In marigold, the production of high quality flowers is largely influenced by various essential plant nutrients and biostimulants. These inputs effectively contribute towards the overall growth and development and facilitate the significant organic processes within the plant. With this objective, an investigation was carried out in two consecutive years, viz., 2018-19 and 2019-20 at the Floriculture Research Field of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping in the Biotechnology-cum-Tissue Culture Centre (BTCC) premises, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The aim of this study was to find out the individual and combined influence of various nutrients (0.4% MgSO4, 0.4% ZnSO4, and 0.2% Borax) and a biostimulant (0.2% Humic Acid) on the floral, postharvest, and yield attributes of African marigold cv. Inca Yellow. The research findings revealed that foliar application of a combination of 0.2% Humic Acid and 0.4% MgSO4 exhibited maximum flower diameter (8.83 cm), flower weight (15.02 g) as well as highest yield per plant (364.20 g). Furthermore, longest bloom life (24.67 days) was recorded with the foliar application of 0.2% Humic Acid, and maximum flowering duration with 0.2 % Borax. The shelf life of flowers was found to be best with the spray of a combination of 0.2% Humic Acid, 0.4% MgSO4 and 0.2% Borax, although there was no significant difference among the treatments.

Tagetes erecta, nutrients, humic acid, flower quality, yield

The best treatment for most ofthe attributes under study was found to be the combined foliar application of 0.4% magnesium sulphate and 0.2% Humic acid. Utilizing a combination of nutrients and biostimulants in plant cultivation reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, leading to improved soil health and fostering vigorous crop development. This blend of nutrients and biostimulantis advisable for flower growers involved in the loose flower production as well as the potted plant sector.

Pragnya Paramita Mishra, Sashikala Beura, Rajalaxmi Beura, Manas Ranjan Nath and Sadhana Swastika (2022). Effect of Humic Acid and Nutrients on Various Quantitative Attributes of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Inca Yellow. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4a): 789-793.