Marigold Seed Pelleting with Plant Nutrients on Germination, Growth, Storage and Flower Yields

Seed pelleting, a method involving seed coatings to enlarge seed size, is advantageous for marigold seeds because it improves water utilization efficiency during germination. Furthermore, the incorporation of vital plant nutrients into seeds fosters germination and growth, facilitating accelerated growth and increased yield in marigold plants.

Marigold seeds were pelleted with NH₄NO₃ at rates of 0.048, 0.096 and 0.192 g, NaH₂PO₄.H₂O at rates of 0.064, 0.128 and 0.256 g and KCl at rates of 0.013, 0.026 and 0.052 g. Growth was determined after incubation in 4 × 6 inch bags for 56 days. Storage longevity was determined after incubation in aluminum foil bags under controlled (15°C, 50% RH) and ambient conditions (27±2°C, 70% RH) for 6 months.

Seeds pelleted with NH₄NO₃, NaH₂PO₄.H₂O and KCl demonstrated superior germination rates and germination speed. NaH₂PO₄.H₂O pelleting led to increased shoot dry weight. The use of 0.256 g NaH₂PO₄.H₂O resulted in the highest germination rate over 6 months. Pelleting with all three nutrients resulted in higher plants, particularly 0.256 g NaH₂PO₄.H₂O, which led to more flowers per plant. Therefore, pelleting seeds with 0.256 g NaH₂PO₄.H₂O is recommended to optimize the quality of marigold seeds.