Dynamic growth of squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) on a substrate based on vermicompost in the greenhouse

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the dynamics of growth and allocation of photosynthates in squash (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L.) cultivated in a semiarid region under greenhouse conditions and in an organic substrate. Squash seeds were sown in two substrates (one mineral and other organic). The first consisted of a mixture of sand and pumice on a volume basis, while the organic consisted of sand and pumice mixed with vermicompost, both in plastic pots. The substrates were for two treatments [Inorganic (IT) and Organic Treatment (OT)] with sixteen repetitions on a completely randomized design. After emergence, plants were fertilized according to the corresponding treatment. The dynamics of production of dry matter (DM) and leaf area were obtained, and growth rates were calculated per plant. The results of the estimates and different measurements in the experiment (sample) were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey (P≤0.05), and different regressions. The results showed that leaf area chemical treatment throughout the cycle was greater than the organic treatment; also, the accumulation of biomass in vegetative and reproductive organs had statistically significant differences between treatments. Growth rates between treatments showed statistically significant differences. It is concluded that growth of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L. plants and biomass allocation to different vegetative and reproductive organs, when grown in organic substrates under greenhouse conditions, are no better than those obtained in inert substrates and inorganic nutrient solutions under the same conditions.