Scientists from the Hessarghatta-based Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) have developed a new variety of marigold which is of value even if they get spoilt after full bloom. This new variety of marigold can be used for the extraction of crude carotene.
Key Points
- Usually, flowers lose their value after getting spoilt by rain or delay in harvest.
- But a new variety of marigold flowers developed by the IIHR scientists is useful even after getting spoilt as crude carotene can be extracted from it.
- The name of this new variety of marigold is ‘Arka Shubha’.
- All marigolds have carotene content that ranges up to a maximum of 1.4%. The Arka Shubha variety of marigold has high carotene content of 2.8% which is the highest content from a plant source.
- These flowers can also be sold for ornamental purposes too like other marigold varieties.
- But using them for extracting crude carotene is a better option.
- Carotene has a high demand in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Arka Shubha variety is used in the poultry sector. The petals of Arka Subha can be used as poultry feed to get quality yolk.
At present, India imports most of its carotene from other countries which also includes China. Arka Subha can be used by the farmers for the extraction of carotene.
