Response of African marigold cv. Siracole to organic and inorganic nitrogen sources

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels and sources of nitrogenous fertilizer on African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn.) cv. Siracole, on sandy loam soil. Plant height, number of both primary and secondary branches, flower diameter, individual flower weight and flower yield were directly related to nitrogen level. Flower yield increased significantly with increase in nitrogen fertilization from 100 to 200 kg N ha-1. Sources of nitrogen significantly influenced the vegetative as well as flowering attributes. Application of 50% N as mustard oil cake as basal + 50% N as urea as top dress recorded highest value for different parameters recorded, including chlorophyll content in leaf tissues and anthocyanin in petals, except plant height. While, treatment 100% N as neem oil cake recorded minimum values in all parameters. Amongst various interactions, application of 300 kg N ha-1 in the form of 50% as N as mustard oil cake as basal + 50% N as urea as top dressed recorded maximum flower yield and heaviest flower but was at par with 200 kg N ha-1 in the form of 50% N as mustard oil cake as basal + 50% N as urea as top dressed.