Effect of different nutrient applications on seed germination of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Abstract

Global warming and change in climate triggers to combat the feeding need of the population, seed represent the basic requirement for a quality plant material. The present research was carried out in 2021 at Horticulture Garden Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam to assess the effect of different nutrients application on seed germination of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) The present study was conducted to evaluate effect of different nutrients application on seed germination of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Therefore, the seeds of marigold were emersed in 1% solution of ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4), boric acid (H3BO3), and potassium nitrate (KNO3) to get the accuracy of seed germination. Results revealed that maximum seed germination percentage (85.27%), germination rate of index (83.84), coefficient of velocity germination (2.96), mean germination time (12.73), mean germination rate (44.45), germination index (1.55), final germination percentage (1.23%), first day of germination percentage (74.61), last day of germination (13.23) and time spread germination (14.40) was observed when 1% potassium nitrate was applied and followed by boric acid {seed germination percentage (59.20%), germination rate of index (54.93), coefficient of velocity germination (24.13), mean germination time (8.84), mean germination rate (36.20), germination index (1.04), final germination percentage (3.10), first day of germination percentage (74.36), last day of germination (15.16) and time spread germination (11.90)} while the minimum results were recorded in control with mineral water seed germination percentage (18.28%), germination rate of index (3.26), coefficient of velocity germination (0.73), mean germination time (2.70), mean germination rate (11.00), germination index (0.32), final germination percentage (10.43), first day of germination percentage (37.35), last day of germination (15.06) and time spread germination (4.83) and Pearson correlation (r) exhibited a strong positive correlation observed in MGR with CVG=0.4482, FDP=0.3696, G=0.4554, GI=0.4551, GP=0.4499 and GRI=0.3766-). This study showed that seed is directly related with germination and germination-related traits. It has a great positive impact on crop yield.