Effect of growth retardants (Alar and Cycocel) on flower yield and carotenoid content in African marigold ( Tagetes erecta L.) varieties

摘要

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of growth retardants in African marigold ( Tagetes erecta L.). The effect of Alar and Cycocel on flower yield and carotenoid content in two varieties of African marigold was studied. The experiment was carried out in split plot design during two seasons viz., May sown crop and January sown crop. The main plots included two popular varieties Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 and sub plot treatments comprised of Alar @ 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm, Cycocel @ 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm and distilled water as control applied as foliar spray. The number of flowers per plant, total flower yield per plant and carotenoid content of flower petals were significantly influenced by growth retardant application during both the seasons. Maximum carotenoid content was recorded in plants treated with Cycocel 1000 ppm in May sown crop and with Cycocel 2000 ppm in January sown crop.