Evaluation of genotypes and correlation studies in Marigold (Tagetes spp.) for growth and yield attributes

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate 23 genotypes of marigold (Tagetes spp.) collected from different and diverse sources and correlation studies were performed for various growth and yield characters. The results shows that the maximum plant height (92.60 cm) is recorded in the genotype AMS-15, whereas maximum plant spread (52.80 cm), flower weight (8.93 g) and largest flower size (7.63 cm) was recorded in the genotype ‘AMS-16’. The highest number of branches (11.13), flowers per plant (509.93), flower yield per plant (622.27 gm), flower yield per m2 (4635.83 gm) and duration of flowering (88.47 days) was recorded in genotype ‘AMS-3’. The genotype ‘AMS-4’ showed earliest bud initiation (38.20 days) and flower opening (47.53 days). Plant spread is positively correlated with number of branches, flower stalk length, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, first flower opening, flower yield per plant and per m2, whereas, plant height has positive correlation with plant spread, number of branches per plant, flower stalk length and flower diameter. The study concludes that the genotype AMS-3 is the best amongst all the genotype with respect to flower yield and flowering duration. The various growth parameters viz. plant spread, number of branches, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, days to first flower opening and number of flowers per plant has positive correlation with flower yield, hence, these characters may be considered as selection indices in improving yield attributes in marigold.