Vegetative Propagation in African Marigold (Tageteserecta) Hybrid

Amruta, S. Satheeshan K. N.

Abstract: A study was carried out to compare the rooted cuttings and seedlings at regional agriculture research station, pilicode. In, the comparative study between seedlings and cuttings, seedlings recorded the maximum plant height, number of primary branches and secondary branches. Seedlings also recorded maximum plant fresh weight and dry weight. Yield parameters such as number of flowers per plant (42.05), flower yield per plant (489.85g), flower yield per plot (9.8 Kg), flower yield per hectare (29.02 t/ha) and duration of flowering were significantly more in seedling originated plants. Plants raised from rooted cuttings required less number of days for first flowering (8.65 days), 50 per cent flowering (17.90 days) and days to first harvest (21.10 days) indicating earliness. Shelf life of marigold flowers were also more (7.05 days) in vegetatively propagated plants compared to that from seedlings (5.45 days). Plants raised from rooted cuttings recorded the maximum B: C (5.34: 1) ratio compared to seedlings (3.91: 1).

Keywords: Marigold, shelf life, seedlings, cuttings