Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Gandham Aditya, V Vijaya Bhaskar, K Swarajya Lakshmi, M Siva Prasad, VV Padmaja and Lalitha Kadiri

Abstract:
Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is a popular ornamental flower known for its vibrant colors and pleasant fragrance. To enhance its growth and productivity, various agricultural inputs like hydrogels, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) have been employed in this study. The present research investigates the impact of these treatments on growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, number of leaves and branches, main stem diameter, total dry matter, and total leaf area in marigold cv. 'Bidhan-2' over a two-year experimentation period (2019-2021) at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Anantharajupeta, Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments, laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications under open field condition. Significant variations were observed among different treatments with respect to vegetative growth. Among the results, number of leaves per plant (2380.1, 2618.1 and 2499.1), number of branches per plant (103.67, 98.33 and 101.00), total dry matter (123.67, 128.67 and 126.17 g plant^-1) and leaf area (27750.5, 30524.6 and 29137.5 cm²) recorded were significantly maximum with H₁N₂S₁ treatment during the two years and pooled data respectively. While maximum plant height (76.53, 77.37 and 76.95 cm) and plant spread (3884.3, 3962.0 and 3923.2 cm²) was observed with H₁N₁S₁ treatment during the two years and pooled data respectively. However maximum diameter of main stem (2.17, 2.19 and 2.18 cm) was registered with H₁N₁S₂ treatment during the two years and pooled data respectively.