Evaluation of Marigold genotypes for Higher Yield and Profitability in Bihar

Abstract

"Marigold (Tagetes spp.) is one of the most important flower crop grown commercially in different parts of India especially in the plains. It is a short duration, free flowering, hairy, hardy, evergreen crop which has gained popularity because of adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions and longer blooming period. It is associated with festive occasions, marriages, religious ceremonies and social functions due to good keeping quality. Besides its pristine uses, now marigolds are economically used as cut flower for interior decoration, in hanging baskets, rock gardens, for landscaping purposes and beautification purposes. Leaf extract is a good remedy for earache, whereas flower extract is a good blood purifier, a cure for blood piles, ulcers and eye diseases. Essential oil of marigold has a great use in perfumery industries due to broncho dilatory, tranquilizing, anti-inflammatory and insect repellent effect. Marigold is a flower with diverse applications, thus making its cultivation as a profitable enterprise to the farmers both in terms of flowers as well as seed production. Since, soil and climate of Bihar is congenial for this crop, but due to lack of research and extension activities regarding its cultivation of good performing varieties, the information regarding agro-techniques and economics is lacking. To fill up this gap, a study was conducted in Bihar Agricultural University to evaluate different genotypes of marigold under Bihar conditions for higher yield and profitability. The study revealed that significantly highest flower yield was recorded with variety Hisar Jafari-2 (270.75 q/ha) which was at par to the yield obtained from genotype Inca Orange (258.85 q/ha). Highest cost of cultivation, Gross and Net Return along with B:C ratio 6.22 and 6.01 was also found in Hisar Jafari-2 and genotype Inca Orange."