In recent years, understanding flower colors and the compounds that are responsible for color have become a focus for Ball Horticultural Company. This research effort has now led to the creation of Chrysantis, Inc., a new subsidiary of Ball Horticultural, West Chicago, IL, which was formed to develop and market high quality plant-derived specialty ingredients for the dietary supplement and functional food industries. Chrysantis’ first undertaking involves bringing to market proprietary marigold extracts with a high content of natural zeaxanthin for use in maintaining eye health.