The effects of organic fertilizers and cover beds on yield and some physiological traits of Calendula officinalis L. treated with brown algae extract foliar application

This study was conducted to assay the effects of diverse levels of foliar application of brown marine algae extract (0, 150 and 300 ml) in combined with integrative treatment of organic fertilizers (control, poaltry manure, cow manure and vermicompost) and soil cover (white and black) on some physiological characteristics (chlorophyll content, total phenolic, flavonoids and anthocyanin contents) and growth potential of Calendula officinalis as factorial based on RCBD with three replications. The results revealed the significant interaction effects of integrative treatments (soil cover and organic fertilizer) and algal extracts foliar application on chlorophyll a content. The highest chlorophyll a content was recorded in vermicompost + 300 ml algae extract. The highest data for root (15gm-2) and stem dry weight (74/8g m-2) and for flower diameter (5/98cm) were recorded in plants treated with vermicompost + white mulch. The greatest phenolic content, flower dry weight, as well as the highest essential oil content were acquired in organic fertilizer + black mulch. The lowest data for phenolic and essential oil content was belonged to control (without algae extract) treatment. Algal extract foliar application significantly influenced the anthocyanin content at 300 ml. Finally, all treatments used in this study had positive effects on the physiological and morphological characteristics of Marigold and can be recommended to farmers.