Evaluation of yield performance of local and imported marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) varieties

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is a multifunctional ornamental plant with considerable potential for value addition. However, growers often lack adequate knowledge about varieties with desirable vegetative and reproductive traits, high yield potential, and superior quality. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate the yield performance and consumer preference of different marigold varieties for potential introduction into the Sri Lankan floriculture industry. A field experiment was carried out at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates and fifteen (15) varieties as treatments. Each block consisted of one plot per variety. Data on selected vegetative and reproductive parameters, as well as consumer preferences, were collected and analyzed. The study revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) among varieties for all vegetative and reproductive traits, except the number of leaves at 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis indicated a homogeneous grouping of the varieties. Among them, V2 and V4 recorded the highest number of flowers per plant, flower yield per plant (V4: 917.30 ± 9.67 g; V2: 840.71 ± 10.56 g), and flower yield per square meter, along with relatively better performance in other reproductive parameters such as flower weight and flower duration. Based on these findings, V2 and V4 can be recommended for commercial cultivation. This is the first reported varietal evaluation trial of marigold in Sri Lanka, and it successfully identified varieties with superior yield parameters suitable for large-scale cultivation. These results will be of practical value to farmers and stakeholders engaged in the commercial production of marigolds in Sri Lanka.