Effects of cold stress and melioration on survival andgrowth winter marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

The current study examined the impact of cold stress on marigold. The genotype Pusa Bahar during winter cultivation and its melioration using elicitors, and plastic tunnels at various sowing dates. Comparing low plastic tunnels to open field settings, the results demonstrated a considerable gain in plant height (72.08 cm), dry matter accumulation (74.84 g), single flower weight (8.92 g), as well as yield (390.59 g), among other survival, growth, and blooming indices. Furthermore, it was discovered that the best time to sow marigold plants was October 15th. This was demonstrated by the plants’ height (69.49 cm), dry matter accumulation (71.68 g), single flower weight (8.45 g), and yield (381.04 g). Along with this, marigold plants under cold stress showed significantly higher plant height (71.96 cm), dry matter accumulation (74.17 g), single flower weight (8.94 g), and yield (384.82 g) when 200 ppm of chito oligosaccharide was applied, especially when combined with arbuscular mycorrhiza. The viability of low plastic tunnels and the effectiveness of elicitors in boosting marigold plant survival, development, and production, as well as boosting plant resistance to cold stress during winter farming, are demonstrated.