Effect of nitrogen and pinching on growth and yield of African marigold

Present investigation was carried out to study the effect of nitrogen and pinching on growth, yield and quality of African marigold during Rabi season of the year 2009-2010. The treatments comprised of the four nitrogen levels viz., 0 kg N ha -1 , 50 kg N ha -1 , 100 kg N ha -1 and 150 kg N ha -1 and four pinching treatments viz., no pinching, 30 DAT, 45 DAT and double pinching at 30 and 45 DAT. The results obtained in the present investigation indicated that, the growth parameters in terms of height of plant was recorded maximum in 150 kg N ha -1 and no pinching, whereas, the maximum stem diameter, number of primary branches and spread of plant were recorded with 150 kg N ha -1 and pinching at 30 DAT. As regards yield parameters, the maximum flower yield plant -1 and hectare -1 were recorded with 150 kg N ha -1 and pinching at 30 DAT.