1Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012.
2Division of Post Harvest Technology, IARI, New Delhi 110 012.
*Corresponding author's E-mail: kanwar_flspusa@yahoo.co.in
Investigation was carried out to estimate carotenoids and its fractions in six promising genotypes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) followed by effect of grading of flowers and harvesting stage on recovery of total carotenoids and its fractions, i.e. carotene, mono-hydroxy pigment (MHP) and di-hydroxy pigment (DHP) including dry matter and moisture content. The flowers from each genotype were harvested at two different stages, i.e. half-bloom and full-bloom. Half-bloom flowers contain more amount of pigment than full-bloom in all the genotypes. However, Pusa Narangi Gainda showed maximum recovery of total carotenoids and di-hydroxy pigment, while Selection-19 and Selection-22 had the maximum carotene and mono-hydroxy pigment respectively at half bloom stage. Large flower gave maximum recovery of pigments than small flowers in all the genotypes. Maximum recovery of total carotenoids and DHP was found in Pusa Narangi Gainda.
Marigold, carotenoids, mono-hydroxy pigment, di-hydroxy pigment
