Response of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) to jeevamrit and humic acid under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions

Abstract

The present investigation “Response of marigold to jeevamrit and humic acid under prayagraj agro-climatic condition” was carried out in the Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, conducted during rabi season November, 2024- April, 2025 season at SHUATS, the study utilized a Randomized Block Design featuring eleven treatment combinations that included soil drenching and foliar applications of jeevamrit, humic acid, and various NPK levels. Among the treatments, T6 (75% NPK + soil drenching of 5% jeevamrit) showed the most significant results, recording the tallest plants (68.0 cm), the widest spread (64.0 cm²), the highest number of branches (8), the earliest bud initiation (71 days), the maximum flower count (82 per plant). It also excelled in flower size (6.31 cm), average flower weight (8.21 g), shelf life (13 days), self-life (22 days), and the highest flower yield (1315 g per plant), the highest flower yield per hectare (64 t) and flowering duration (89 days). Economically, T6 yielded the highest gross return (₹14,59,534 per hac), net return (₹11,28,096 per hac), and B:C ratio (3.4).