Effect of Starter Solution, Micronutrient Mixture and Humic Acid on Growth, Flowering and Yield of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Author: Anjali, Ashok H., Pampanna, Y., Jyothi, R. and Suma, T.C.

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Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at the Herbal Garden, College of Agriculture, Raichur was initiated during late rabi 2021-22. The experiment was carried out with eight treatments comprising of starter solution, micronutrient mixture and humic acid was laid in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The absorption of nutrients by roots from soil is adversely affected after transplanting thereby causing reduced growth and mortality of seedlings which are the main handicaps in successful floriculture. Commercial exploitation of the flowers for xanthophylls extraction has made this flower crop much more popular among the flower growers and industries. An optimum and balanced level of liquid nutrients and biostimulant are necessary for optimum growth and higher production of quality flowers. The results of the study indicated that application of starter solution at 0.5% and foliar spray of micronutrient mixture at 0.25% and humic acid at 0.2% (T8) recorded taller plants, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant and larger leaf area. Minimum number of days for flower initiation, 50 per cent flowering, number of flowers per plant, test weight (10 flowers), duration of flowering and flower yield per hectare. Results confirmed that improved growth and flowering of African marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda.

Keywords

Foliar spray, starter solution, flower yield, micronutrients

Conclusion

It is concluded that the treatment combination of starter solution at 0.5%, foliar spray of micronutrient mixture at 0.25% and humic acid at 0.2% has resulted in better vegetative parameters like plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and leaf area per plant. Also, early flower initiation, 50 percent flowering, number of flowers per plant, test weight (10 flowers), duration of flowering and flower yield per hectare was noticed in the same treatment.

References

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How to cite this article

Anjali, Ashok H., Pampanna, Y., Jyothi, R. and Suma, T.C. (2023). Effect of Starter Solution, Micronutrient Mixture and Humic Acid on Growth, Flowering and Yield of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 268-272.