Evaluation of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivars for growth and yield under Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh

The study examined different Tagetes erecta L. cultivars at the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh for their crop performance evaluation. The study evaluated growth dynamics together with flowering patterns and yield prospects to find an appropriate plant variety for commercial production in this semi-arid farming area. The experimental design utilized a randomized block design (RBD) to evaluate Pusa Narangi Gainda Pusa Basanti Gainda along with local hybrids as different cultivars. Researchers collected data for plant height and branch numbers and days until 50% flowering and the size of blossoms and the produced flower quantity both per plant and per hectare. The researched cultivars showed major variations in every recorded metric. Tenis ball plus stood out as the best cultivar through its superior vegetative characteristics while Orange glory reached highest flower yield which establishes it as a successful variety for Rayalaseema cultivation. The research data proves that choosing appropriate cultivars will strongly impact marigold crop production within harsh climatic areas. The research establishes a useful framework which will assist floriculturists and farmers to boost marigold production levels in drylands.