Cultivation of Tagetes patula L. in copper contaminated soils

Leaf quality is one of the most valued commercial parameters in the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants in vases, with soil or substrate conditions playing a fundamental role in its successful practice. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative development of marigold (Tagetes patula L.) cultivated in soils contaminated by Cu, seeking to verify its soil phytoremediation potential for an agriculture with low environmental impact. The experiment took place in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized, 5x2 factorial design (added levels of Cu in the soil: 0 (no addition: control), 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mg kg-1 of copper sulfate and soil pH corrections: 5.5 and 6.0, according to soil analysis report), with five replications. This work evaluated phytotechnical parameters and translocation factors, bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and Cu extraction rate in plants. It was observed that the development of marigold plants was similar on both soil pH corrections according to the addition of Cu, affecting the aesthetic quality of the plants. In this context, it is concluded that the marigold species is tolerant to the cultivation in soils with excess Cu and is characterized as a Cu extracting plant, with low soil phytoremediation potential.