Comparative assessment of fertilizers on yield and quality of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Abstract

Different types of fertilization strategies were investigated on marigold (Golden King F1) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications at Thailand. The treatments were composed of chemical and granular organic fertilizer with hormone mixed formula (HO) and two NPK fertilizers. From the results, flower size (6.22 cm), flower yield/plot (16.05 kg) and flower yield/ha (16053.19 kg) were highest in the chemical and granular organic fertilizer with hormone mixed formula C (T15). Flower shelf-life was more prolonged in T15 (8.58 g) after 72 hr of harvest. Carotenoid content, hue angle and B value were also highest in T15 (114.32 mg/ 100g fresh weight, 86.80° and 121.44), respectively. Also, the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in the plants were maximum in T15 (0.15%, 0.48% and 2.38%), respectively. The treatment T15 produced the greatest yield due to its high balance nutrients and is recommended for commercial marigold production.