Yield and yield quality of courgette as affected by plant density

Abstract

SummaryCourgettes (Cucurbita pepo) cv Goldy were grown outdoors at two locations using plant densities ranging from 10000 to 66 666 plants ha−1. Highest yields were obtained with densities exceeding 30 000 plants ha−1. There was no delay in the time to first harvest at higher densities as compared with lower densities. The advantage in yield of the higher densities increased as the season progressed. Yield quality, expressed as the percentage of marketable and percentage of Grade A fruits, was lowest or nearly lowest at the lowest plant density grown at each place. Fewer oversize and virus-affected fruits tended to be produced at the higher densities whereas fewer off-shape fruits tended to be produced at the lower densities.