PRODUCTION POTENTIALITY OF MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta) IN DIVERSE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Marigold cultivation is now a profitable enterprise for farmers, but the socioeconomic data and information on this flower are very scarce in Bangladesh. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these humble flowers carry a profound cultural significance in various societies. Therefore, the study was conducted to identify agronomic practices and analyze relative profitability and input-output at the experimental area of the Department of Agroforestry and Environment, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, from 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in a single factor Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) having three treatments with three Replicationons viz. T1 multistoried agroforestry (Litchi+Marigold+Bottle Gourd), T2 intercropping system (Marigold+Bottle Gourd) and T3 (Sole cropping of Marigold). The growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, number of bud) and yield parameters (flower number, flower size and total yield) of marigold were collected throughout the study period at different harvesting intervals. Moreover, data on litchi and bottle gourd production were also recorded. The results of this study revealed the most favorable growth characteristics and yield outcomes are obtained when cultivating marigold in intercropping with bottle gourd (T2) and marigold sole cropping (T3). The yield of marigold flower number was highest (12,00,000 ha-1) in marigold sole cropping followed by in intercropping with bottle gourd (10,40,000 ha-1). The yield reduction in marigold intercropping and agroforestry system was 13% and 26% respectively. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was maximum in bottle gourd sole cropping (2.96); almost similar to marigold intercropping (2.21) and in multistoried agroforestry systems (2.17). The LER values of 2.64 for Litchi+Bottle Gourd+Marigold and 1.69 for Bottle Gourd+Marigold highlight their respective efficiencies in utilizing resources, yielding 2.64 and 1.69 times more per unit area than monocropped counterparts. These findings underscore the economic and ecological benefits of practicing multistoried agroforestry system for farmers, demonstrating its potential to optimize land use, increase productivity, and enhance agricultural sustainability.