19. Effect of zinc and iron on growth, flowering and shelf life of marigold under the agro-climatic conditions of Sawabi

Abstract

A field experiment on the “Effect of zinc and iron on growth, flowering and shelf life of marigold” was carried out at Agricultural Research Station Swabi during 2018 to determine the optimum level of zinc and Iron on growth, flowering and shelf life of marigold flower, for the purpose to fulfill the demand of cut and loose flowers in local market. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications. Two factors were used in the experiment i.e. Four levels of zinc (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 %). And three levels of iron (0, 0.3 and 0.6 %). Zinc sulphate and iron sulphate were used as source for zinc and iron application. The results of the experiment showed that the maximum number of branches plant^-1 (17.33), number of flowers plant^-1 (10.11), flower diameter (9.10 cm), fresh flower weight (17.51 g), dry flower weight (3.06 g), shelf life (5.22 days) and minimum days to flowering (16.67 days) was observed on 0.6 % application of zinc as a foliar spray. Maximum plant height (49.04 cm) and stem diameter (1.12 cm) was noted on 0.4% of zinc foliar application. In case of iron maximum number of branches plant^-1 (18.58), numbers of flowers plant^-1 (10.79), flower diameter (9.48 cm), fresh flower weight (19.36 g), dry flower weight (3.40 g), shelf life (5.67 days) and minimum days to flowering (15.42 days) was recorded on 0.6 % application of iron. Maximum plant height (51.22 cm) and stem diameter (1.19 cm) was observed on 0.3% of iron foliar application. From the results of the experiment it has been concluded that the application of zinc and iron at the rate of 0.6% gave maximum growth and better quality flowers of marigold in district Swabi and hence recommended for the agro climatic condition of Swabi.

Keywords: Flowering; Growth; Iron; Marigold; Shelf life; Zinc

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90022