Effects of fertilizer rate on leaf nutrient composition, growth, flowering and quality of marigold plants

A. Yahya

Abstract

Variation in leaf nutrient concentration, growth and flowering of marigold plants (Tagetes erecta cv. Discovery Orange) grown at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g of a controlled release fertilizer (9N-14P₂O₅-19K₂O-3MgO) per litre of growth medium was investigated. Increasing fertilizer rates elevated the leaf N, P and Mg concentrations. In contrast, leaf K was reduced. Plant growth and plant quality index were promoted at high fertilization rates up to 15 g fertilizer  per litre medium. Fertilization with more than 15 g/L medium delayed flower initiation and accelerated flower senescence.

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