Issue

Vol. 9 (2025): Sustainable Science and Resources

Date Log

Submitted
16 February 2025
Published
31 December 2025
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Marigolds As a Companion Crop: Impact on Pest Control and Pollinator Attraction in Mixed Cropping Systems

https://doi.org/10.55168/ssr2809-6029.2025.9003
Prakash Awasthi
Tribhuvan University
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2727-6977

Corresponding Author(s) : Prakash Awasthi

prakashawasthi82@gmail.com

Sustainability Science and Resources, Vol. 9 (2025): Sustainable Science and Resources

Abstract

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) have gained attention for enhancing pest control and pollinator attraction in mixed cropping systems. This study investigates the impact of marigolds as a companion crop, assessing their effectiveness in pest deterrence and their ability to attract beneficial pollinators. Results from field studies and existing research reveal that marigolds release bioactive compounds, such as thiophene and alpha-terthienyl, which effectively repel pests including aphids, whiteflies, and root-knot nematodes. This repellent action mitigates crop damage and improves agricultural yields. Marigolds also support beneficial insect populations, including ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which enhance biological pest control and contribute to agroecosystem health. Moreover, marigolds effectively attract pollinators by providing a reliable source of nectar and pollen, thereby boosting pollination rates and crop productivity. This study underscores the value of incorporating marigolds into mixed cropping systems as a sustainable strategy for integrated pest management and pollinator support. The results offer critical insights for optimizing agricultural practices and advancing sustainable farming through strategic companion planting.

Awasthi, P. (2025). Marigolds As a Companion Crop: Impact on Pest Control and Pollinator Attraction in Mixed Cropping Systems. Sustainability Science and Resources, 9, 39–52. https://doi.org/10.55168/ssr2809-6029.2025.9003
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)
BibTeX
References
  1. Alam, M. M., Saxena, S. K., & Khan, A. M. (1977). Influence of interculture of marigold and margosa with some vegetable crops on plant growth and nematode population. Acta Bot. Indica, 5, 33–39.
  2. Awasthi, P. (2024). Managing Marigold Insect Pests : Effective Control Strategies. Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences, 6(1), 125–130.
  3. Bakshi, L., & Ghosh, R. (2022). MARIGOLD BIOPESTICIDE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL CHEMICAL. Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, 13(5), 26– 33.
  4. Bista, S., & Shivakoti, G. P. (2001). Honeybee flora at Kabre, Dolakha district. Nepal Agriculture Research Journal, 18–25.
  5. Conboy, N. J. A., Mcdaniel, T., Ormerod, A., George, D., Gatehouse, A. M. R., Wharton, E., Donohoe, P., Curtis, R., & Tosh, R. (2019). Companion planting with French marigolds protects tomato plants from glasshouse whiteflies through the emission of airborne limonene. PLoS ONE, 14(3), 1–21.
  6. Dardouri, T., Gautier, H., Costagliola, G., & Gomez, L. (2017). How French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) volatiles can affect the performance of green peach aphid. Integr. Prot. Fruit Crop. IOBC-WPRS Bull, 123, 71–78.
  7. Didyk, N. P., & Mashkovska, S. P. (2022). Evaluation of Weed Suppressive Effect of Allelochemicals of Ornamental Marigold Species. In Allelopathy (pp. 239–250). CRC Press.
  8. Dikr, W., & Belete, K. (2021). Intercropping of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linnaeus (Asteraceae)) Varieties at Different Plant Density with Tomato (Solanum iycopersicum Linnaeus (Solanaceae)) on Yield Related Traits and Yield of tomato at Wondo Genet. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 11(6), 1–11.
  9. Fabrick, J. A., Yool, A. J., & Spurgeon, D. W. (2020). Insecticidal activity of marigold Tagetes patula plants and foliar extracts against the hemipteran pests , Lygus hesperus and Bemisia tabaci. PLoS ONE, 15(5), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233511
  10. Ganai, S. A., Ahmad, H., Sharma, D., & Sharma, S. (2017). Diversity of arthropod fauna associated with marigold ( Tagetes erecta L .) in Jammu. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(5), 1940–1943.
  11. Gommers, F., & Bakker, J. (1988). Physiological changes induced by plant responses and products. In Disease of nematodes (Vol. 1, pp. 46-49).
  12. Gurung, S., Koju, N. K., & Koju, N. P. (2020). Diversity of pollinators in marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) in a core area of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Nepal Journal of Environmental Science, 8(1), 29–38.
  13. Hooks, C. R. R., Wang, K.-H., Ploeg, A., & McSorley, R. (2010). Using marigold (Tagetes spp.) as a cover crop to protect crops from plant-parasitic nematodes. Applied Soil Ecology, 46(3), 307–320.
  14. Jambhulkar, P. P., Meghwal, M. L., & Kalyan, R. K. (2012). Efficacy of plastic mulching, marigold intercropping and fungicidal spray against early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani. The Bioscan, 7(2), 365–368.
  15. Joshi, D., Rizal, G., & Awasthi, P. (2022). IMPACT OF PINCHING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta L.). Environment & Ecosystem Science, 6(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.26480/ees.01.2022.34.38
  16. Karakas, M., & Bolukbasi, E. (2019). A review: Using marigolds (Tagetes spp.) as an alternative to chemical nematicides for nematode management. International Journal of Advanced Engineering, Management and Science, 5(9), 556–560.
  17. Krueger, R., Dover, K. E., Mcsorley, R., & Wang, K. (2024). Marigolds ( Tagetes spp .) for Nematode Management 1. IFAS Extension, 1–7.
  18. Kumar, A., Prakash, S., & Mishra, M. (2012). Marigold As A Trap Crop For The Management Of Tomato Fruit Borer, Helicoverpa Armigera In Tarai Region Of Uttar Pradesh. The Scientific Temper, 3(1&2), 65–68.
  19. Laffon, L., Bischoff, A., Gautier, H., Gilles, F., Gomez, L., Lescourret, F., & Franck, P. (2022). Conservation biological control of codling moth (Cydia pomonella): Effects of two aromatic plants, basil (Ocimum basilicum) and French marigolds (Tagetes patula). Insects, 13(10), 908.
  20. Li, Y., Feng, J., Zheng, L., Huang, J., Yang, Y., & Li, X. (2020). Intercropping with marigold promotes soil health and microbial structure to assist in mitigating tobacco bacterial wilt. Journal of Plant Pathology, 102(3), 731–742.
  21. Mrnka, L., Frantík, T., Schmidt, C. S., Baldassarre Švecová, E., & Vosátka, M. (2023). Intercropping of Tagetes patula with cauliflower and carrot increases yield of cauliflower and tentatively reduces vegetable pests. International Journal of Pest Management, 69(1), 35–45.
  22. Nagachandrabose, S. (2018). Liquid bioformulations for the management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla that infects carrot. Crop Protection, 114, 155–161.
  23. Natarajan, N., Cork, A., Boomathi, N., Pandi, R., Velavan, S., & Dhakshnamoorthy, G. (2006). Cold aqueous extracts of African marigold, Tagetes erecta for control tomato root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Crop Protection, 25(11), 1210–1213.
  24. Olabiyi, T. I., & Oyedunmade, E. E. A. (2007). Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) as interplant with cowpea for the control of nematode pests. African Crop Science Conference Proceedings, 8, 1075–1078.
  25. Otipa, M. J. (2003). Evaluation of antagonistic plants for root-knot nematode (meloidoygyne spp.) management in tomato. University of Nairobi.
  26. Pandey, M., Subedi, S., Khanal, P., Chaudhary, P., Adhikari, A., Sharma, T. P., & Shrestha, J. (2021). Effects of different rates of nitrogen and pinching on yield and yield attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4(2), 21–28. https://doi.org/10.3126/janr.v4i2.33650
  27. Qasim, M., Qureshi, A. A., Akhtar, M. F., & Altaf, M. Z. (2023). Mitigation of pest pressure in crops by the foliar application of vegetable extract and cultivation of marigold as a companion crop: A review. Advances in Agriculture and Biology, 6(1).
  28. Sadia, S., Qureshi, R., Khalid, S., Nayyar, B. G., & Zhang, J. (2015). Role of secondary metabolites of wild marigold in suppression of Johnson grass and Sun spurge. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(9), 733–737.
  29. Sharma, G., Rajhansa, K. C., Sharma, P., & Singh, A. (2022). Marigold ( Tagetes spp .): A Diverse Crop with Multipurpose Value for Health and Environment : A Review Marigold ( Tagetes spp .): A Diverse Crop with Multipurpose Value for Health and Environment : A Review. Agricultural Reviews, June, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.18805/ag.R-2475
  30. Sheoran, S., Beniwal, B. S., & Dalal, R. (2022). The Pharma Innovation Journal 2022; 11(1): 937-946 Floral and yield attributes of African marigold as influenced by pinching and gibberellic acid in different seasons. The Pharma Innovation Journal, 11(1), 937–946. http://www.thepharmajournal.com
  31. Shilpa, P., Sowmya, K. S., Srikanth, C. D., & Kuberappa, G. C. (2014). Pollinator diversity and foraging activity on fennel, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and African marigold, Tagetus minuta L. Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems, 20(2), 236–239.
  32. SHOME, A. (2019). INVESTIGATION AND SURVEY ON DISEASES OF MARIGOLD (Tagetes spp.) IN JASHORE DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH. DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY, SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, DHAKA-1207.
  33. Silveira, L. C. P., Berti Filho, E., Pierre, L. S. R., Peres, F. S. C., & Louzada, J. N. C. (2009). Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) as an attractive crop to natural enemies in onion fields. Scientia Agricola, 66, 780–787.
  34. Souza, I. L., Marucci, R. C., Silveira, L. C. P., de Paulo, N. C. P., & Lee, J. C. (2018). Effects of marigold on the behavior, survival and nutrient reserves of Aphidius platensis. BioControl, 63, 543–553.
  35. Souza, I. L., Tomazella, V. B., Santos, A. J. N., Moraes, T., & Silveira, L. C. P. (2018). Parasitoids diversity in organic Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) associated with Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Marigold (Tagetes erecta). Brazilian Journal of Biology, 79, 603–611.
  36. Srinivasan, K., Moorthy, P. N. K., & Raviprasad, T. N. (1994). African marigold as a trap crop for the management of the fruit borer Helicoverpa armigera on tomato. International Journal of Pest Management, 40(1), 56–63.
  37. Sutton, G. L., & Rosenfeld, A. (2006). Plants for predators - a participatory experiment. Aspects of Applied Biology, 78, 121–124.
  38. Tudora, C., Nenciu, F., Muscalu, A., Burnichi, F., Gatea, F., Boiu-Sicuia, O. A., & Israel- Roming, F. (2024). Pesticidal Potential of Essential Oil Obtained from a New Variety of Marigold (Tagetes patula L., fam. Asteraceae). Applied Sciences, 14(8), 3159.
  39. Xie, G., Cui, H., Dong, Y., Wang, X., Li, X., Deng, R., Wang, Y., & Xie, Y. (2016). Crop rotation and intercropping with marigold are effective for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.) control in angelica (Angelica sinensis) cultivation. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 97(1), 26–31.
  40. Zhang, J., Ahmed, W., Zhou, X., Yao, B., He, Z., Qiu, Y., Wei, F., He, Y., Wei, L., & Ji, G. (2022). Crop rotation with marigold promotes soil bacterial structure to assist in mitigating clubroot Incidence in Chinese Cabbage. Plants, 11(17), 2295.
Read More

Author Biography

Prakash Awasthi, Tribhuvan University

Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuwan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Download
PDF
Statistic
Read Counter : 2 Download : 16

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.