Validation of the effects of Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae) floral resources in intensive organic vegetable production

Abstract

Although it is known that Tagetes erecta (marigold) contributes towards enhancing biodiversity
in experimental trials in vegetable crops, we still know little about its effect in intensive vegetable
crops. This paper aimed to confirm the use of T. erecta in an intensive vegetable production
system. Between July and September 2014 we collected Moericke samples in 12 1m2 plots
containing 15 marigolds each, planted between the rows of vegetables, as well as 6m away
from the marigold. In the marigold, arthropod diversity H´ (1.95), richness (75 taxons) and
abundance (6572 individuals) were significantly greater than 6m away, where H´ diversity was
1.78, richness 64 taxons and abundance 5288 individuals. Predator, parasitoid, omnivore and
detritivore abundance was greater in the marigold, and there was no difference in the herbivores.
These results demonstrate that marigold affects arthropod fauna in vegetables.