Performance of Marigold in Harad (Terminalia chebula) Based Agroforestry System

Abstract

The current study aims to determine the impact of tree components on Tagetes erecta development and yield, as well as to assess the economic feasibility of an agroforestry system based on Harad and marigold. Nine treatments, each with three replications, were included in the RBD (Randomized Block Design) experiment layout.Three marigold types, PusaBasantiGainda, PusaNarangiGainda, and Medium-M45, were planted under the canopy of a Harad (Terminaliachebula) tree at two different distances, D1: 0–1 m and D2: 1-2 m, with a single cropping of PusaBasantiGainda, PusaNarangiGainda, and Medium-M45 serving as the control.As a result of competition for light and other natural resources, the results showed that Harad (Terminalia chebula) inhibited the development and yield of the marigold cultivars Pusa Basanti Gainda, Pusa Narangi Gainda, and Medium-M45 at 0-1m and 1-2m relative to the tree. Under canopy, the MediumM45 outperformed the Pusa Narangi Gainda and Pusa Basanti Gainda at all tree distances.In control settings (open air), marigold variety growth and yield were at its highest.Furthermore, in open circumstances, MediumM45 outperformed the other two types.In the context of an agroforestry system, the highest B:C ratio was found in Harad + Medium-M45 (8.89), followed by Harad + PusaNarangiGainda (6.43) and Harad + PusaBasantiGainda (6.15). For a single crop, the highest B:C ratio was found in Medium-M45 (7.15), followed by PusaNarangiGainda (2.5) and PusaBasantiGainda (1.63).The three Gainda locations with the greatest LER values were PusaBasanti (2.89), PusaNarangi (2.62), and Medium-M45 (1.68).The findings of this investigation indicate that Marigold can be successfully integrated with the harad plantations. The bestvariety is Medium-M45 and PusaNarangiGainda has better growth and yield compared to PusaBasantiGainda. Since the three systems had LER >1 it could be recommended to farmers under sub-tropical region of Jammu,J&K.