Vegetative, Chemical Status and Productivity of Zucchini Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Plants in Responses to Foliar Application of Pentakeep and Strigolactones Under NPK Rates

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of two bio-stimulants under NPK fertilizer rates on growth and nutrient content and yield of zucchini (squash), an experiment was conducted at Mendel university during 2014. The treatments included four NPK rates namely, 0, 75, 100 and 150% of recommended rate in combination with foliar application of Pentakeep super and strigolactones (alone and in combination) were used. This study was arranged in a split plot design in three replications. The results showed NPK at 150% led to the maximum significant increase of growth characters i. e., leaf number, fresh and dry weight of leaves relative to unfertilized control. Chlorophyll reading increased significantly with increase in NPK supply up to NPK75%. The highest contents of N, K and nitrate were found in zucchini leaves treated with NPK at 150% of recommended rate. Yield and its component increased significantly with increase in NPK supply up to 100% of recommended rate. The combined application of Pentakeep super and strigolactones significantly maximized growth characters and fruit yield as compared to control treatment. The highest content of N generated in plants sprayed with Pentakeep super while application of Pentakeep and strigolactones did not affect the P and K contents. Whereas, control plants effectively significantly increased the chlorophyll and nitrate content of leaves.