Response of African marigold to irrigation and mulching

A field experiment was carried out during winter seasons of 2004–05 and 2005–06 at Horticulture Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipurto find out the influence of different irrigation regimes and mulching on growth, quality and flower yield of marigold. Differences in consumptive use of water, water use efficiency, proline and total sugar contents of African marigold cv. “Double Mix” as a resull of fhe varrous treatments was also investtgated. Irrigation scheduled at 1.2 IW/CPE ratio with black plastic mulch significantly enhanced the growth, quality and flower yield of African marigold. Proline and total sugar contents in the leaves of marigold plant at 90 DAT were highest with irrigation schedules and black plastic mulch. The water use efficiency was the highest at the 0.6 IW/CPE ratio with black plastic mulch.