Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth And Flower Yie.nd in Marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.) Cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda

Abstract

The present investigation entitled "Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and flower yield in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda", was conducted at Horticultural Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut - 250110 under sub-tropical climatic conditions of Western Uttar Pradesh during 2008-09 with a view to standardize the doses of bio and chemical fertilizers and manure for marigold. Among the treatments applied in the study, maximum plant height, plant spread, leaf area, number of branches/plant, dry matter content, flowering duration, flower quality and flower and seed yield were recorded with the application of 75% recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter + Vermicompost followed by 75% recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter. · This treatment was also found effective in inducing the earliest flowering. Application of 50% recommended dose of NPK + neem cake was least effective in improving the growth, flower quality and yield of marigold. While calculating the economics of different treatments in the present study, the maximum gross/net return (Rs 317760/Rs 265060/ha) and cost : benefit ratio (1 :5.03) was found to be with 75% recommended dose of NPK +Azotobacter+ Vermicompost followed by 75% recommended dose of NPK +azotobacter (Rs 248400/ Rs 207089/ha). On the other hand, 50% recommended dose of NPK + neem cake had recorded minimum gross/net return. Based on the results obtained from the present study, it may be concluded that, among all the treatments of INM applied in the study, application of 75% recommended dose of NPK + Azotobacter + vermicompost was found to be most effective in improving th_e growth and flower and seed yield of marigold cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda under the climatic con · ·ons of Weste Uttar Pradesh