Effect of seed coating with micronutrients on some germination and vigor characteristics of marigold (Calendula officinalis)

This experiment was conducted in order to investigate the effect of seed coating with micronutrients on germination characteristics of Marigold, and carried out  as complete randomized design (CRD) with four replications at agronomy laboratory in faculty of Agricultural Science, University of Guilan was performed in 2014. Experimental Treatments were including seed without coating, seed coating without micronutrients, seed coating with micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu), seed coating with micronutrients (Mo, Zn, B), and seed coating with micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, Zn, B). Germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, seedling length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings, seed vigor, vigor length l index, Allometric coefficient, seedling tissue water content , uniformity of germination, D10, D50 and D90, respectively, for the time they reach 10, 50 and 90%, amylase enzyme activity was studied in this experiment. Coating marigold seeds with micro-nutrients, significantly increased multiple parameters such as germination percentage, seed vigor index, root and shoot length and amylase activity in comparison with control treatment . Among the elements used in this experiment, 3 elements iron, manganese and copper had the greatest influence on the germination process.