Effect of different growing media on growth and flower yield of calendula under shade net condition (Calendula officinalis L.)

Introduction

Calendula is an herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial originally native to Egypt, but now widely naturalized across temperate regions. Its cultivation dates back to Roman times, primarily for its medicinal value. At present, calendula is grown both for its therapeutic applications and as an ornamental plant. Ornamental production includes cut flowers and potted plants, while cultivation for cut flowers and herbs can be carried out in open fields, pots, or under greenhouse conditions Kareem et al. (2014) [5] . Calendula given its adaptability, aesthetic value and commercial potential, calendula cultivation in Marathwada can contribute significantly to rural livelihoods, diversification of cropping systems and promotion of medicinal plant farming. Research on the use of different growing media such as vermicompost, FYM, cocopeat and perlite is also being explored to enhance the productivity and quality of calendula under local conditions, opening up new areas for horticultural research in the region Kumar et al. (2018) [12] . Marathwada's semi-arid climate, moderate winter temperatures and well-drained soils provide a conducive environment for growing calendula during the rabi season (October to March). The crop performs well under low-input farming systems, making it an ideal choice for small and marginal farmers of the region. Calendula cultivation is gaining attention under organic farming and integrated crop systems, especially due to its ability to thrive with minimal irrigation and resistance to common pests and diseases. Growing media play a crucial role in determining the quality and productivity of flowering plants. Soil available nitrogen content was analysed by the Alkaline KMnO₄ method.

phosphorus by the Olsen method and potassium was measured using a flame photometer. (Soil + Sand + FYM), T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost), T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat), T4 (Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Perlite), T5 (Cocopeat + Perlite + Leaf Mould), T6 (Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Leaf Mould), T7 (Soil + Leaf Mould + Sand), T8 (Cocopeat + Sand + Vermicompost), T9 (Black Soil). In this experiment the seeds of calendula were sown in third week of November 2024 and transplanted in second week of December 2024 in 8 inches plastic pots filled with different potting media as per treatments. Observations on growth and flowering were recorded. Total amount of initial and post-harvest soil available N, initial and post-harvest available P and initial and postharvest K were evaluated from each treatment from the potting media. The potting media were prepared by mixing thoroughly the different components viz., sand, soil, cocopeat, vermicompost, leafmould and perlite in different proportions as per the treatment.

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

The maximum plant height (28.63 cm) at 120 DAT was observed in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat), followed by T2 (27.47 cm), while the minimum (14.30 cm) was recorded in T9 (Black Soil). The higher growth in T3 and T2 may be attributed to the slow release of nutrients, micronutrients, and growth regulators from vermicompost and cocopeat, along with improved soil properties and microbial activity. Poor growth in black soil was likely due to nutrient deficiency. Similar results were reported by Mehakar et al. (2022) [16] and Deogade et al. (2020) [14] .

Leaves per plant

The maximum leaves per plant 72.13 at 120 DAT were recorded in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) which were followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost) which was recorded 70.57 in (Table 2). This variation may be attributed to better aeration, higher water-holding capacity and the continuous supply of nutrients, particularly nitrogen in available form, which promotes root proliferation and overall plant growth, ultimately resulting in a higher number of leaves per plant. These results are in agreement with the findings of Deogade et al. (2022) [14] .

Branches per plant

At 120 DAT, the maximum number of branches per plant was obtained in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat), followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost). The minimum number of branches was noted in T9 (Black Soil). The superior performance of T3, T2 and T4 can be attributed to the synergistic role of soil and vermicompost, where soil provides essential mineral nutrients while vermicompost enriches the medium with macro-and micronutrients along with growth-promoting hormones (Table 3). In addition, vermicompost improves the physical properties of the substrate by preventing compaction and enhancing aeration, which facilitates better branching. The inclusion of cocopeat further aids in moisture retention and organic matter enrichment, thereby creating favourable conditions for enhanced branch formation. Deogade et al.

(2020) [14] and Kareem et al. (2014) [5] who also reported improved branching in plants grown in vermicompostenriched media.

The maximum plant spread (30.14 cm) at 120 DAT was recorded by T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) which was followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost)) which recorded value of 28.47 cm (Table 4). The minimum plant spread (16.03 cm) was recorded by T9 (Black Soil). It is due to soil provides essential minerals and vermicompost contributes both macro-and micronutrients along with growth-promoting substances. Vermicompost also improves the physical structure of the medium, preventing compaction and enhancing aeration. Additionally, the presence of cocopeat in the mixtures helps retain moisture and enriches organic matter, thereby creating favourable conditions for better plant spread. Similar result was found by Sardoei et al. (2015) [8] and Chauhan et al. (2014) [4] .

Leaf area (cm²)

The maximum leaf area 64.61 cm² was recorded in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) was followed by T2 (Soil + Cocopeat + Vermicompost) which was recorded as 58.43 cm² respectively (Table 5). highlighting its beneficial effect on early leaf expansion and photosynthetic surface development. On the other hand, T9 (Black Soil) produced the minimum leaf area (33.32 cm²), reflecting its limitation in supporting vigorous early leaf growth. Similar observations were also reported by Deogade et al. (2020) [14] .

Days taken to first bud initiation

The data presented in Table 6 reveal that minimum days to first flower bud initiation (23.77 days) were recorded in T3 potting mixture Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat. Whereas, maximum days to first flower bud initiation (39.79 days) was observed in T9 (Black soil). The present findings might be due to better aeration, higher porosity, higher moisture and nutrient retention leads in higher accumulation of carbohydrate that ultimately resulted in early flowering.

Similar findings of results were also reported by Deogade et al. (2020) [14] in gerbera.

Days taken to first flower initiation

The shortest duration for flower opening from bud emergence (2.57 days) was observed in T3 the potting mixture of Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat, whereas the longest duration (7.39 days) was noted in T9 (Black soil). This variation may be attributed to the fact that the former combination also promoted earlier flower bud initiation compared to other treatments. Comparable findings were reported by Deogade et al. (2020) [14] and Chauhan et al. (2014) [4] in gerbera.

The earliest occurrence of 50% flowering (45.43 days) was recorded in T3 the potting mixture of Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat, while the longest duration to reach 50% flowering (56.36 days) was observed in T9 (Black soil). Comparable results were reported by Deogade et al. (2020) [14] .

The maximum diameter of flower bud (1.41 cm) was observed in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) which was closely followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost) was recorded (1.33 cm) and minimum diameter of flower bud (1.02 cm) was recorded in T9 (Black soil).

The maximum diameter of fully open flower (5.20 cm) was observed in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) which was followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost) was recorded (4.20 cm) and minimum diameter o fully open flower (2.11 cm) was recorded in T9 (Black soil). The larger flower size in certain treatments may be due to improved nutrient availability, enhanced photosynthesis, and the presence of growth-promoting substances in vermicompost, which act similarly to plant growth regulators Mehakar et al.

(2022) [16] and Gariglio et al. (2010) [2] .

The maximum duration of flower (7.73 days) was observed in T3 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost + Cocopeat) closely followed by T2 (Soil + Sand + Vermicompost) which recorded 7.43 days respectively (Table 7). In contrast, the minimum flower duration (5.10 days) was noted in T9 (Black soil). The extended flower life in certain media combinations can be attributed to the ability of cocopeat to retain higher moisture levels and the contribution of vermicompost in enhancing dry matter accumulation through nutrient supply, thereby prolonging flower longevity. Similar findings are Mehakar et al. (2022) [16] and Nair and Bharathi (2015) [6] . [16] and Arunesh et al. (2020) [15] . (2022) [16] and Nair and Bharathi (2015) [6] . [16] .

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