Effect of Plant Growth Retardants (Paclobutrazol, Alar, Maleic Hydrazide) on Growth, Flowering and Yield on African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. Pusa Basanti under Open Field Conditions of Prayagraj

The present experiment was carried out during March, 2022 to June, 2022 in Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The research was conducted with an aim to identify the most suitable growth retardants and its appropriate dose under the agro climatic conditions of Prayagraj was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with three replications. Ten treatments were considered viz., Control (T0), Paclobutrazol (PBZ) at 100 ppm (T1), 150 ppm (T2), 200 ppm (T3); Maleic Hydrazide (MH) at 1000 ppm (T4), 1500 ppm (T5), 2000 ppm (T6); Alar at 1000 ppm (T7), 1500 ppm (T8), 2000 ppm (T9). From the experimental findings, it was observed that treatment PBZ at 100 ppm performed significantly better in most of the parameter like plant height (33.82 cm), plant spread (44.03 cm), number of primary branch (4.11), early bud initiation (33.6 days) and early flowering (50.6 days). The treatment MH at 1000 ppm performed significant for more fresh weight (4.28 g), flower diameter (4.07 cm), as well as shelf life (7.64 days). It also reported higher flower yield per plant (254.97 g), gross return (717093 Rs/ha), net return (426514 Rs/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.47). Through the study it can be conclude that PBZ at 100 ppm was better in vegetative parameter as well as early initiation and MH at 1000 ppm was good in producing higher yield when compared to other treatments.Include the recommendation based on results of the study.