Vol. 14, Issue 3 (2025)

Author(s):
Balasree R, Murugan M, M Karimullah and K Pugazenthi

Abstract:
Marigolds (Tagetes species) are easy to grow, economical, bloom reliably all the season. They are a popular warm-season annual with bright, long-lasting blooms. Its physiology of flowering, flowering pattern, yield are greatly affected by regional and habitat variations, as well as soil and climatic factors.so to know the interaction of micro meteorological parameters on growth of Marigold we conducted the experiment at The Indian Agriculture College, Radhapuram during the year 2023-24. Several species of marigolds are grown around the world. We have selected African Marigold (Tagetes erectus) as the study crop which most commonly cultivated varieties around Tirunelveli. In this research work we evaluated the interaction of micro meteorological parameters on the growth and yield of Marigold. The experiment was conducted on three different environment condition by giving over covers upon the plants namely white polythene sheet, black polythene sheet and open field condition. We have recorded readings of growth parameters with a 10 days interval (30 DAS, 40 DAS, 50 DAS and 60 DAS), continuous weather readings were recorded for 5 weeks. From our project, we have observed growth parameters like stem girth (cm), no of flowers per plant, flower diameter (cm), individual flower weight (g) etc and weather parameters like relative humidity (%), light intensity (lux), wind speed (K mph), maximum temperature(C), sunshine hours (Hrs) and soil moisture (%) from the three environment conditions using the meteorological instrument. The results of our research revealed that white over cover is best for the growth of marigold flower as almost all the parameters are high in it except the maximum temperature which is more in black over cover. The study successfully captured the effect of weather parameters on marigold through continuous observation and we come to know that light intensity have greater impact on the growth of marigold and that is reason for the change in other micrometeorlogical parameters which have influence on the flower crop.