Intercropping of French marigold (Tagetes patula Linn) in gladiolus

A field experiment was carried out during 2001–2002 at the Botanic Garden, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. It may be inferred from the present experiment that gladiolus paired system (20/60) was significantly superior to conventional planting practive in the production of cormels and spikes. Marigold being the dissimilar growth pattern did not have any detrimental effect on the productivity of gladiolus crop. To optimize the benefit of nitrogen fertilizer, a dose of 100 kg N/ha is recommended. Intercropping of marigold with gladiolus paired system gave an additional yield than the pure cropping of gladiolus paired system. The net income due to the intercropping was almost two fold higher than the pure cropping of conventional practice at 40x15 cm plant spacing.