Influence of Marigold Flower Liquid Biowaste on Growth Parameters of Maize

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), a key cereal for India's food security and economy, demands sustainable nutrient strategies. Marigold flower liquid biowaste (MFLB) from garland-making, temple offerings, and pigment extraction—rich in lutein, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and post-fermentation nutrients—offers eco-friendly potential amid waste pollution concerns. This study examined enriched MFLB's effects on maize growth parameters: leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), SPAD chlorophyll values, and days to 50% flowering. A two-year trial (2022-23, 2023-24) at UAS GKVK, Bengaluru (Eastern Dry Zone V; 12°58'N, 77°33'E, 930 m) on Vijayapura soils (Oxichaplustalf/ferric luvisols; red sandy loam, pH 6.7, moderate fertility) employed randomized complete block design (factorial: MFLB types E1 and E2, dosages F1 and F4 [75:25 to 100% RDN:MFLB], stages G1 and G2 [basal and basal+tasseling]; 16 treatments × 3 replicates). Marigold flower processing industry - sourced MFLB was amended with 1.6 g L⁻¹ CaO, 10 per cent PGPM, 75 L ha⁻¹ humics. Parameters assessed at 30, 60, 90 DAS and harvest, ANOVA at 5%. Enriched MFLB (E2) significantly raised SPAD at 30 DAS (44.47 vs. 43.46) and 90 DAS (49.07 vs. 47.46; C.D.). F1 (75:25) maximized SPAD (49.96), leaves (11.88), LAI (11.64), and earliest flowering (67.92 days), though number of leaves, leaf area index and other phenology effects non-significant. Split application (G2) outperformed basal (G1). Enrichment boosted chlorophyll via microbial nutrient mobilization; 75:25 optimized growth; splits sustained pigments. MFLB advances semi-arid maize productivity, valorizing waste, reducing chemicals, and fostering bio-economy. Multi-location validation needed.