Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
K Kusuma and Thaneshwari

Abstract:
The experiment entitled “Effect of planting dates and mulching on growth and flowering of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at the centre of excellence for vegetables and flowers, Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The trial was laid out in Randomized Block Design, with twelve treatment combination and two factors. Treatments included three planting dates (last week January, 2^nd week of February, 3^rd week of February) and four mulching (Black plastic mulch, silver plastic mulch, Paddy straw & control i.e., no mulch). The 2^nd week of February planting gave maximum results for number of flowers per plant, number of primary and secondary branches per plant. Plant spread and plant height was found to be maximum in 3^rd week of February planting. January planting gave good results for stem diameter. Silver plastic mulch had shown effective results in flowering parameters and plant spread and other vegetative parameters were performed maximum in black plastic mulch. The Combined effect of planting date and mulching showed maximum value for vegetative and flowering parameters when planted in the 2^nd week of February with silver plastic mulch. Based on the results of this experiment, it is recommended that for the highest yield of marigold flowers as a summer crop in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, it needs to be planted in mid-February using silver plastic mulch.