Assessing the efficacy of foliar application of biostimulants on growth dynamics of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

This study was aimed to compare the effects of biostimulants on growth dynamics of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). The experiment was carried out in open field conditions at the Experimental Farm, Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha (J&K). A Randomized Complete Block Design (factorial) experiment was laid out to test various concentrations of biostimulants viz., humic acid, seaweed extract and amino acids against a control on three different varieties of marigold. The primary finding was that seaweed extract @ 0.2% was the most effective biostimulant, resulting in the most significant improvements in overall growth dynamics of marigold varieties. Marigold plants treated with the seaweed extract irrespective of varieties showed superior plant height, branching, stem diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll accumulation compared to all other treatments. This high efficacy is attributed to the seaweed extract's rich content of plant hormones and micronutrients, which promotes early vigor and robust development. The study concludes by recommending the inclusion of seaweed extract in marigold cultivation to boost vegetative growth, plant health, and potential yield in marigold.