Physiological Responses of African marigold var. Pusa Narangi Gainda to Low-Temperature Stress, Elicitors and Bioagents Across Sowing Dates

The Physiological responses of African marigold var. Pusa Narangi Gainda was studied under low-temperature stress conditions using chemical elicitors (Chito Oilgosaccharide and Salicylic acid) and bioagents (Arbuscular mycorrhiza) at different sowing dates for two consecutive years (2021-22 and 2022-23) at the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The findings revealed that marigold plants grown under low plastic tunnels performed better than those in open field conditions. Among the three sowing dates, October 15th was the most favourable. Regarding treatment efficacy, a combination of 200 ppm Chito Oligosaccharide with Arbuscular Mycorrhiza showed the best results, outperforming the control group and other treatments. This study demonstrates potential strategies for reducing the negative impact of low-temperature stress in marigold.