Effect of Vermicompost on the Growth and Flowering of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

34 4 Abstract: The effects of vermicompost of an animal manure origin on the growth and flowering of Tagetes erecta grown under glasshouse conditions were determined. Marigold seeds were germinated, transplanted into media and grown-on for 150 days. The traditional base medium (control) was a mixture of 70% farm soil and 30% sand (v/v). Treatments were either vermicompost incorporated at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60% into the base medium. Vermicompost had significant (P<0.05) positive effects on flower numbers, leaf growth and shoot fresh and dry weights compared to both control amended media. Plant performance was the best at the 60% vermicompost medium. Results indicated that vermicompost had significant effect on photosynthetic pigments (p<0.05). The highest content of Chl. (a), total Chl. a+b, Carotenoids and total pigments was achieved in 60% vermicompost.