Evaluation of African marigold (Tagetes erecta. L). Genotypes for growth and flower yield under Coimbatore conditions.

An investigation was undertaken to evaluate twenty eight genotypes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta. L). for growth and flowering traits. The marigold germplasm exhibited significant variation for various growth and flowering traits. Mean performance revealed that a single genotype was not superior for all traits. The earliest day taken for flower bud appearance was found in Bangalore Local Tall (29.47 days) and earliest flower bud opening was observed in Double Orange (46.00 days). The highest plant height was recorded in Dharmapuri local (113.27 cm) and the highest number of primary and secondary branches per plant was observed in Bidhan-1 (22.40 and 41.47 respectively). The highest flower yield per plant was recorded in Coimbatore Local Orange (1.48kg) followed by Coimbatore local orange (1.12 kg).