Scientists from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, have developed a new variety of marigold, Arka Shubha, which has high carotene-content compared to other varieties.
As carotene is mainly used in the pharmaceutical sector, there is always a high demand for it. Presently, India imports most of its carotene from other countries. This new variety can help the sector meet its need.
“All marigolds have carotene content that range upto a maximum of 1.4%. However, the Arka Shubha variety has a carotene content of 2.8% which is the highest content from a plant source,” said Dr Tejaswini P., principal scientist in the IIHR’s Division of Floriculture and Medicinal Plants, who led the team of scientists that developed this variety.
Generally, marigold flowers lose their value if they get spoilt due to rain or delay in harvest. But Arka Shubha are of value even if they get spoilt as they can still be used for extraction of crude carotene.
Arka Shubha not only has ornamental purposes like other marigold varieties, but its petals could be used as poultry feed to get quality yolk.
Picture Credit : Google
