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Marigold, a member of the family Asteraceae, is native to Central and South America especially Mexico (Kaplan, 1960). The genus comprises thirty species of strongly scented annual and perennial herbs (Anonymous,

1976). Cultivated genera include Tagetes erecta L., commonly referred to as African marigold. In addition, the genus is recognized as a source of natural colourant, essential oil and thiophenes. It is one of the most important loose- flower crops grown commercially in many parts of the country. Flowers of marigold are used in garland-making, wreaths, as religious offering, in hall decoration, etc. It is in great demand as loose flower throughout the year. Carotenoids extracted from flowers are used commercially in pharmaceuticals, foods supplements, as animal feed additives and colourants in food and cosmetics. Many workers have tried to improve marigold by breeding resulting