Influence of Different Lead Concentrations on the Growth Parameters of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different lead (Pb) concentrations on some growth characteristics of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.). The research was carried out at Siirt University (Türkiye) Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory. In the study, French marigold (T. patula L.) seeds were used as plant material. Five different concentrations of lead (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm) were considered as research subjects. 7 pots were used for each concentration, and the laboratory experiment was set up in a randomized complete plots design with 7 replications. In the experiment, a 2:2:1 ratio peat:sand: soil mixture was used as the plant growth medium. Plant height (cm), stem thickness (mm), the number of branches per plant, the number of flowers per plant, single flower weight, and plant fresh and dry weights (g) were evaluated. According to the results, the difference between Pb concentrations was found to be significant in terms of all parameters except for the number of branches, and fresh and dry plant weights. In the study, according to Pb concentrations, plant height values were between 46.25-52.50 cm, stem thickness was between 4.13-5.77 mm, the number of branches was between 4.25-5.75 per plant, the number of flowers was between 3.25-6.25 per plant, single flower weight was between 0.84-1.49 g, plant fresh weight was between 11.66-14.32 g and plant dry weight varied between 1.10-1.29 g. In the study, promising results were obtained that the French marigold can be used for phytoremediation in Pb-contaminated areas.