Growth, Flowering and Flower Quality of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) in Response to Compost Application Rate

Abstract

Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is commercially exploited for cut flower. The experiment was conducted at Student Field School, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State between January and May 2022 to determine the growth and flowering response of Tagetes erecta L. (African marigold) to compost rate (0, 5 and 10 tha-1). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers flower yield, plant nutrient and carotene content. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT 12th edition while significant means were separated using standard error at 5% level of probability (Wahua, 1999). The results showed that marigold that received 5 and 10 tha-1 compost had more leaves, more branches, higher number of flowers, and flower yield than African marigold with no compost. However, there was no significant difference between Marigold that received 5 and 10tha compost. Nitrogen, calcium, and carotene content were highest in plant that received 10 tha-1 compost. In conclusion, 5 t/ha compost was optimum for the growth and flowering of African marigold while 10 tha-1 was adequate for flower quality of African marigold.