Influence of various Nutrients and Biostimulant on Vegetative and Floral Attributes of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Inca Yellow

Author: Pragnya Paramita Mishra, Sashikala Beura, Rajalaxmi Beura, Manas Ranjan Nath and Sadhana Swastika

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Abstract

Supplementation of different essential nutrients along with biostimulant plays a crucial role in the proper growth and development of marigold ensuring improved flower quality. These inputs actively contribute to the overall well-being of the plant and act as catalysts, facilitating important organic processes within the plant. With this in mind, an experiment spanning two consecutive years, viz., 2018-19 and 2019-20, was conducted during the winter season at the Floriculture Research Field of the Dept. 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 focus of this study was to investigate the impact of applying various nutrients (0.4% MgSO4, 0.4% ZnSO4, and 0.2% Borax) and a biostimulant (0.2% Humic acid), either separately or in combination, on the growth and floral characteristics of African marigold cv. Inca Yellow. The research findings revealed that foliar application of 0.4% MgSO4 resulted in the highest plant height (24.67 cm), basal stem diameter (6.79 mm) and plant spread (22.23 cm (E-W), 22.70 cm (N-S)) along with earliest first bud initiation (22.60 days) and first flowering (40.64 days). Moreover, maximum number of flowers per plant (25.57) was observed in plants treated with a combination of 0.2% Humic acid and 0.4% MgSO4.

Keywords

Marigold, plant nutrition, humic acid, yield enhancement, crop quality

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, it can be inferred that the most effective treatment for Inca Yellow cultivar was the foliar application of0.4% magnesium sulphate alone as well as in combination with 0.2% Humic acid. The use of various nutrients and biostimulant in plants reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby enhancing soil health and promoting robust crop growth. This combination of nutrients and biostimulant can be recommended to the flower growers engaged in both loose flower production and the potted plant industry.

References

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How to cite this article

Pragnya Paramita Mishra, Sashikala Beura, Rajalaxmi Beura, Manas Ranjan Nath and Sadhana Swastika (2023). Influence of various Nutrients and Biostimulant on Vegetative and Floral Attributes of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Inca Yellow. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(1): 701-705.