Yield of “Pipiana” squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) in Vertisol soil due to the effect of biostimulants

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of liquid (supermagro) and solid (bocashi) biostimulants on the yield of Pipiana squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber) in a Vertisol soil. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out at “Central Flores” farm, in May-August 2018. Treatments were: T1 = Control, T2 = 400 g of bocashi + supermagro 1:20 v/v, T3 = 400 g of bocashi + supermagro 1:30 v/v, T4= 500 g of bocashi + supermagro 1:20 v/v, T5 = 500 g of bocashi + supermagro 1:30 v/v, with four replicates (plots) each. For the statistical analysis, 11 variables were recorded in plants, flowers and fruits, and 12 variables in seed, the experimental design used was completely randomized. An ANOVA and a means comparison test (Tukey, a?0.05) were performed with the Statistical Analysis System version 9.1 (SAS, 2003). Results: The plants of treatment 4, showed the highest values in most of the variables evaluated, the yield of fresh fruit and dry seed was 4.48 t ha-1 and 1.76 t ha-1, respectively, higher results than those reported in the scientific literature. Limitations/Implications: No limitations were found in this study. Findings/Conclusions: The application of foliar and soil bio-stimulant increases quantity and quality of fruits and seed of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber.