Effects of bio fertilizers on the yield and yield components of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)

In order to improve seed yield and enhance the quality of medicinal plants, the establishment of sustainable agricultural aystems and utilization bio-fertilizers is considered of great importance. In order to study the effect of bio-fertilizers on yield and yield components of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), an experiment was carried out as factorial in randomized complete blocks with 8 treatments and 3 replications in 2010. Treatments included compost (vermi-compost, city refuse compost, no organic fertilizer, granular organic fertilizer) and phosphate bio fertilizer (inoculated, not inoculated). Mean comparison was carried out using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level). Results showed that phosphate bio fertilizer had not significant effects on plant height, flower yield, number of flower and grain harvest index but flower diameter, number of lateral stems, biomass yield, seed yield and flower harvest index wrer significantly affected. Also, significant differences were observed in most of the traits between treatments and control (no fertilizer, no inoculation). Biological fertilizers significantly increased plant height, total biomass yield, seed weight and harvest index however, flower diameter, number of secondary stems, dried flower yield, flower number per square meter and seed yield were not affected by treatments. The highest values of most of the traits were obtained at vermi-compost and phosphate bio fertilizer, affecting the yield components and seed yield of pot marigold positively.