Fertilization enhances growth, yield, and xanthophyll contents of marigold

Authors: IFTIKHAR AHMAD, MUHAMMAD ASIF, ATYAB AMJAD, SAGHEER AHMAD

Abstract: The effects of various NPK levels on growth, flowering, and xanthophyll contents of African marigold (Tagetes erecta, 'Double Eagle') and French marigold (Tagetes patula, 'Yellow') were investigated. Plant height, number of branches plant^{-1}, leaf area (cm^2), total chlorophyll contents (mg g^{-1}), number of flowers plant^{-1}, flower diameter, flower quality, fresh and dry weight of a flower, total flower weight plant^{-1}, blooming period, and days to flowering were maximum with 15:10:10 g m^{-2} NPK application. However, leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents reached the highest values with 15:20:10, 5:20:10, and 10:20:10 g m^{-2} NPK application, respectively. Xanthophyll contents were higher in plants fertilized with 15:20:10 g m^{-2} NPK application. Results suggested that NPK fertilization enhanced growth and improved yield, quality, and xanthophyll contents of marigold.

Keywords: Annual flowers, lutein, macronutrients, specialty cut flowers, Tagetes spp.

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