Summer Squash Research Articles

The Study of Post-Harvest Processing and Handling of Residues From Plants Grown Primarily For Agronomics: Soybean Stalk, Corn Stover, Tomato Vine, Cucumber, Eggplant, and Summer Squash

Information on post-harvest handling of the crop is critical to the development of new or improved plant species and traits. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the grinding characteristics and handling properties of a number of crop residues under agronomic studies. We used a laboratory-scale knife mill connected to an in-line power meter to investigate the specific energy of size reduction for each crop. The summer squash sample yielded the smallest mean particle size upon grinding (P= 0.05). The results indicate a significant correlation between the Carbon to Oxygen (C/O) ratio and the Gross Calorific Value (GCV), ash, lignin content, and net specific grinding energy consumption (NSGEC) of the samples. Among agricultural residues, the soybean stalk sample, with the highest C/O ratio (0.96), exhibited the highest GCV (17.5 MJ/kg, db) and NSGEC (31.7 kWh/t), while the summer squash sample, with the lowest C/O ratio (0.46), showed the lowest GCV (13.6 MJ/kg, db) and NSGEC (5.1 kWh/t). The flowability of the ground biomass samples varied, with cucumber showing the best free flow properties. The results also showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the lignin content and NSGEC of all samples (p= 0.05).

Genetic Variability and Heritability of Horticultural Traits, Impact on Susceptibility to Two Sap-Sucking Pests and Efficacy of Beauveria Bassiana and Lemongrass Oil as Biocontrol Agents in Six Inbred Lines of Summer Squash

Genetic Variability and Heritability of Horticultural Traits, Impact on Susceptibility to Two Sap-Sucking Pests and Efficacy of Beauveria Bassiana and Lemongrass Oil as Biocontrol Agents in Six Inbred Lines of Summer Squash

Gene action and hybrid vigour for yield, yield components and tolerance to the Two-Spotted Spider mite in summer squash

An investigation was conducted at Kaha Vegetable Research Farm in the Kaliobia Governorate from 2021 to 2023 with an aim to evaluate the performance of six inbred lines of summer squash and their fifteen crosses in both open field and plastic greenhouse conditions. The study spanned two successive summer seasons (2022 and 2023) and focused on assessing horticultural traits and resistance levels to the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Significant variations were observed in the mean performance of all traits among different genotypes. Analysis revealed significant differences in both general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for all studied traits, except for the number of days to anthesis of the first female flower, indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive gene effects in traits inheritance. In the plastic greenhouse, genotype P3 exhibited the highest resistance with an average of 10.6 mites per 2 inches², while the cross P2 × P6 showed tolerance with an average of 4.4 mites per 2 inches². This study highlights the potential of new summer squash hybrids with desirable horticultural traits and resistance to the two-spotted spider mite. Additionally, parent 222/2 (P1) demonstrated the best combining ability for all traits, while parents 264 (P5) and 240/3 (P4) were the most effective combiners for total yield. Breeders may leverage these parents for genetic enhancement and the production of hybrids with superior horticultural qualities. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for researchers, breeders and farmers involved in the cultivation, breeding and utilization of summer squash in Egypt.

Vegetable crop growth under photovoltaic (PV) modules of varying transparencies

The present study summarizes two growing seasons (2020–2021) of microclimate characterization and vegetable crop growth in an agrivoltaics system in northern Colorado, USA. The replicated experiment evaluated three module transparency types (opaque silicon [0 % transparent], bifacial silicon [∼5 % transparent], and semi-transparent cadmium telluride [40 % transparent]) plus a full sun control, and four vegetable crop species (summer squash, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce). Air temperature under the modules in July was approximately 0.5 °C cooler than in the full sun. Soil temperature (2.5 cm depth) maximum differences were more pronounced and were 5.8 °C, 9 °C, and 14.4 °C cooler under bifacial, semi-transparent, and opaque silicon, respectively. For summer squash growing directly under the solar modules, yield was significantly reduced under each of the module transparency types. However, there was no statistically significant yield reduction for peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce indicating their suitability in an agrivoltaics system. The numerical yield of most crops increased as the transparency of the solar modules increased, which could be the focus on future work.

New Record in Summer Squash and Infestation of Branched Broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel) in Vegetable Areas in Van/Türkiye

The increasing vegetable production in Van/Türkiye province and its districts, where the study was carried out. The most significant of these issues is the parasitic and highly invasive broomrapes. A survey was conducted in August-October 2019 in order to determine the extent of the broomrape problem in the areas of vegetables. In this study, the type of broomrape found in vegetable areas was identified first, then the infestation rates and the average number of shoots in each plant were determined. The results concluded that the branched broomrape [Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel] was found as a single species in all areas. It was also detected that branched broomrape was infested with tomato, eggplant, cucumber, and summer squash; with related densities of 4.2, 0.4, 0.26, and 0.78 %, on average, respectively. No infestation was encountered in pepper. As a result of the study, this infestation detected in summer squash is the first record in terms of the host series of branched broomrape. Although less infestation was seen in other areas, it is predicted that the branched broomrape could be spread rapidly to non-infested areas over time due to its character.

Varietal Tolerance of Cucurbitaceous Crops with S-metolachlor Applied Postemergence

Cucurbit crops comprise ∼25% of the vegetable acreage in the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. However, options for postemergence weed control in these crops are limited. Overlapping herbicides is a technique that involves sequential applications of soil-applied residual herbicides to lengthen herbicidal activity before the first herbicide dissipates. Residual herbicides such as S-metolachlor will not control emerged weeds, but weed control efficacy may be extended if these herbicides are applied after crop emergence, but before weed emergence occurs. Currently S-metolachlor is not labeled for broadcast applications over cucurbit crops. Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate pumpkin, cucumber, and summer squash variety response to varying S-metolachlor rates. S-metolachlor was applied at 1.42 and 2.85 lb/acre at the two-leaf stage of pumpkin and 0.71, 1.42, 2.85, and 5.7 lb/acre at the two-leaf stage of cucumber and summer squash. Cucumber showed a greater response to S-metolachlor with up to 67% injury observed at 5.70 lb/acre. S-metolachlor applications to pumpkin and summer squash resulted in less than 6% injury, regardless of application rate or crop variety. S-metolachlor applied at 2.85 lb/acre reduced pumpkin and cucumber dry weight 6% and 19%, respectively, but did not reduce squash dry weight. S-metolachlor reduced cucumber dry weight 78% for all varieties. Pumpkin varieties ‘Munchkin’ and ‘Baby Bear’ exhibited a 23% difference in dry weight, but no other differences were observed among other varieties because of S-metolachlor applications. Summer squash varieties ‘Respect’ and ‘Golden Glory’ exhibited a 31% difference in dry weight, but no other differences were observed among other varieties. Results show that pumpkin and summer squash demonstrated good crop safety when S-metolachlor was applied as a broadcast treatment after crop emergence. However, caution should be urged when applying this herbicide to cucumber.

Impacts of modified atmosphere packaging on the storage quality of summer squash

Impacts of modified atmosphere packaging on the storage quality of summer squash

Carbohydrate-Binding Properties and Antimicrobial and Anticancer Potential of a New Lectin from the Phloem Sap of Cucurbita pepo.

A Cucurbita phloem exudate lectin (CPL) from summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) fruits was isolated and its sugar-binding properties and biological activities were studied. The lectin was purified by affinity chromatography and the hemagglutination assay method was used to determine its pH, heat stability, metal-dependency and sugar specificity. Antimicrobial and anticancer activities were also studied by disc diffusion assays and in vivo and in vitro methods. The molecular weight of CPL was 30 ± 1 KDa and it was stable at different pH (5.0 to 9.0) and temperatures (30 to 60 °C). CPL recovered its hemagglutination activity in the presence of Ca2+. 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside, lactose, rhamnose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the activity. With an LC50 value of 265 µg/mL, CPL was moderately toxic and exhibited bacteriostatic, bactericidal and antibiofilm activities against different pathogenic bacteria. It also exhibited marked antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and agglutinated A. flavus spores. In vivo antiproliferative activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice was observed when CPL exerted 36.44% and 66.66% growth inhibition at doses of 3.0 mg/kg/day and 6.0 mg/kg/day, respectively. A 12-day treatment by CPL could reverse their RBC and WBC counts as well as restore the hemoglobin percentage to normal levels. The MTT assay of CPL performed against human breast (MCF-7) and lung (A-549) cancer cell lines showed 29.53% and 18.30% of inhibitory activity at concentrations of 128 and 256 µg/mL, respectively.

Unravelling genetic diversity of whitefly species on different host plants from New Delhi

Aim: This study investigates the genetic diversity and distribution of different species of whiteflies on 20 host plants vegetables (cucumber, summer squash, pumpkin, tomato, brinjal, okra), field crops (sunflower, lettuce, field bean, lobia), commercial crops (cotton, tobacco), ornamentals (chrysanthemum, bellflower, marigold), fruit crops (lemon), trees (mulberry, wild tamarind, ficus), and others (wild brinjal) in New Delhi. Methodology: Genetic diversity was assessed through mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-I gene-based molecular markers. Results: Phylogenetic analysis revealed that whitefly Bemisia tabaci was the most prevalent pest species across the crops reported in this study. The other whitefly species, viz., Dialeurodes sp., Singhiella simplex, Aleuroclava sp., Tetraleurodes acaciae, Trialeurodes vapororium, and Aleurodicus floccissimus were reported as pests of different horticultural crops. Interpretation: Genetic diversity of B. tabaci revealed that the genetic groups Asia II-1 and Asia II-7 were most prevalent, while Asia I was the minor one. Understanding the species composition and genetic diversity of whiteflies will help in devising appropriate control strategies. Key words: Hosts, Molecular markers, mtCOI, New Delhi, Phylogenetic analysis, Whitefly diversity

Pest categorisation of Diaphania indica.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the cucumber moth for the territory of the European Union (EU), following the commodity risk assessment of Jasminum polyanthum from Uganda, in which D. indica was identified as a pest of possible concern to the European Union. D. indica is native to South Asian countries and is now distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. In the EU, D. indica occurs in Madeira (Portugal). It is a polyphagous pest, feeding on 16 genera in 6 plant families, primarily on plants of the Cucurbitaceae family. Important cucurbit hosts in the EU include cucumber (Cucumis sativus), melon (Cucumis melo), pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Plants for planting, fruits and cut flowers provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions and availability of host plants in southern EU countries would most probably allow this species to successfully establish and spread. Establishment could also occur in greenhouses in the northern parts of the EU. Economic impact in cultivated hosts, especially cucurbit crops is anticipated if establishment occurs. This insect is not listed in Annex II of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry and further spread. D. indica meets the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) as Influenced by Different Coloured Plastic Mulches in the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Summer squash is a short-duration vegetable crop with off-season nature and high economic returns per unit area. However, the early crop growth season encounters a number of abiotic stresses like low temperature and frost, which adversely affect the marketable yield and quality of the fruits. This dependency on natural factors restricts the scope of its profitable cultivation, thereby making it necessary to bring more area under protected cultivation. Coloured plastic mulches are an important component of protected cultivation, which are designed to modify the microclimate at the plant and soil levels so as to increase crop production and productivity, as well as quality of the produce, to meet the demands of the consumers. Keeping these considerations in view, the present field investigation was conducted at the Vegetable Research Centre of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) during the rabi season of 2019-20 to study the effect of different coloured plastic mulches on the growth and yield of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The experiment comprised nine treatments (bi-coloured plastic mulches) replicated thrice in a randomised block design. Results revealed that use of different coloured plastic films significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of summer squash. Red coloured plastic mulch (V1) recorded the maximum values for fruit length (30.78 cm), fruit yield plant-1 (1975.8 g), fruit yield plot-1 (39.51 kg) and total marketable fruit yield (365.52 q ha-1), while biodegradable film of silver-black colour (V7) and black plastic mulch (V4) recorded the maximum plant height (cm) and plant spread (cm), respectively. The maximum diameter of the fruit (110.13 mm) was recorded under black coloured plastic mulch. Considering the prevalent climatic conditions of the tarai region of Uttarakhand, red coloured plastic mulch can be recommended for commercial cultivation of summer squash for obtaining higher fruit yields.

Biological, Serological and Molecular Characterization of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) Infecting Cucurbita moschata (Duchene ex. Poir) (Summer Squash) in Itu and Uyo Local Governments Areas, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Cucurbita moschata is an edible member of the family Cucurbitaceae. The plant is commonly observed showing typical virus-like symptoms during the growing season in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 7 leaf samples showing typical virus-like symptoms were collected from C. moschata in different locations in Itu and Uyo Local Government, Akwa Ibom State. All the virus isolates used in this study were sap transmissible with a wide host range. The virus isolates irrespective of the place of collection were transmitted in a fore-gut manner by A. spiraecola. Aphis citricida did not transmit the viruses. All the virus isolates reacted positively to cucumovirus polyclonal antibody in antigen coated plate-ELISA (ACP-ELISA). Gel electrophoresis of the cDNA of the virus isolates produced 500 base pairs typical of Cucumber mosaic virus. The gene sequence analysis revealed that all the isolates had sequence homology of 95% and above with Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and are therefore considered strains of CMV. The results also showed that CMV isolates investigated in this study shared common ancestry, though belonging to different clusters. The results also indicated that CMV could be widespread and therefore a threat to C. moschata production in Itu and Uyo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. This is the first report of CMV infecting C. moschata in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Further work should be carried out to cover the entire state.

Weed control, soil health, and yield tradeoffs of between-bed management strategies in organic plasticulture vegetable production

Planting a cover crop living mulch between plastic mulch beds in fresh market vegetable production can reduce soil erosion and runoff, and offers an opportunity to grow an income generating cash crop alongside a soil building cover crop. However, potential negative impacts on yield, variable weed control, unclear impacts on soil health, and limited management recommendations challenge adoption of this practice, despite grower interest. In a two-year study in southwest Michigan, living mulches were evaluated in the production of plasticulture organic summer squash (Cucurbita pepo cv. Lioness) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Paladin). Strategies evaluated included three common grower practices (cultivation, dead straw mulch, mowing ambient weeds) and three mowed living mulch treatments (Italian ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum] monoculture, rye [Secale cereale] monoculture, and a Dutch white clover [Trifolium repens]/rye mixture). We determined the impact of these strategies on weed control, organic matter inputs, vegetable crop performance, nitrogen retention, and soil microbial communities. We found that cultivation and dead mulch provided superior in-season weed control, reducing weed biomass by an average of 86% compared to 18% among living mulch treatments, with associated reductions in the weed seedbank compared to living mulches and mowed weeds. In most cases, living mulch establishment was a challenge and weed biomass on average accounted for 99, 74, and 94% of organic matter inputs in rye, ryegrass, and clover/rye treatments, respectively. Squash performance was unaffected by our treatments, but pepper yield reductions ranged from 41 to 54% in all treatments relative to cultivation in one of two years. Living mulches and the weedy treatment showed the ability to reduce end-of-season potentially leachable nitrogen by 61% compared to cultivation and dead mulching. Soil microbial abundance and functional diversity were similar across treatments, but extracellular enzyme activity was higher in dead mulch, living mulch and weedy treatments compared to cultivation. Results from this study help quantify tradeoffs between common grower practices for managing weeds and soil between plastic mulch beds, highlight key challenges with living mulch alternatives, and identify areas for future research.

Evaluation of Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Cucurbit Chlorotic Yellows Virus

Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), a Crinivirus transmitted by whiteflies, poses a significant threat to cucurbit crops globally. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), an important vegetable crop in the Southeastern United States, is particularly affected. The absence of commercially available resistant summer squash cultivars necessitates the exploration of resistant sources. Cucurbita germplasms with potential resistance to CCYV were previously identified through field screening. In this study, we describe the controlled greenhouse screening of these germplasm lines aimed at validating resistance to CCYV infection. The susceptible cultivar Gentry used as control exhibited early and severe symptoms in response to CCYV infection. In contrast, all the PI accessions tested, including PI 512749, PI 615141, PI 136448, PI 442312, PI 458731, and PI 420328, displayed delayed and less severe symptoms. Nevertheless, CCYV RNA accumulated in all the PI accessions. Lower symptom severity while harboring a considerable amount of CCYV indicates their inherent tolerance to the yellowing disease induced by CCYV. When comparing CCYV RNA accumulation in PI accessions with the commercial cultivar ‘Gentry’, lower virus titers were observed across all tested accessions. Specifically, PI 420328 and PI 458731 exhibited significantly reduced CCYV titers compared to the susceptible cultivar in both mass exposure and clip cage experiments. These accessions, displaying reduced symptoms and lower virus titers, hold promise as sources of resistance to CCYV in breeding programs. This study also highlights the importance of utilizing a reliable method to assay the resistance or tolerance of selected germplasm to infection by CCYV.

Effect of Organic Manure and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

The present investigation was conducted during 2022 at DAV University, Jalandhar, to find out the effect of organic manure and bio-fertilizer on growth and yield of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The experiment consisted of twelve treatments viz. T1 (FYM @ 20 t/ha), T2 (vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), T3 (Neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha), T4 (Azotobacter @ 4 kg/ha), T5 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + FYM @ 10 t/ha), T6 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + vermicompost @2.5 t/ha), T7 (Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + neem cake @1.25 t/ha), T8 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha), T9 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + FYM @ 20 t/ha), T10 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha), T11 (PSB @ 4 kg/ha + Neem cake @ 2.5 t/ha), T12 (Control : RDF 60:125:25 kg NPK) and one variety (Green ball) and laid in RBD with three replications. Observations were recorded on growth parameters like plant height, number of days to male flower appearance, number of days to female flower appearance, number of days to fruit set, number of days to fruit harvest, sex ratio, number of branches, number of fruits per plant per picking, average fruit weight (g), yield parameter like marketable yield (q/ha) and quality parameter like TSS. It was observed that plants which were treated with (T6) Azotobacter @ 2 kg/ha + vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha resulted better in most of the growth, yield and quality parameters.

Production of protein hydrolysate from four plant sources and its optimization with α-pinene and tea seed saponin to control olive fruit fly

Types, source of production and optimization with some attractive compounds are the main requirements to produce a commercially efficient protein hydrolysate. The current study was designed to produce protein hydrolysate for the first time from Camelia sinensis (Tea) seeds, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar) seeds, Cucurbita pepo (Summer squash) seeds, Glycine max (Soybean) seeds and Olea europaea Kernels (Olive) optimized with α-pinene and Camelia sinensis saponin (CSS) aiming to availability of the products from the sources with low economic value and more attractance. Results revealed the highest extracted protein from Guar while the highest inhibition of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) and hydroxyl radicals were recorded in the protein hydrolysates extracted from Summer squash, Soybean and Olive. The highest reduction potential of Fe3+ ion and radical scavenging activity were found in the protein hydrolysate extracted from Olive and Soybean, respectively. Exposure of protein hydrolysates extracted from plant sources were determined in choice and no choice assays. In choice experiment, the highest amount of ingestion was recorded on Tea, Guar and Summer squash but the adults ingested the most protein hydrolysate extracted from tea optimized with α-pinene. In no choice experiment, the highest ingestion was recorded on Guar while optimization with α-pinene caused the highest ingestion on both Tea and Guar. Bioassay of C. sinensis saponin against the adults of B. oleae demonstrated the LC50 and LT50 values of 0.35% and 1.41 days, respectively. Also, CSS decreased activities of digestive enzymes in B. oleae except for TAG-lipase and trypsin. The adults of B. oleae fed on protein hydrolysate containing CSS showed elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase except for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Results of the present study showed that protein hydrolysate can be extracted from plant sources that have little commercial value like tea seeds and olive kernels. In addition, their optimization with compounds that are attractive to the olive fruit fly can provide products with the higher efficiency than the products available in the market.

Efficacy of strobilurin and triazole fungicides for the management of powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) in summer squash

Efficacy of strobilurin and triazole fungicides for the management of powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) in summer squash

Comparative Analysis on the Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo) Varieties in the Southern Climate of Nepal

Comparative Analysis on the Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo) Varieties in the Southern Climate of Nepal

Evaluation of Summer Squash Genotypes (Cucurbita pepo L.) under Tropical Conditions

The investigation was carried out in a farmer’s field Sorakalnatham, Natrampalli taluk, Tirupattur district, Tamil Nadu during 2022. The experimental design used was randomized block layout with three replications and twenty genotypes. In results indicate the genotype were significantly differed in growth and yield attributes. According to the grand mean data, the CP 13 genotype of summer squash showed the best performance in the tropical condition. Significantly greater than the grand mean in the growth attributes viz., plant height (66.54 cm), least value was recorded in days taken for fifty per cent female flowering (40.54 days). The yield attributes was maximum than grand mean in term of single fruit weight (1200.18 g), number of fruits plant-1 (4.75), fruit yield plant-1 (5.64 kg).

Morphological Characterization and Selection in Some Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) Genotypes

This study was carried out to determine stage progression and specific plant and fruit characteristics in purposefully created summer squash genotypes. In this study, which was carried out in 2019, 59 squash genotypes were assessed with 24 morphological measurements and observations involving plant and fruit characteristics, and one-generation advancement was achieved. Cluster and PCA were implemented to determine the relationship between genotypes determined at the end of single plant selection. A dendrogram was constructed to assess the morphological similarities between the genotypes. In this respect, four main groups and 12 subgroups were determined in the cluster analysis performed among squash genotypes based on 24 morphological variables, while the 10 PC axis explained 94.3% of the total variation in the PCA. When the variance values of the principal component axis were examined, it was seen that the first principal component axis explained 28.8% of the total variation, the second principal component axis explained 26% of the variation, and the third principal component axis explained 11.2% of the total variation. Principal component analyses revealed that (i) 66% of the qualitative (neck in unripe fruit, curving of the neck in unripe fruit, mottling in unripe fruit, and type of mottling in unripe fruit) variation was explained by the first three components. At the end of the study, the phenotypic diversity that exists in this core collection provides valuable information to improve agronomic traits in the summer squash breeding program.