Effect of planting methods and pinching techniques on the growth, flowering, and seed production of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

This research study aimed to assess the impact of different planting methods (ridge and bed planting) and pinching techniques on the growth, flowering, and seed production of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). The experiments were conducted at the Floricultural Research Substation in Multan, Pakistan. The ridge planting method (T1) and bed planting method (T2) were employed, along with pinching treatments (T1) at a height of 30 cm compared to a control group (T2). Various growth, floral development, flower weight measurements, and seed metrics were systematically recorded and analyzed. The results demonstrated that bed planting significantly influenced Marigold plant growth, leading to taller plants, more leaves, and a higher population compared to ridge planting. Bed planting also accelerated floral development, with earlier spike emergence, quicker floret opening, and a greater number of florets plant-1. Pinching resulted in shorter plants and promoted more lateral branches and a higher number of flowers plant-1 compared to the control group. The pinched plants displayed reduced single fresh and dried flower weights, but the control group consistently produced heavier flowers. Additionally, pinching contributed to a reduction in the number of seeds flower-1 but increased the average seed yield plant-1 compared to the control group. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing planting methods and employing pinching techniques to enhance the growth, flowering, and seed production of African Marigold. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate cultivation practices to maximize the economic returns for flower growers and traders in the floriculture industry. © 2020 The Author(s)