EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF MARIGOLD VARIETIES AND THE IMPACT OF PINCHING ON GROWTH PARAMETERS AND YIELD

Abstract

Pinching practices have been conducted for a very long time but the importance of pinching has not been frequently analyzed. The determination of marigold varieties in commercial cultivation has been to a great extent subjective, resulting in significant losses. Assessing the performance of marigold varieties and understanding the effect of pinching on growth parameters and yield is crucial for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing marketability. In spite of the fact that existing research gives important insights, there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. More studies are required to explore the genetic differences of marigold varieties and decide the ideal pinching techniques for distinctive varieties and situations. By addressing these gaps, horticulturists and flower cultivators can improve the development procedures for marigold, subsequently contributing to expanded efficiency and quality in this well-known flowering plant. Hence, a study to evaluate the performance of marigold varieties and to determine the impact of pinching on growth parameters and yield was conducted at Nepal Agrovine Pvt. Ltd., Chitwan during the summer season from July 2022 to December 2022. The minimum number of days for first flower bud initiation and first flowering was observed at control. Results revealed that variety Karma-555 and single pinching (30 DAT) were found best for better growth and yield.

Keywords

• marigold
• pinching
• variety
• karma-555
• kolkata
• hybrid