INFLUENCE OF HUMIC ACID ON VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE ATTRIBUTES OF AFRICAN MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta L.)

The study entitled ‘influence of humic acid on vegetative and reproductive attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)’ was studied at Agricultural Research Station Swabi during 2017. The main aim of this study was to find out the adequate dose of humic acid that can enhance vegetative and reproductive qualities of marigold. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with three replications. Four different concentrations (0, 1000ppm, 2000ppm, 3000ppm) of humic acid were sprayed during vegetative and reproductive stages of marigold plants. Humic acid was sprayed twice, 1st spray before reproductive stage and 2nd spray after the bud formation. The effect of humic acid on marigold was evaluated for plant height, number of leaves plant-1, stem diameter, blooms plant-1, blossom diameter, and blossom fresh and dry weight. Provision of humic acid at 1000ppm, 2000ppm and 3000ppm concentration ranges resulted in linear increase in leaves of a plant, stem diameter, plant height, blooms plant-1, blossom diameter, fresh and dry weight of blossom. But plants sprayed with 2000 ppm humic acid were effective for most of the parameters that can increase profit in marigold flowers business.