Influence of foliar application of glycinebetaine on Tagetes erecta L yield cultivated under salinity conditions / Influência da aplicação foliar de glicinebetaína na produtividade de Tagetes erecta L cultivada em condições de salinidade

Tagetes genus of Composite family consider one of the most favorite floriculture plants. Therefore, of particular interest examine the salt tolerance of this bedding and coloring agent plant. In this research, was report the role of glycinebetaine (GB) in attenuating the adverse impacts of salt stress in African marigold plant, along with their anti-oxidative capacities and biochemical attributes. The salt stressed African marigold (100 and 150 mM NaCl) was treated with GB at 200 mM, beside untreated control plants. According to the obtained results, the growth characters were negatively in salt stressed plants but a mitigate impact of GB were observed in this respect. Obviously, the morphological as well as some physiological characters were reduced with salinity treatments while GB treatment reverses these effects. Overall, the alleviate impact of GB on the negative impact of salt stress was enhanced through improving total phenolic and antioxidant enzyme activity. Further, it is concluded that GB concentration induces the activities of antioxidative enzymes which scavenged ROS increased under saline conditions.

O Tagetes, da família Composite, é um dos gêneros mais apreciados de plantas de floricultura. Portanto, é de particular interesse examinar a tolerância ao sal desta planta de substrato e corante. Nesta pesquisa, foi relatado o papel da glicinebetaína (GB) na atenuação dos impactos adversos do estresse salino na calêndula africana, juntamente com suas capacidades antioxidantes e atributos bioquímicos. A calêndula africana estressada com sal (NaCl 100 e 150 mM) foi tratada com GB a 200 mM, ao lado de plantas de controle não tratadas. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os caracteres de crescimento foram negativos em plantas estressadas por sal, mas um impacto mitigado de GB foi observado neste aspecto. Obviamente, os caracteres morfológicos e fisiológicos foram reduzidos com os tratamentos de salinidade, enquanto o tratamento com GB reverteu esses efeitos. No geral, o impacto de alívio do GB no impacto negativo do estresse salino foi aprimorado através da melhoria da atividade das enzimas fenólicas e antioxidantes totais. Além disso, conclui-se que a concentração de GB induz as atividades de enzimas antioxidantes que sequestraram ROS aumentadas em condições salinas.

Alternative soilless media using olive-mill and paper waste for growing ornamental plants.

Peat-based growing media are not ecologically sustainable and peat extraction threatens sensitive peatland ecosystem. In this study, olive-stone waste (OSW) and paper waste (PW) were used in different ratios-as growing media-for ornamental crop production, as peat (P) substitutes. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants were grown in (1) P (100%), (2) P:OSW (90%:10%), (3) P:OSW (70%:30%), and (4) P:OSW:PW (60%:20%:20%). The physicochemical properties of these substrates and the effects on plant growth were determined. The addition of 10-30% OSW into the substrate increased marigold height compared to plants grown in 100% peat. No differences in plant size, plant biomass (leaves and flowers), and dry matter content were found. Adding PW, in combination with OSW, maintained marigold height and total number of flowers produced to similar levels as in plants grown in 100% peat. In matthiola, adding 30% OSW into the substrate reduced plant size and fresh weight, but not plant height. No differences were observed when plants grew in lower OSW (i.e., 10%) content. Petunia's height, its total number of flowers and flower earliness (flower opening) were increased in the presence of OSW compared to the plants grown in 100% peat. The addition of OSW did not affect petunia's size and fresh weight among treatments. The addition of PW suppressed several plant growth-related parameters for both matthiola and petunia. The insertion of OSW did not change leaf chlorophyll content whereas the presence of PW decreased chlorophylls for marigold, petunia, and matthiola. Both OSW and PW altered the content of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) in leaves and flowers for marigold and petunia. Both 30% OSW and PW increased antioxidative enzyme metabolism due to the increased damage index and lipid peroxidation observed in plants. Leaf N and P content decreased in PW-based media, while matthiola displayed visual phytotoxicity symptoms when PW was added into the substrate. The present work indicates that up to 30% of OSW can replace peat for marigold and petunia growing and only up to 10% of OSW for matthiola, while the addition of PW on top of OSW is not recommended, so further research is needed.

Individual and combined effects of fluoranthene, phenanthrene, mannitol and sulfuric acid on marigold (Calendula officinalis).

A study was conducted to characterize marigold stress response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (oxidative stress inducers) with and without sulfuric acid (S.Acid; pH 3) (acid-stress inducer), and to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of mannitol (Mann). Marigold (Calendula officinalis) seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and fumigated with fluoranthene (FLU), phenanthrene (PHE), Mann, and S.Acid individually and in various combinations for 40 days. Various physiological and biochemical parameters among others were analyzed using standard methods. The results revealed that fumigation of FLU induced oxidative stress to the plants via ROS generation leading to negative effects on photosynthesis at near saturating irradiance (Amax), stomatal conductance (Gs), internal carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), leaf water relations and chlorophyll pigments. Significant per cent inhibition of Amax (54%), Gs (86%) and Ci (32%), as well as per cent reductions in chlorophyll a (Chl.a) (33%), Chl.b (34%), and total chlorophyll (Tot. Chl) (48%) contents were recorded in FLU fumigated treatment in comparison to control. Combination of Mann with FLU scavenged the generated ROS and substantially lowered the oxidative stress on the plants hence all the measured parameters were not significantly different from control. PHE fumigation had varied effects on marigold plants and was not as deleterious as FLU. Combined fumigation of S.Acid with both the PAHs had significant negative effect on leaf water relations, and positive effect on fresh and turgid weight of the plants but had no effect on the other measured parameters. The lowest proline contents and highest catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities in FLU fumigated plants further confirmed that oxidative stress was imposed via the generation of ROS. From the results, it is evident that Mann could be an efficient scavenger of ROS-generated by FLU in the marigold plants. We recommend Mann to be widely used for the protection of higher plants from FLU-generated stress in the urban areas.

Using Calendula officinalis as a floral resource to enhance aphid and thrips suppression by the flower bug Orius sauteri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae).

BACKGROUND: The flower bug Orius sauteri (Poppius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is widely used as a biocontrol agent against thrips and aphids infesting greenhouse vegetables in Asia. The survival and oviposition of such predators, as well as the biocontrol services they provide, may be enhanced by adding extra floral resources to the crops. In the present study we investigated the effects of the plant Calendula officinalis L., used as a floral resource, for promoting the control of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) by O. sauteri under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. RESULTS: Results showed that the presence of C. officinalis enhanced aphid and thrips suppression via an increased O. sauteri population growth. The predator populations responded positively to the addition of C. officinalis in the system, and they also varied as a function of the temperatures tested under laboratory conditions. In a similar way, predator populations varied among seasons, with the highest densities recorded in May in the greenhouse. CONCLUSION: C. officinalis can be used to increase available resources for natural enemies used in agricultural crops, notably in greenhouses. This study also provides evidence that increasing floral resources can enhance pest suppression provided by O. sauteri. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mutagenic influences of colchicine on phenological and molecular diversity of Calendula officinalis L.

Six different colchicine concentrations: 0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 ppm, in combination with four soaking time treatments (1, 2, 3, and 4 h), were selected to assess the effects on germination, vegetative growth, and flower yield components in calendula plants. The molecular diversity among the treatments was assessed using ten SRAP marker combinations. Seed soaking in colchicine significantly enhanced both the fresh and the dry shoot and root masses, flowering date, number of flowers per plant, and flower diameter. At 1200-ppm colchicine combined with a 4-h soaking time, a superior effect on seed germination was observed, whereas 800 ppm for 4 h produced the highest number of flowers and the largest flower diameter. The earliest flowering time was found at 800 ppm combined with a short soaking time (1 h), while the 4-h soaking time with 800 ppm, is recommended for growing calendula outdoors, since it enhances flower development. At the molecular level, 752 fragments were successfully amplified using the SRAP primers, with 280 genetic loci found throughout the calendula genome. The polymorphism percentage ranged from 79 to 100% and the polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.85 and 0.97. The high number of detected loci and PIC values suggests a great power of SRAP markers in detecting mutant molecular diversity. Our results clearly show the existence of genetic variation among colchicine treated calendula plants and the clustering of the studied mutants was concordant with the colchicine concentration used.

Phenotypic and biochemical profile changes in calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) plants treated with two chemical mutagenesis.

Chemical mutagenesis is an efficient tool used in mutation-breeding programs to improve the vital characters of the floricultural crops. This study aimed to estimate the effects of different concentrations of two chemical mutagens; sodium azide (SA) and diethyl sulfate (DES). The vegetative growth and flowering characteristics in two generations (M1 and M2) of calendula plants were investigated. Seeds were treated with five different concentrations of SA and DES (at the same rates) of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ppm, in addition to a control treatment of 0 ppm. Results showed that lower concentrations of SA mutagen had significant effects on seed germination percentage, plant height, leaf area, plant fresh weight, flowering date, inflorescence diameter, and gas-exchange measurements in plants of both generations. Calendula plants tended to flower earlier under low mutagen concentrations (1000 ppm), whereas higher concentrations delayed flowering significantly. Positive results on seed germination, plant height, number of branches, plant fresh weight, and leaf area were observed in the M2-generation at lower concentrations of SA (1000 ppm), as well as at 4000 ppm DES on number of leaves and inflorescences. The highest total soluble protein was detected at the concentrations of 1000 ppm SA and 2000 ppm DES. DES showed higher average of acid phosphatase activity than SA. Results indicated that lower concentrations of SA and DES mutagens had positive effects on seed germination percentage, plant height, leaf area, plant fresh weight, flowering date, inflorescence diameter, and gas-exchange measurements. Thus, lower mutagen concentrations could be recommended for better floral and physio-chemical performance.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Growth and Polyphenol Profile of Marjoram, Lemon Balm, and Marigold.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization on biomass, polyphenol profile, and content of economically important herbs. A pot experiment was performed with marjoram, lemon balm, and marigold applying a commercially available AMF mixture for inoculation. Major polyphenols were identified using HPLC-UV-ESI-qTOFMS on the basis of their UV-vis and mass spectral characteristics, and selected ones were quantified. We showed that AMF can provide different services for each herb. Marjoram had the highest level of fungal colonization (82 M%) followed by lemon balm (62 M%) and marigold (17 M%). AMF inoculation significantly increased the biomass of marjoram (1.5-fold), the number of marigold flowers (1.2-fold), and the yield of rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid isomers of marjoram (1.5-fold) and lemon balm (1.2-fold). Therefore, the quantity and quality of plant material could be improved by the application of optimized AMF inoculum.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Yield and Phytoremediation Performance of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) Under Heavy Metals Stress.

In order to study the effect of mycorrhizal fungi (inoculated and non-inoculated) and heavy metals stress [0, Pb (150 and 300 mg/kg) and Cd (40 and 80 mg/kg)] on pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 4 replications in Research Greenhouse of Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Tehran, Iran, during 2012-2013. Plant height, herbal and flower fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight and root volume, colonization percentage, total petal extract, total petal flavonoids, root and shoot P and K uptakes, and Pb and Cd accumulations in root and shoot were measured. Results indicated that with increasing soil Pb and Cd concentration, growth and yield of pot marigold was reduced significantly; Cd had greater negative impacts than Pb. However, mycorrhizal fungi alleviated these impacts by improving plant growth and yield. Pot marigold concentrated high amounts of Pb and especially Cd in its roots and shoots; mycorrhizal plants had a greater accumulation of these metals, so that those under 80 mg/kg Cd soil(-1) accumulated 833.3 and 1585.8 mg Cd in their shoots and roots, respectively. In conclusion, mycorrhizal fungi can improve not only growth and yield of pot marigold in heavy metal stressed condition, but also phytoremediation performance by increasing heavy metals accumulation in the plant organs.

Estudio del desarrollo, calidad de planta y acumulación de pigmentos en lígulas de tagetes erecta l: expuestas a dos intensidades de luz / Study of development, quality of plant and accumulation of pigments in ligules of tagetes erecta l: exposed to two light intensities

The carotenoids are photosensitive pigments during photosynthesis. The objective of this work was to study the effect on development and accumulation of carotenoids in ligules of Tagetes erecta exposed under two different lighting ambient (with mesh and without mesh of 50 percent). The plant development was evaluated measuring the height of the plant, number of floral buds, the ligules diameter. In adition, the quantification and identification of carotenoids from ligules was done by HPLC. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the height of the plant, number of floral buds and ligules diameter of T. erecta. The group grown without mesh received greater UV radiation and different temperature, that under a mesh. The first conditions lead to a reduction of the ligules diameter and total content of xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin). The plastids ultrastructure in the cells of T. erecta developed with mesh showed the greatest amount of thylakoid membranes and more conspicuous starch granules.

Los carotenoides son pigmentos fotosensibles frente a un exceso de intensidad luminosa durante el proceso de fotosíntesis. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el estudio del efecto en el desarrollo de la planta y la acumulación de carotenoides por la exposición a dos diferentes intensidades lumínicas (con y sin malla de sombra al 50 por ciento). Se evaluó el desarrollo de T. erecta en cuanto a la altura de la planta, número de botones florales y el diámetro de las lígulas. Adicionalmente, en las lígulas se cuantificaron e identificaron los carotenoides por HPLC. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en cuanto al desarrollo de las plantas expuestas a mayor radiación UV y temperatura, presentaron reducción del diámetro de las lígulas y disminución en el contenido de Xantófilas totales ( luteína y zeaxantina) con respecto a las cultivadas con malla,. La ultraestructura de los plastidios mostró mayor cantidad de membranas tilacoidales y gránulos de almidón más conspicuos en las células de las plantas de T erecta desarrolladas con malla.

Potential of Calendula alata for phytoremediation of stable cesium and lead from solutions.

Calendula alata plants were tested for their potential to remove stable cesium and lead from solutions in a 15-day period. The plants were grown hydroponically and placed in solutions containing CsCl and Pb(C2H3O2)2 at different concentrations (0.6, 2 and 5 mg l⁻¹). When plants were incubated in CsCl solutions 46.84 ± 2.12%, 41.35 ± 1.59%, and 52.06 ± 1.02% cesium was found to be remediated after 15 days. Moreover, more than 99% lead was removed from the Pb(C2H3O2)2 solution in all three concentrations after 15 days during the same period. When both CsCl and Pb(C2H3O2)2 were supplemented together in the solution, 9.92 ± 1.22%, 45.56 ± 3.52%, and 46.16 ± 1.48% cesium and 95.30 ± 0.72%, 96.64 ± 0.30%, and 99.02 ± 0.04% lead were removed after 15 days. The present study suggests that hydroponically grown C. alata could be used as a potential candidate plant for phytoremediation of cesium and lead from solutions; however, plants were found to be more efficient for the remediation of lead than cesium.

Formas de aplicação de cama-de-frango no crescimento e produção de capítulos florais de Calendula officinalis L. / Chicken manure application forms on the growth and production of Calendula officinalis L. capitula

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar características fisiológicas, morfológicas e a produção de inflorescências em cultura de Calendula officinalis em função do fornecimento de cama-de-frango de corte semidecomposta. O experimento conduzido em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico contou com quatro tratamentos, a testemunha, cama incorporada, cama em cobertura e cama em cobertura (50 por cento) mais incorporada (50 por cento) na dose 20 t ha-1. Empregou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas, com seis repetições. Os valores de matéria fresca e seca dos capítulos florais decresceram com o tempo de cultivo. As formas de fornecimento da cama-de-frango não interferiram na síntese de clorofila (44,812 µg cm-2), no metabolismo fotossintético (20,938 µmol m-2 s-1) e na transpiração das plantas (6,750 Mmol m-2 s-1), com valores mais elevados aos 112 dias após o transplantio. A maior produção total de capítulos foi observada sob cultivo com cama-de-frango 50 por cento incorporada e 50 por cento em cobertura (1361,16 kg ha-1) e a menor no tratamento testemunha (939,28 kg ha-1).

This study aimed to evaluate physiological and morphological characteristics of inflorescences in culture of Calendula officinalis according to the supply of semi-decomposed poultry manure. The experiment was conducted in dystrophic Red Latosol and included four treatments: control, incorporate litter, cover litter and cover (50 percent) incorporated (50 percent) litter at the level 20 t ha-1. The randomized split-plot block design was adopted, with six replicates. The values of fresh and dry matter of capitula decreased with the cultivation time. The forms of chicken manure supply did not interfere with chlorophyll synthesis (44.812 µg cm²) and photosynthetic metabolism (20.938 µmol m-2 s-1) and plant transpiration (6.750 Mmol m-2 s-1), with the highest values at 112 days after transplanting. At 126 days after transplanting, the highest production of capitula (16.0 capitula plant -1) was verified for the treatment cover (50 percent) incorporated (50 percent) litter, with the highest diameter (46 to 50mm) incorporated. The highest total production of capitula was observed for cultivation with 50 percent incorporated and 50 percent cover poultry manure (1362.16 kg ha-1) and the lowest production was noted for the control treatment (939.28 ha-1).

Influência da adubação e da cobertura morta na produtividade e no teor de flavonóides de Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) / Influence of fertilization and mulching on the productivity and flavonoid content of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae)

Desenvolveu-se ensaio de cultivo de Calendula officinalis, variando-se os tipos de adubação e utilização de cobertura morta na observação da produção de inflorescências, droga vegetal e quantificação dos flavonóides presentes nestes materiais.O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos casualizados com 3 repetições, em arranjo fatorial de 3 x 2, constituído de seis tratamentos, sendo 1. adubação química (100 kg de N ha-1 + 50 kg de P ha-1); 2. adubação química + cobertura morta (grama seca - Paspalum notatum); 3. adubação orgânica (esterco bovino curtido 50 t ha-1); 4. adubação orgânica + cobertura morta; 5. sem adubação química ou orgânica + cobertura morta; 6. sem adubação química ou orgânica e sem cobertura morta (testemunha). Os resultados de número capítulos produzidos, massa seca das inflorescências e massa da droga vegetal foram totalizados após cinco meses do plantio. A quantificação de flavonóides foi realizada através de método espectrofotométrico. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente (ANOVA/Teste Tukey-Kramer-5 por cento) e mostraram diferenças significativas (70 por cento superior) no número de inflorescências, massa seca das inflorescências e massa da droga vegetal entre o tratamento com adubação orgânica (3) e os tratamentos sem adubação química ou orgânica com cobertura morta (5) e o testemunha (6). As demais comparações, inclusive o teor de flavonóides, entre os diversos tratamentos não resultaram em diferenças significativas.

Calendula officinalis was experimentally grown under field conditions with different fertilization types and mulching in order to evaluate inflorescence production, plant drugs and flavonoid levels. Experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 3 replicates, in a 3x2 factorial arrangement, consisting of six treatments, as follows: 1. chemical fertilization (100 kg N ha-1 + 50 kg P ha-1); 2. chemical fertilization + mulch (dry grass - Paspalum notatum); 3. organic fertilization (cured bovine manure 50 t ha-1); 4. organic fertilization + mulch; 5. no chemical or organic fertilization + mulch; 6. no chemical or organic fertilization and no mulch (control). Data regarding number of produced capitula, dry matter of inflorescences and plant drug matter were totaled after five months of planting. Flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry. The results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA / Tukey-Kramer test-5 percent) and showed significant differences (70 percent higher) for number of inflorescences, inflorescence dry matter and plant drug matter between the treatment with organic fertilization (3) and treatments with no chemical or organic fertilization with mulching (5) and control (6). The remaining comparisons, including flavonoid content, did not result in significant differences among treatments.

Influencia de los bioplaguicidas en los parámetros de calidad de Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L / Biopesticides influence on the quality parameters of Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L

INTRODUCCIÓN: Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L son dos especies medicinales de gran importancia económica y social en Cuba, su cultivo con frecuencia anual se ha visto afectado por la aparición de plagas y enfermedades, con el deterioro del rendimiento de masa vegetal y en su calidad. OBJETIVOS: determinar la influencia de los bioplaguicidas en los parámetros de calidad de Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L MÉTODOS: las drogas vegetales, fueron sometidas a tratamiento con bioplaguicidas de origen botánico: (Melia azederach L y Nicotiana tabacum L) y de origen biológico: (los hongos Beauveria bassiana, Verticillun lecanii y Trichoderma viridis, con la bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis), teniendo en cuenta los bajos costos y métodos sencillos de obtención de sus extractos sin causar prejuicios al medio. Los parámetros de calidad realizados a las inflorescencias en ambas drogas vegetales después de secadas a 38 ºC y trituradas fueron: humedad, cenizas totales, sustancias solubles, aceite esencial y flavonoides totales. RESULTADOS: se comprobó que las aplicaciones por nebulización de los bioplaguicidas no evidenciaron influencia en las cenizas totales, actuaron en la superficie de los capítulos florales por la propiedad repelente o veneno contacto que poseen los bioplaguicidas empleados; se observó aumento en los flavonoides totales y en las sustancias solubles en etanol 70 por ciento en el caso de C officinalis, mientras M recutita mostró favorecidos los porcentajes de sustancias solubles en agua y aceite esencial con respecto a los testigos. CONCLUSIONES: se controló el umbral económico de infestación en estos cultivos y se favoreció la calidad de las drogas obtenidas(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L are two medicinal species of a great economic and social significance in Cuba, its growing with yearly frequency has been affected by appearance of plagues and diseases deteriorating the plant mass performance and its quality. OBJECTIVES: to determine the biopesticides influence on quality parameters of Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L. METHODS: the plant drugs underwent a botanical origin biopesticides treatment: (Melia azederach L and Nicotiana tabacum L) and of biological origin: (the mushrooms Beauveria bassiana, Verticillun lecanii and Trichoderma viridis with the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis), taking into account the low costs and single methods to obtain its extracts without damage the environment. The quality parameters performed to inflorescence in both plant drugs after its drying at 38 ºC and grinding were: humidity, total ashes, soluble substances, essential oil and total flavonoids. RESULTS: it was proved that applications by biopesticides nebulization have not influence on total ashes, working in surface of floral inflorescence due to repellent property or poison-contact present in biopesticides used noting an increase in total flavonoids and in soluble substances in 70 percent ethanol in the case of C officinalis whereas M recutita showed as favored the percentages of soluble substances in water and in essential oil as regards the controls. CONCLUSIONS: in these cultures the infestation economic threshold favoring the quality of drugs obtained(AU)

Influencia de los bioplaguicidas en los parámetros de calidad de Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L / Biopesticides influence on the quality parameters of Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L

INTRODUCCIÓN: Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L son dos especies medicinales de gran importancia económica y social en Cuba, su cultivo con frecuencia anual se ha visto afectado por la aparición de plagas y enfermedades, con el deterioro del rendimiento de masa vegetal y en su calidad. OBJETIVOS: determinar la influencia de los bioplaguicidas en los parámetros de calidad de Calendula officinalis L y Matricaria recutita L MÉTODOS: las drogas vegetales, fueron sometidas a tratamiento con bioplaguicidas de origen botánico: (Melia azederach L y Nicotiana tabacum L) y de origen biológico: (los hongos Beauveria bassiana, Verticillun lecanii y Trichoderma viridis, con la bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis), teniendo en cuenta los bajos costos y métodos sencillos de obtención de sus extractos sin causar prejuicios al medio. Los parámetros de calidad realizados a las inflorescencias en ambas drogas vegetales después de secadas a 38 ºC y trituradas fueron: humedad, cenizas totales, sustancias solubles, aceite esencial y flavonoides totales. RESULTADOS: se comprobó que las aplicaciones por nebulización de los bioplaguicidas no evidenciaron influencia en las cenizas totales, actuaron en la superficie de los capítulos florales por la propiedad repelente o veneno contacto que poseen los bioplaguicidas empleados; se observó aumento en los flavonoides totales y en las sustancias solubles en etanol 70 por ciento en el caso de C officinalis, mientras M recutita mostró favorecidos los porcentajes de sustancias solubles en agua y aceite esencial con respecto a los testigos. CONCLUSIONES: se controló el umbral económico de infestación en estos cultivos y se favoreció la calidad de las drogas obtenidas

INTRODUCTION: Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L are two medicinal species of a great economic and social significance in Cuba, its growing with yearly frequency has been affected by appearance of plagues and diseases deteriorating the plant mass performance and its quality. OBJECTIVES: to determine the biopesticides influence on quality parameters of Calendula officinalis L and Matricaria recutita L. METHODS: the plant drugs underwent a botanical origin biopesticides treatment: (Melia azederach L and Nicotiana tabacum L) and of biological origin: (the mushrooms Beauveria bassiana, Verticillun lecanii and Trichoderma viridis with the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis), taking into account the low costs and single methods to obtain its extracts without damage the environment. The quality parameters performed to inflorescence in both plant drugs after its drying at 38 ºC and grinding were: humidity, total ashes, soluble substances, essential oil and total flavonoids. RESULTS: it was proved that applications by biopesticides nebulization have not influence on total ashes, working in surface of floral inflorescence due to repellent property or poison-contact present in biopesticides used noting an increase in total flavonoids and in soluble substances in 70 percent ethanol in the case of C officinalis whereas M recutita showed as favored the percentages of soluble substances in water and in essential oil as regards the controls. CONCLUSIONS: in these cultures the infestation economic threshold favoring the quality of drugs obtained

Leaching composted lignocellulosic wastes to prepare container media: feasibility and environmental concerns.

The leaching of salt and mineral elements from three composts prepared with residual vegetable crop biomass (melon, pepper or zucchini) was studied using methacrylate columns and distilled water. The benefits of the leached composts to be used for ornamental potted plant production were also analysed. After leaching 5 container capacities of effluent, both the electrical conductivity and the concentration of soluble mineral elements in compost leachates decreased substantially and remained close to the target levels. Composts reacted differently to leaching due to differences in the raw waste sources and the composting process and hence, in their physical and chemical characteristics. At the end of the experiment, after pouring 8 container capacities of water, the leaching efficiency of the salts was 96%, 93% and 87% for melon, pepper and zucchini-based composts, respectively. Mineral elements differed in their ability to be removed from the composts; N (NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-)), K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), and SO(4)(2-) were leached readily, whereas H(2)PO(4)(-), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) were removed hardly. Leached composts showed a range of physico-chemical and chemical characteristics suitable for use as growing media constituents. Potted Calendula and Calceolaria plants grew in the substrates prepared with the leached composts better than in those made with the non-leached ones. Finally, special emphasis must be paid to the management of the effluents produced under commercial conditions to avoid environmental pollution.

Influência do substrato e do tamanho da célula de bandejas de poliestireno expandido no desenvolvimento de mudas e produção de calêndula (Calendula officinalis L. ) / Influence of substrate and cell size of expanded polystyrene tray on the development and production of marigold (Calendula officinalis L. ) seedlings

A calêndula (Calendula officinalis L.) é uma planta medicinal anual de origem Mediterrânica que apresenta propriedades antiinflamatórias, antivirais, antigenotóxicas. A propagação desta planta normalmente é feita por sementes, sendo o uso de bandejas de poliestireno uma forma econômica de produção de mudas. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar a interferência de dois tamanhos de célula em bandeja de poliestireno expandido (40 cm³ e 12 cm³) e de dois substratos (solo + esterco bovino curtido e substrato comercial tipo Plantmax para hortaliças®) sobre a qualidade de mudas e a produção de calêndula. O delineamento estatístico nos dois experimentos foi em blocos casualizados, dispostos em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (dois substratos e dois tamanhos de células) com seis repetições. Os tratamentos, referentes aos tamanhos das células foram bandeja com 128 células (40 cm³ de volume) e, bandeja com 288 células (12 cm³ de volume). Os substratos utilizados foram solo de cerrado + esterco bovino curtido (1:1) e substrato comercial tipo "Plantmax para hortaliças®". Parte das mudas foi transplantada para avaliação da produção de capítulos. Houve diferenças significativas entre os substratos para as variáveis: matéria seca de parte aérea, matéria seca da raiz e matéria seca total. O uso do substrato formulado com solo de cerrado e esterco bovino proporcionou o melhor desenvolvimento das mudas de calêndula. Contudo, os diferentes tipos de substrato e bandejas de poliestireno não influenciaram significativamente a produção de capítulos das mudas transplantadas.

Marigold Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) is an annual medicinal plant of Mediterranean origin which presents anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antigenotoxic properties. This species normally propagates through seeds, and the use of polystyrene trays is an economic way to produce its seedlings. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of two cell sizes of expanded polystyrene trays (40 cm³ and 12 cm³) and two substrates (soil + cattle manure and Plantmax® commercial substrate for vegetables) on marigold production and seedling quality. Experimental design in both assays was in randomized blocks, in a 2x2 factorial arrangement (two substrates and two cell sizes), with six replicates. Treatments regarding cell sizes were trays presenting 128 cells (40 cm³) and trays containing 288 cells (12 cm³). The used substrates were cerrado soil + cattle manure (1:1) and Plantmax® commercial substrate for vegetables. Part of the seedlings was transplanted to evaluate capitulum production. There were significant differences among substrates for total, root and shoot dry matter. The use of substrate containing cerrado soil and cattle manure led to the best development of marigold seedlings. However, the different types of substrates and polystyrene trays did not significantly influence capitulum production in transplanted seedlings.

Sistema de policultivos en plantas medicinales: aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Plantago lanceolata y Plantago major / System of polycultures in medicinal plants: aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major

Fundamentos: existe una tendencia creciente por los agricultores a desarrollar las producciones agrícolas mediante sistemas de policultivos. Objetivos: demostrar las ventajas del sistema de policultivo sobre el monocultivo basados en el incremento del rendimiento de masa vegetal de las especies que lo integran. Métodos: en la Estación Experimental de Plantas Medicinales Dr Juan Tomás Roig se investigó sobre suelo ferralítico rojo hidratado (ferralsols), en una plantación establecida de Aloe vera (L.) N. L. Burm. cultivo perenne y principal, el intercalamiento de varias especies: Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria recutita L., Plantago lanceolata L. y Plantago major L.; cultivos de períodos vegetativos cortos para aprovechar el espacio entre surcos que requiere esta planta; se determinó el rendimiento de masa vegetal fresca en cada una de las especies de esta compleja asociación y se compararon con los de sus respectivos cultivos únicos o monocultivos. Los valores obtenidos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza, además se calculó el incremento productivo a partir del cual se determinó el uso equivalente de la tierra. Resultados: de forma general, se encontró en todas las especies componentes del policultivo (cultivo permanente y plantas intercaladas) ventajas sobre el monocultivo en cuanto a sus rendimientos, sin afectación de los principios activos, así como el aumento de la eficiencia productiva de los suelos. Conclusiones: se demostró en las especies estudiadas la superioridad que ofrece el sistema de siembra por policultivo(AU)

Foundations: there is an increasing trend on the part of the agriculturists to develop productions by polyculture systems. Objectives: to show the advantages of the polyculture system over the monoculture based on the increase of the yield of plant mass of the species included. Methods: in an established plantation of Aloe vera (L.) N. L. Burm., perennial and main culture, with hydrated red ferriferous soil (ferralsols), at Dr Juan Tomás Roig Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants, it was investigated the intercropping of various species: Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria recutita L., Plantago lanceolata L. and Plantago major L.; cultures of short vegetative periods used to avail the space between furrows required by this plant. The yielding of fresh plant mass was also determined in each of the species of this complex association and they were compared with those of their respective unique cultures or monocultures. The values obtained were analyzed by variance analysis. The productive growth from which the equivalent use of the soil was determined was calculated, too. Results: generally, in all the species composing the polyculture (permanent culture and intercropped plants) there were advantages over the monoculture as regards their yieldings without affecting the active principles. An increase of the productive efficiency of the soils was also observed. Conclusions: the superiority of the polyculture system was proved in the studied species(AU)

Sistema de policultivos en plantas medicinales: aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Plantago lanceolata y Plantago major / System of polycultures in medicinal plants: aloe vera, Calendula officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major

Fundamentos: existe una tendencia creciente por los agricultores a desarrollar las producciones agrícolas mediante sistemas de policultivos. Objetivos: demostrar las ventajas del sistema de policultivo sobre el monocultivo basados en el incremento del rendimiento de masa vegetal de las especies que lo integran. Métodos: en la Estación Experimental de Plantas Medicinales Dr Juan Tomás Roig se investigó sobre suelo ferralítico rojo hidratado (ferralsols), en una plantación establecida de Aloe vera (L.) N. L. Burm. cultivo perenne y principal, el intercalamiento de varias especies: Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria recutita L., Plantago lanceolata L. y Plantago major L.; cultivos de períodos vegetativos cortos para aprovechar el espacio entre surcos que requiere esta planta; se determinó el rendimiento de masa vegetal fresca en cada una de las especies de esta compleja asociación y se compararon con los de sus respectivos cultivos únicos o monocultivos. Los valores obtenidos se analizaron mediante análisis de varianza, además se calculó el incremento productivo a partir del cual se determinó el uso equivalente de la tierra. Resultados: de forma general, se encontró en todas las especies componentes del policultivo (cultivo permanente y plantas intercaladas) ventajas sobre el monocultivo en cuanto a sus rendimientos, sin afectación de los principios activos, así como el aumento de la eficiencia productiva de los suelos. Conclusiones: se demostró en las especies estudiadas la superioridad que ofrece el sistema de siembra por policultivo.

Foundations: there is an increasing trend on the part of the agriculturists to develop productions by polyculture systems. Objectives: to show the advantages of the polyculture system over the monoculture based on the increase of the yield of plant mass of the species included. Methods: in an established plantation of Aloe vera (L.) N. L. Burm., perennial and main culture, with hydrated red ferriferous soil (ferralsols), at Dr Juan Tomás Roig Experimental Station of Medicinal Plants, it was investigated the intercropping of various species: Calendula officinalis L., Matricaria recutita L., Plantago lanceolata L. and Plantago major L.; cultures of short vegetative periods used to avail the space between furrows required by this plant. The yielding of fresh plant mass was also determined in each of the species of this complex association and they were compared with those of their respective unique cultures or monocultures. The values obtained were analyzed by variance analysis. The productive growth from which the equivalent use of the soil was determined was calculated, too. Results: generally, in all the species composing the polyculture (permanent culture and intercropped plants) there were advantages over the monoculture as regards their yieldings without affecting the active principles. An increase of the productive efficiency of the soils was also observed. Conclusions: the superiority of the polyculture system was proved in the studied species.

Growth responses of three ornamental plants to Cd and Cd-Pb stress and their metal accumulation characteristics.

Up to now, there was no document on ornamental plants that had been applied to phytoremediation, which can remedy contaminated environment and beautify it at the same time. Thus, the growth responses and possible phytoremediation ability of three ornamental plants selected from the previous preliminary experiments were further examined under single Cd or combined Cd-Pb stress. The results showed that these tested plants had higher tolerance to Cd and Pb contamination and could effectively accumulate the metals, especially for Calendula officinalis and Althaea rosea. For C. officinalis, it grew normally in soils containing 100 mg kg(-1) Cd without suffering phytotoxicity, and the Cd concentration in the roots was up to 1084 mg kg(-1) while the Cd concentration in the shoots was 284 mg kg(-1). For A. rosea, the Cd accumulation in the shoots was higher than that in the roots when the Cd concentration in soils was <100 mg kg(-1), and reached 100 mg kg(-1) as the criteria of a Cd hyperaccumulator when the Cd concentration in soils was 100 mg kg(-1). Their accumulation and tolerance to Cd and Pb were further demonstrated through the hydroponic-culture method. And A. rosea had a great potential as a possible Cd hyperaccumulator under favorable or induced conditions. Furthermore, the interactive effects of Cd and Pb in the three ornamentals were complicated, not only additive, antagonistic or synergistic, but also related to many factors including concentration combinations of heavy metals, plant species and various parts of plants. Thus, it can be forecasted that this work will provide a new way for phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Study of calendula and Gaillardia growth in two composts prepared from agroindustrial wastes.

Two composts prepared from agroindustrial wastes were assayed as substrates: C1 from brewing waste (yeast and malt) plus lemon tree pruning and C2 from the solid fraction of olive mill wastewater plus olive leaves. Sixteen substrates were prepared by combining each compost with Sphagnum peat or a Commercial Substrate (CS) in different proportions. The nutrients (N and K) provided by the composts, which acted as slow-release fertilizers, influenced especially the development of calendula, although the physical and physicochemical properties such as total pore space and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were also relevant. On the other hand, in the salt-sensitive Gaillardia hybrid, EC and chloride concentration were the main factors influencing growth. The best results were found in substrates prepared by mixing C1 at up to 75% with peat, or at up to 50% with CS, or by mixing C2 at up to 50% with peat or CS, for calendula. For salt-sensitive species such as Gaillardia, adequate substrates for plant development were found for C1 at up to 50% with peat or CS, but the use of C2 should be limited to 25% in mixtures with peat or CS. Therefore, composts of agroindustrial origin such as these can be used as an alternative to peat and CSs for growing ornamental plants, provided the mixture contains at least 25% peat or CS.