Zucchini Cultivation Research Articles

Effect of Vermicompost and Phyto-regulator on Zucchini Fruits (Cucurbita pepo L.) Grown in Shade Houses

Objective: To assess the influence of vermicompost (LC) and phytoregulator (AMP) in the cultivation of zucchini, under shade house conditions. Design/methodology/approach: A randomized block experimental design with eight treatments and six repetitions was used. Results: The treatments did not affect fruit diameter and pH variables. The Jacobo+LC+AMP treatment induced fruit length, and all treatments where the phytoregulator was applied increased fruit weight and commercial yield. For fruit firmness and total soluble solids, the trend was not clear due to the effect of the treatments. Findings/conclusions: The application of the phytoregulator induced fruit weight and yield.

Improving the value of planting and breeding waste compost in agricultural applications: A zucchini cultivation case and circular agricultural models analysis

An important way of utilizing agricultural wastes to improve soil quality is the use of planting and breeding waste compost (PBWC). However, the impact of compost on agricultural production systems is unclear. Therefore, in order to study the effect of PBWC on crop growth, soil environment, and circular agriculture, PBWC [sheep manure (SM): tail vegetable (TV): corn straw (CS) = 6: 3: 1] was used based on chemical fertilizer reduction for zucchini production. In zucchini production systems, R9 (chemical fertilizer reduction by 30 % + 9,000 kg ha−1 PBWC) treatment was most effective in improving the quality and yield of zucchini fruits, mainly by improving the soil microenvironment, manifested in (1) increasing soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) available potassium(AK), and soil organic matter (SOM), reducing EC, and improving C/N. (2) Increasing the richness and metabolic capacity of bacterial community. (3) Increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria, a phylum with absolute dominance (up to 32.46 %). Then, an optimization model of “summer corn − greenhouse zucchini − fattened sheep” was constructed to analyze the effect of changes in fertilizer dosage usage on the whole model. Compared with the local traditional recycling model, the optimized system reduced the ratio of inorganic to organic nitrogen input from 2.8:1 to 1.4:1, increased the recycling rate of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by 31.28 %, 50.84 %, and 30.25 %, respectively, and the net energy yield ratio (EYR) increased by 1.04. The optimized recycling system had significant economic and environmental benefits, which would become the basis for moving towards more sustainable farming. Overall, the circular agriculture model with PBWC returning as the core achieves sustainable production by improving material recycling and soil microenvironment. Therefore, chemical fertilizer reduction by 30 % combined with 9000 kg ha−1 PBWC can be used in practical production to improve the productivity of the circular agriculture model and achieve high yield and high quality crops.

Worm castings and naphthaleneacetic acid in the growth and yield of zucchini in shade houses

The cultivation of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) under protected conditions has limitations, such as low fruit set due to poor pollination, which affect the commercial yield and profitability of the crop. The investigation was carried out to know the influence of earthworm humus (HL) and naphthaleneacetic acid (ANA) on the growth and yield of two zucchini cultivars in shade houses. A randomized block experimental design with eight treatments and 10 repetitions was used. The treatments influenced plant height, leaf area index, stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, plant dry weight and fruit set; however, there were no differences because of the treatments in stem diameter, leaf greenness and number of leaves. With the HMX58 cultivar, the highest plant height was obtained: while because of the Prestige cultivar, the highest index of leaf area, dry weight of leaves and dry weight of the whole plant. The highest yield was obtained with the HMX58+LC treatment, while fruit set and number of fruits increased because of earthworm humus. The diameter and weight of the fruit increased because of ANA in both cultivars, and the length of the fruit in the Prestige cultivar.

Behind the plant-bacteria system: The role of zucchini and its secondary metabolite in shaping functional microbial diversity in MCPA-contaminated soil

MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) contamination is an emerging problem, especially in water reservoirs. The early removal of MCPA residues from soil can prevent its spread to untreated areas. It has been found that the growth of cucurbits and the addition of selected plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) can stimulate MCPA removal from soil. However, the effect of these treatments on soil microbial activity remains poorly studied. Hence, the aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of zucchini (C. pepo cv Atena Polka) and its characteristic PSM: syringic acid (SA) on the functional diversity of soil microorganisms in MCPA-contaminated soil using Biolog® EcoPlates™. It also examines soil physicochemical properties and the growth parameters of zucchini.Microbial activity was enhanced by both zucchini cultivation and SA. All unplanted variants showed significantly lower microbial activity (average well color development, AWCD, ranging from 0.35 to 0.51) than the planted ones (AWCD ranging from 0.77 to 1.16). SA also stimulated microbial activity in the soil: a positive effect was observed from the beginning of the experiment in the unplanted variants, but over a longer time span in the planted variants. SA ameliorated the toxic effect of MCPA on the studied plants, especially in terms of photosynthetic pigment production: the MCPA+SA group demonstrated significantly increased chlorophyll content (401 ± 4.83 μg/g), compared to the MCPA group without SA (338 ± 50.1 μg/g).Our findings demonstrated that zucchini and the amendment of soils with SA, the characteristic PSM of cucurbits, can shape functional diversity in MCPA-contaminated soil. The changes of soil properties caused by the application of both compounds can trigger changes in functional diversity. Hence, both SA and MCPA exert indirect and direct effects on soil microbial activity.

Pengaruh pemberian pupuk bioboost terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman zukini (Cucurbita pepo L.) varietas Zacky Z-6

Zukini (Cucurbita pepo L.) belongs to the pumpkin tribe (Cucurbitaceae) including annual plants that live in the highlands. The need for zucchini in Indonesia is increasing along with the growing number of restaurants serving Japanese and Korean dishes. Information about the cultivation of zucchini in Indonesia is still limited, so that zucchini is rarely found among farmers. The purpose of the experiment was to get the right concentration of Bioboost fertilizer in order to give maximum zucchini yields. The experiment was conducted from February to April 2022 in Cihanjuang Rahayu Village, Parongpong, West Bandung Regency, West Java Province with an altitude of 1.243 m above sea level. The experiment menthod used complete randomized block design (CRBD) of five treatment and five replications. Each treatment consisted of 5 plants. so the total number was 125 plants. Treat the experiment A : 0 cc Bioboost/liter of water, B : 20 cc Bioboost/liter of water, C : 40 cc Bioboost/liter of water, D : 60 cc Bioboost/liter of water, E : 80 cc Bioboost/liter of water. The results showed that the concentration of Bioboost fertilizer was effective on the number of leaves, age of flower initiation, number of fruit/plant, fruit length/plant, fruit diameter/plant and fruit weight/plant. 
 The application of Bioboost with a concentration of 60 cc/liter of water had the best effect on the growth and yield of the varieties Jacky Z-6 zucchini plant

Gas exchanges in the zucchini culture fertilized with biofertilizers in two types of soil

The application of biofertilizers may provide plants similar performance and even superior to the use of mineral fertilizers, therefore, the determination of the most suitable sources to be applied in different crops is relevant. Given the importance of gas exchange in the performance of crops and that biofertilizers can provide increases in these physiological parameters, this study aimed to evaluate gas exchange in zucchini plants cultivated in two types of soil and managed with different aerobic fermentation biofertilizers. The experiment was carried out in full sunlight, in pots, using a randomized blocks design in an arrangement of split plots. The plots consisted of two types of soil (S1: Red-Yellow Argisol and S2: Fluvic Neossol), subdivided plots into five aerobic fermentation biofertilizers (F1 = quail, F2 = sheep, F3 = mixed - bovine + quail + sheep, F4 = bovine, and F5 = enriched crab), with five replicates. At 45 days after transplanting, the following variables were analyzed: photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, and chlorophyll. Bovine, sheep, and mixed biofertilizers showed the highest rates with the best performance of Italian zucchini cultivation. The types of soil studied concerning the rates did not have a significant effect between treatments on zucchini cultivation. Moreover, Chlorophyll was not significantly influenced by any of the treatments applied.

Continuous anaerobic digestion of zucchini stem after pretreatment

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a widely used technology for converting organic wastes into biomethane with the advantages of clean energy production and few environmental impacts. Zucchini stem (ZS), the main waste produced from zucchini cultivation, is a potential feedstock for AD due to its high moisture and organic contents. This study investigated the methane production performance and system stability of ZS in continuous AD mode with the increase of organic loading rate (OLR). Moreover, to improve the methane production efficiency, KOH, NaOH, and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) pretreatments were also performed. The results showed that raw ZS gave a daily methane yield (DMY) of 182.1 mL g VS − 1 d −1 and volumetric methane yield (VMY) of 0.546 L L −1 d −1 at an OLR of 3.0 g VS L −1 d −1 . At the same OLR, 2% KOH-pretreated ZS significantly enhanced the DMY to 236.0 mL g VS − 1 d −1 and the VMY to 0.708 L L −1 d −1 , with a biodegradability (B d ) of 56.3%, which was 29.7% higher than that of raw ZS. However, NaOH- and AHP-pretreated ZS could not achieve stable methane generation at an OLR of 2.0 g VS L −1 d −1 . This study forms a foundation for future industrial applications of ZS; the investigated approach not only utilizes this waste efficiently and reduces its environmental pollution but also produces renewable biomethane energy and may improve the energy structure in rural areas. • Continuous anaerobic digestion (AD) of pretreated zucchini stem (ZS) was explored. • 2% KOH pretreated ZS performed stably and efficiently continuous AD system. • The highest volumetric methane yield was 0.708 L L -1 d -1 after 2% KOH pretreatment.

Mulching materials and wetted soil percentages on zucchini cultivation

ABSTRACT Polyethylene mulch can cause serious problems in the environment. A promising alternative to polyethylene mulch is biodegradable mulch. Therefore, a two-year experiment was carried out with zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) during the cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018 in Southeast Brazil to investigate the effects of four soil mulching treatments (white polyethylene mulch: WP, black polyethylene mulch: BP, biodegradable mulch of brown recycled paper: RP and nonmulched: NM) and two wetted soil percentages (50 and 70% of the soil surface) using a randomized block design with five repetitions. The average water consumption of the zucchini was 157 mm in the WP treatment, 155 mm in the BP treatment, 155 mm in the WP treatment and 215 mm in the NM treatment. The yield was higher in the WP (78.1 ton ha-1) and BP (69.1 ton ha-1) treatments than in the RP (66.6 ton ha-1) or NM (52.4 ton ha-1) treatments. The daily thermal amplitude was lowest in the RP treatment (3.6-6.0 °C) and highest in the BP treatment (7.3-9.0 °C). The lower wetted soil percentage (50%) reduced water consumption (by 5-7%) and improved water-use efficiency (by 11%). Weeds, including Cyperus roduntus, were more efficiently controlled in the RP treatment than in the WP and BP treatments. In general, compared to the nonmulched treatment, mulches were effective in reducing weed infestation (95%), increasing yield (36%) and improving water-use efficiency (94%). RP, as an alternative to polyethylene mulch, can save water and control weeds in zucchini crops. These results represent useful information that extends the mulching options for technicians and farmers.

Whitefly Control Strategies against Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Greenhouse Zucchini.

(1) Background: Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), transmitted by tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is of major concern in the cultivation of zucchini. The threat of this virus motivates reliance on chemical vector control but European consumers’ demands for vegetables grown free of pesticides provides an important incentive for alternative pest management; (2) Methods: Different whitefly management strategies and ToLCNDV incidences were surveyed in commercial zucchini greenhouses in south-east Spain. In an experimental greenhouse, three different whitefly control strategies, biological, chemical, and integrated (IPM), were evaluated in a replicated trial to determine the most effective strategy for virus suppression (3) Results: Whitefly was present in all commercial zucchini crops surveyed, whereas fewer crops had Amblyseius swirskii or other natural enemies. During three consecutive years, pest management was increasingly based on chemical treatments. Yet, ToLCNDV was widespread in zucchini greenhouses. Experimental results showed that the order of best strategy for virus suppressing was integrated management (73%) > biological control (58%) > chemical control (44%); and (4) Conclusions: IPM was the best strategy for virus suppression. The results can assist in the design of appropriate control strategies for chemical pesticide reduction and decision-making in pest management.

The system of fertilizers of zucchini in the conditions of drip irrigation in the cultivation on light-chestnut solonetz soils in the Astrakhan region

The noticeable growth in the production of vegetable products is due, first of all, to the increase in acreage, the use of highquality high-yielding varieties of seeds, the use of energy-saving agricultural technologies, scientifically based doses of mineral fertilizers and plant growth regulators. In the presented article the scientific substantiation of the developed technological scheme of cultivation of zucchini is given, the most high-yielding hybrids meeting the requirements of resource-saving technology of cultivation at the drip irrigation method are allocated. The results obtained in the study on cultivation of vegetable marrows on the background of the introduction of different norms of mineral fertilizers in combination with foliar (leaf) treatments revealed that the most positive effect was observed on the variant N110P105K75+Megavol and N110P105K75+VITASEM.

Irrigation depths and yield response factor in zucchini cultivation

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation depths on productive performance and yield response of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). A field trial was carried out in the experimental area of the Meteorological Station of the Federal University of Ceará, CE, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with six treatments and four replicates. The treatments adopted were: 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180% of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo), estimated by Penman-Monteith (EToPM) and applied by drip irrigation. Fruit weight, number of fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, pulp thickness, soluble solids and yield were analyzed, as well as water use efficiency (WUE). The methodology proposed by FAO Bulletin 33 was used to calculate the yield response factor (Ky). The 567 mm irrigation depth equivalent to 159% EToPM led to the maximum total crop yield estimated at 24,808 kg ha-1. Highest WUE (64 kg mm-1) was found for the total irrigation depth of 186 mm (30% ETo). Ky values indicated that the crop could be considered as little sensitive (Ky < 1) to water deficit (50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% of the optimal water depth), tending to be proportionally sensitive (Ky = 1) to more severe water deficits (30, 60 and 90% EToPM).

Effect of Agri-Environmental Conditions on the Degradation of Spunbonded Polypropylene Nonwoven with a Photoactivator in Mulched Organically Managed Zucchini

An experiment with non-degradable and degradable soil mulching materials in zucchini cultivation was carried out in 2016 and 2017 in the organic field of the Vegetable Experimental Station, Agricultural University of Kraków. Two kinds of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven of 50 g m-2 were used: PP standard and PP with 0.1% photoactivator. The control treatment were plots without mulching. The marketable yield obtained in 2016 was 21% and 15% higher on the plots mulched with PP nonwoven and PP nonwoven with a photoactivator, respectively, in comparison with the non-covered plots. Mulching the soil with PP nonwoven increased the water resistance index of the soil structure in comparison with the control and photodegradable PP nonwoven mulch. The progress of degradation over a two-month period showed a 40% reduction in the mass of the PP nonwoven with a photoactivator, and at the end of vegetation the mass of the PP nonwoven used was 52% lower than that of a new one. Tensile parameters of the PP nonwovens and their supramolecular structure were measured.

Agronomic performance of Italian zucchini as a function of phosphate fertilization

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic performance of Italian zucchini as a function of phosphate fertilization. The experiments were carried at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró, RN, Brazil, from August to November 2015 and from July to September 2016. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of two cultivars (Caserta and Alícia) and five doses of phosphorus (0, 40, 78, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Phosphorus doses associated with the maximum marketable yields estimated were smaller for Alícia than for Caserta in the period from August to November 2015. In the period from July to September 2016, these estimated doses were higher for Alícia compared with Caserta. Alícia, regardless of crop season, was superior to Caserta. Zucchini cultivation from July to September of 2016 resulted in higher fruit yield in comparison to the period from August to November 2015.

Benefits of zucchini crop cultivation among farmers in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State

This study assessed the benefits derived from the cultivation of zucchini crop among farmers in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data were collected from 79 farmers on socioeconomic characteristics, access to information and knowledge of the potentials of zucchini cultivation as well as constraints to and benefits derived from zucchini cultivation. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe the data. Majority of the farmers had minimum formal education (75.9%) and over 10 years of farming experience (86.1%). Many (46.8%) had large household size (9 – 13 members), small holdings of 3 – 5.9 hectares (63.3%) and mostly (91.1%) cultivated Middle Eastern zucchini varieties. Access to information on zucchini was mainly through zucchini merchants ( x =1.76), extension agents ( x =0.90) and radio ( x =0.54). The majority (60.8%) however, had low knowledge of the potentials of zucchini cultivation. The main constraints to its cultivation were inadequate storage facilities ( x =1.96), low awareness of the value and potential of zucchini ( x =1.95) and high cost of inputs (X=1.24). The major benefit derived from the cultivation of the crop was increased income ( x =1.94). There was no significant relationship between knowledge of the potentials and benefits derived from the cultivation of zucchini. Awareness campaign on the potentials of the crop should be created while farmers’ capacity on appropriate storage technologies should be enhanced. Keywords: Zucchini farming, Exotic vegetables in Nigeria

시설애호박 관비재배 시 생육단계별 질소요구량 산정

An estimation of the requirement of minerals based on growth stage and cropping pattern is very important for greenhouse zucchini. This study was performed at farmer's field which was applied with a fertigation system and a semi-forcing cultivation from Feb. to July in 2014, and nitrogen levels were set up with x0.5, x0.75, x1.0 and x1.5 of the NO3-N-based soil-testing recommendation for zucchini cultivation. Top dressing of nitrogen (basal : top = 4 : 6) and potassium (basal : top = 3 : 7) was applied with an interval of every two weeks from two and six weeks after transplanting, respectively, and phosphorus was totally supplied with basal dressing. The nitrogen uptake was the order of x1.0, x0.75, x1.5 and x0.5, phosphorus, x1.0, x0.75, x0.5 and x1.5, and potassium, x0.75, x1.0, x1.5 and x0.5. From these results, it was suggested that highest mineral uptake could be reached between x0.75 and x1.0 of the NO3-N-based soil-testing recommendation. In conclusion, nutrient management based on the growth stage was proven to be better method for favorable growth and yield of zucchini.

Response of Zucchini to the Electrical Conductivity of the Nutrient Solution in Hydroponic Cultivation

Abstract The effect of two levels of electrical conductivity (EC) at 2.2 dS/m-1 and 4.4 dS/m-1 in two nutrient solutions was studied in a hydroponic culture of zucchini Cucurbita pepo var. Abodanza, during the growing period in a heated glasshouse. The experimental premises consisted of 8 double sloping benches (10x 0.4 x 0.6 m), which were by two equipped for the collection of the runoff with a calibrated 100 L tank. The system of the water fertilization was fully automated and the hydroponic system was renewed every 1 hour daily. In order to study the impact of the EC over the hydroponic cultivation of zucchini, two interventions were conducted with a fully randomized design of 14 replicates. The environmental parameters controlled with sensors during the hydroponic cultivation had the following values: Temperature: (08:00) 19.6 oC, (14:00 h) 27 oC. The assessment of the impact of the EC during the growing period in hydroponic cultivation was conducted every second day from the 33th day after the zucchinis were transplanted into the hydroponic system and until and until 68th day after transplanting. The weight of the fresh and dry fruit of the fruit's stalk did not statistically differ in the hydroponic sub-layer in any treatment. The mean value of the total soluble solid components of the fruits is significantly different in the two conductivity levels, that is in the conductivity of 2.2 dS/m-1 it was 5.19 0Brix and in 4.4 dS/m-1 it was 5.48 0Brix. The female flowers were fewer than the male flower. The number of male and female flowers of the zucchini in both conductivity levels was 7,52(male) and 4,01(female) in 2.2 dS/m and 7,50 (male) and 4,30 (female) in 4.4 dS/m EC, respectively. The length and the diameters of the zucchini fruits and of fruits stalk did not differ in the two the levels of electrical conductivity

Modelling the Richards function using Evolutionary Algorithms on the effect of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution on zucchini growth in hydroponic culture

The effect of two levels of electrical conductivity (EC) in two nutrient solutions was studied in a hydroponic cultivation of zucchini, during the growing period using the Richards function. The equations for each individual organ were fitted using Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) and the improvement of parameters was defined through an innovative EA. So, by estimating the (near) optimal model of the growth of each individual organ, the proposed method manages to simulate the plant growth and how the two levels of EC in two different nutrient solutions affects it, as demonstrated by experimental results. The leaves were longer in the lower electrical conductivity. The length of the leaves and the growth rate of the older leaf were higher than those of the newer leaf in both nutrient solutions. The total soluble solids of fruits were more at the higher EC level.

Nematicidal Efficacy of Biofumigation by Defatted Brassicaceae Meal for Control of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitw. on a Full Field Zucchini Crop

The use of Brassicaceae biocidal green manure crops (e.g., Raphanus sativus ssp oleiformis and Eruca sativa ssp oleiformis) is an agronomic technique for the control of several nematodes including Heterodera schachtii and Meloidogyne incognita. Recently, these crops have been extensively studied and even commercially applied in horticulture rotations. In addition, the possibility of producing a formulation based on Brassicaceae defatted seed meals characterized by biocidal activity has been developed. These meals are able to amend soils with organic matter containing nematicidal volatile compounds, derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of endogenous glucosinolates. This option opens new perspectives for an organic and low environmental impact nematode control. In this study, the effect of a treatment with industrial defatted meals on a commercial zucchini cultivation in greenhouse, on sandy soil heavily and uniformly infested by root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita was evaluated. This effect was compared with the effectiveness of six liquid applications during zucchini crop using Oxamyl distributed by drip irrigation, a technique allowed, recommended and commercially applied on zucchini in the area where the experiment was conducted. During harvesting time, the nematode level both in roots and in soil, and some qualitative (length, weight and diameter) and quantitative (yield) zucchini parameters were evaluated. Compared with the chemical control, defatted seed meal application clearly limited nematode infestation and allowed plant roots with a lower root gall index (2.0 to 3.5 versus 3.5 to 4.5). The zucchini yield in biocidal seed meal treated plot was the same as the control in the first month of harvesting, but it was 9% higher in the second month of harvesting due to the lower infestation of zucchini roots. In addition, in the plot treated with defatted seed meal, harvesting time was one week longer than chemical plot with a final 14% total yield improvement.