MORPHOLOGICAL, HISTOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF Tagetes patula L.

Abstract

Available botanical information on species of Asteraceae is little. Hence, this study aimed to present detailed information about the morphology ,histology and composition of the volatile oil of Tagetes patula L. throughout consecutive stages of plant growth in two years. Data obtained could be summarized as follows : Seeds of French marigold are disperesed in form of achene fruits, oblong 9 mm long and 1 mm width having a persistent calyx. Germination is epigeal with percentage of 36.75% .The seedling stage came to an end after 3-4 wks of sowing. The apex of the main stem differentiated into an inflorescence. Lateral branches (4-5) were responsible of the majority of shoot growth. Stem and lateral branches were erect, glabrous, more or less hairy, solid and greenish purple in colour. The main stem length reached 15 cm. Lateral branches are responsible of the actual height of plant, 45 cm.The average number of internodes of the main stem was 7 and the average diameter of basal internode was 12 mm.