Tagetes erecta marigolds with altered carotenoid compositions and ratios

Abstract

A marigold plant, a regenerable portion thereof and seed are disclosed whose flower petals, leaves or flower petals and leaves contain one or more of an enhanced zeaxanthin ratio, an enhanced neoxanthin plus violaxanthin ratio, an enhanced β-carotene ratio, an enhanced α-cryptoxanthin ratio, an enhanced phytoene ratio or an enhanced phytofluene ratio relative to that ratio in a non-mutant marigold. The flower petals of such a plant also typically contain zeta-carotene that is not normally found in such petals. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such plants, oleoresins and comestible materials that have such carotenoid ratios.

1 - 32 . (Cancelled).  
     
     
         33 . A composition suitable for use as a food or feed supplement that comprises a mixture of zeaxanthin and lutein dissolved or dispersed in a comestible medium, wherein the zeaxanthin ratio is greater than about 1:10.  
     
     
         34 . The composition according to  claim 33  wherein the zeaxanthin ratio is greater than about 2:10.  
     
     
         35 . A composition suitable for use as a food or feed supplement that comprises a mixture of fatty acid esters of zeaxanthin and lutein dissolved or dispersed in a comestible medium, wherein the zeaxanthin ratio that is greater than about 1:10.  
     
     
         36 . The composition according to  claim 35  wherein the zeaxanthin ratio is greater than about 2:10.  
     
     
         37 . The composition according to  claim 35  wherein said comestible medium is an edible oil.  
     
     
         38 . The composition according to  claim 35  wherein said comestible medium is a pharmaceutically acceptable binding agent.  
     
     
         39 - 43  (Cancelled).