Effect of planting distance and pinching on growthand flowering behaviour of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. Pusa Narangi in rainy season

A field experiment was carried during rainy season of 2007 at Faizabad to assess the effect of planting distance and pinching on growth and flowering behaviour of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn) cv. ‘Pusa Narangi ’. Six treatment combinations comprising of two spacing (50 cm x 40 cm and 50 cm x 50 cm) and three pinching (30, 40 and 50 days after planting) were assigned in factorial randomized block design with four replications. Maximum plant height and secondary branches plant−1 increased at closer spacing of 50 cm x 40 cm; however, spread and diameter of plant, primary branches plant−1 increases in wider spacing (50 cm x 50 cm). Opening of first flower was delayed in closer spacing, whereas duration of flowering and yield of flower increased with wider spacing. Later pinching has reduced plant height, plant spread, and yield of flower ha−1. Interaction between spacing and pinching were significant for number of secondary branches plant-1, duration of flowering and flower yield. Flower yield (250 q ha−1) was maximized significantly when marigold was planted at closer spacing of 50 cm x 40 cm along with pinching at 40 DAP.