Influence of pinching on flower characters in different varieties of marigold (Tagetes spp)

The field trial was conducted during Rabi season of the year 2017-18 to study the influence of different levels of pinching (Control-No pinching, Pinching after 3 weeks of transplanting, Pinching after 5 weeks of transplanting and Double pinching -Pinching after 3 and 5 weeks of transplanting) on flower characters in different marigold varieties (Pusa Basanti Gainda, Pusa Arpita and Yellow 09). Among the varieties, the flower diameter (5.94 cm), fresh and dry weight of flower (6.91 g and 1.73 g, respectively) and vase life of flower (7.02 days) was found to be significantly superior in Hybrid Yellow 09. The maximum flower diameter (5.48 cm) fresh and dry weight of flower (6.02 g and 1.83 g, respectively) and vase life of flower (6.69 days) was significantly superior in pinching at 5 weeks after transplanting. In interaction, the fresh and dry weight of flower, vase life was improved in double pinching in Yellow 09.