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EF."'-ECT OF MULCHES AND PHOSPHORUS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SQUASH
By
MST. FAIZA AKHTER Registration No.:11·04440
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN
HORTICULTURE
SEMESTER: JANUARY· JUNE, .2017
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Approved by:Prof. Dr. Tabmina Mostarin Department of Horticulture
SAU,Dbaka Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam Department of Horticulture
SAU,Dhaka Co-supervisor
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Prof. Dr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir Chairman
Examination Committee
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· DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207Memo no-SAUIHORT/ .... Date .
SCIP..!N(JE (9dS.) in
availed of during the course of this investigation has duly been acknowledged.
Dated: June, 2017
Place: Dhaka, Bangladesh
(prof. Dr. Tahmina Mostarin) Dept. of Horticulture
SAU, Dhaka Supervisor
fJ1ieauthor seems it a mudi privi{ege to express frer enormous sense
of
gratitude to tlie a{miofity }f./[aIi for there ever erufing 6{essings for tlie successful cempletumof
tlie researdi 'WortThe author wislies to express lier gratittufe am[ best regardS to her respected Supervisor, f/!mj. tDr.
tTa1imin49t!ost4.rintDepartment of J{orticu(ture, S!ier-e4Jang(a J4aricu(tura{ Vniversity, tDlia~a,for lier continuous direction, constructive criticism, encouraqement and va{ua6{e su88estions in canyitlg out tfrt research. wo~and preparation
of
this trlesis.'lfreauthor wishes to express fier earnest respect, sincere appreciation and enormous inde6tedness totier reverend Co-supervisor, (hoj. tJ)r. !MIl. !Naztuf IsIitm tDepartment
of
Horticulture, Slier-e-lBane{a figricu{tura{ Vnivemty, (])Iia~a, for liis scholastic supervision, liefP..fu{ commentary and unvaryineinspiration tliroU[Jhout tlie research wo~and preparation
of
the thesis.tffJe autfior Jeefs to express her lieartfiu tfia~ to tlie honora6{e chairman tDr.9t{o!iantnuz4J£umayun '}(JIiJit' oCongwitli aff other teachers and staff members
of
the department ojHorticu{ture, Slier-e4Jang{a figricu{tura[ Vniversity, (j)fiak.sz, for tlieir co-operation durinn tlie periodof
tlie study.The author feers proud to t!Y\Presstier deepest and etuffess gratitude toa[[
of
her course mates andjrietufsto cooperate and Iie{p lier during tafjnn data from tlie fieUf atuf preparation
of
tlie tliesis. tf1i£author wisfies toextend lier special tlianRJ to herfar,mates, class mates andJrientfsfor their ~e" Iie{pas we[[as heartiest co-operation aruf encouragement:
'Ihe author expresses lier lieartfe{t tfiank/ to frer 6ef'oved parents, elder and younger Sister and a[[ other family members for their prayers, encouragement; constant inspiration and mora[ support for her liigher
study. :May fi{miOlity 6{ess anti protect them a{[
E.FFECT OF MULCHES AND PHOSPHORUS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SQUASH
BY
MST. FAlZA AKHTER ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October, 201 5 to January, 2016 to find out effect of mulches and phosphorus on the growth and yield of squash. The experiment consisted with two factors. Factor A: Different mulches- Mo: control, MI: rice straw and M2: black polythene and Factor B: Phosphorus (3 levelsj-Po:
o
kg P20slha, PI: 60 kg P20s/ha and P2: 90 kg P20slha. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Mulches and phosphorus showed significant variations on most of the parameters. In case of mulches, highest individual fruit weight (328.0 g) and fruit yield (37.0 t ha') was recorded from M2, whereas the lowest fruit weight (280.8 g) and fruit yield (21.5 t ha")was
recorded from Mo. In case of phosphorus highest individual fruit weight (300.4 g) and fruit yield (31.3 t ha') was recorded from P2,whereas the lowest fruit weight (290.4 g) and fruit yield (26.2 t ha") was recorded from Po.For combination, highest individual fruit weight (338.2 g) and fruit yield (39.9 t ha') were recorded fromM2P2 while the lowest individual fruit weight (272.2 g) and fruit yield (19.7 t ha') were recorded from MoPo.The highest BCR (2.37) was found in M2P2 and lowest BCR (1.20)
was
found in MaPo. So, it can be concluded that black polythene mulch with 90 kg P20s/ha is suitable for squash cultivation.CONTENTS
Chapter Title Page
No.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABSTRACT II
CONTENTS lll-V
LIST OF TABLES VI
LIST OF FIGURES Vl1
LIST OF PLATES Vlll
LIST OF APPENDICES IX
LIST OF ABBRIVlA TIONS x
I INTRODl)CTION 1-3
n
REVIEW OF LITERATURE2.1 Effect of mulches on the growth and yield of squash 4-13 _ 2.2 Effect of phosphorus on the growth and yield of 14-26 squash
ill MATERIALS AND METHODS 27-40
3.1 Description of the experimental site 27
3.1.1 Experimental site 27
3.1.2 Climatic condition 27
3.1.3 Characteristics of soil 27
3.2 Planting material 28
3.3 Treatment of the experiment 28
3.4 Design and layout of the experiments 28 3.5 Details of the field operations 31
3.5.1 PoIybag preparation 31
3.5.2 Seed treatment 31
3.5.3 Seed sowing 31
3.5.4 Raising of seedling 31
3.5.5 Land preparation 32
3.5.6 Application of mulching materials 32
3.5.7 Fertilizer application 33
CONTENTS (continued)
Chapter Title Page
No.
3.5.8 Transplanting of seedlings 34
3.5.9 InterculturaJ operations 34
3.5.9.1 Gap fining 34
3.5.9.2 Weeding 34
3.5.9.3 Irrigation 35
3.5.9.4 Plant protection 35
3.5.10 General observation 35
3.5.l1.Hrvesting 35
3.6 Collection of data 36
3.6.1 Plant height (ern) 36
3.6.2 Number ofleaves per plant 36
3.6.3 Stem diameter (ern) 36
3.6.4 Days to 1strnaJe flowering 36
3.6.5 Days to 50% male flowering 36
3.6.6 Days to 1st female flowering 36 3.6.7 Days to 50% female flowering 37
3.6.8 Days to 1stfruit harvest 37
3.6.9 Number of male flowers per plant 37 3.6.10 Number of female flowers per plant 37 3.7.11 Number of fruits set per plant 38 3.7.12 Number of marketable fruits per plant 38
3.7.13 Length of fruit (ern) 38
3.7.14 Diameter of fruit (ern) 38
3.7.15 Weight of individual fruit (g) 38 3.7.16 Fruit yield per plant (kg) 39
3.7.17 Fruit yield per plot (kg) 39
3.7.18 Fruit yield per hectare (t) 39
3.8 Statistical analysis 39
3.9 Economic analysis 39
3.9.1 AnaJysis for total cost of production of squash 39 3.9.2 Gross income
3.9.3 Net return
3.9.4 Benefit cost ratio (BeR)
40 40 40
Chapter CONTENTS
Page No.
IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION4.1 Plant height (ern) 41
4.2 Number of leaves per plant 44
4.3 Stem diameter (em) 47
4.4 Days to Ist male flowering 50
4.5 Days to 50% male flowering 50
4.6 Days to 1st female flowering 51
4.7 Days to 50% female flowering 52
4.8 Days to 1stfruit harvest 54
4.9 Number ofma1e flowers per plant 55 4.10 Number of female flowers per plant 56 4.11 Number of fruits set per plant 57 4.12 Number of marketable fruits per plant 59
4.13 Length of fruit (ern) 60
4. 14 Diameter of fruit (em) 61
4.15 Weight of individual fruit (g) 62
4.16 Fruit yield per plant (kg) 64
4.17 Fruit yield per plot (kg) 66
4.18 Fruit yield per hectare (t) 68
4.19 Economic analysis 71
4.19. 1 Gross income 72
4.19.2 Net return 72
4.19.3 Benefit cost ratio (BCR) 72
V SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 74-77
VI REFERENCES 78-88
APPENDICES 89-97
LIST OF TABLES Table
Title Page
No. No.
1 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on plant height 44 (ern) at different days after transplanting of squash
2 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on number of 47 leaves per plant at different days after transplanting of squash 3 Effect of mulches and phosphorus on stem diameter (ern) at 48
different days after transplanting of squash
4 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on stem 49 diameter (ern) at different days after transplanting of squash
5 Effect of mulches and phosphorus on days to l " and 50% 53 male flowering, days to ]51and 50% female flowering and days to 1stfruit harvest at different days after transplanting of squash
6 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on days to 1st 55 and 50% male flowering, days to Ist and 50% female flowering and days to 151fruit harvest at different days after transplanting of squash
7 Effect of mulches and phosphorus on number of male and 58 female flower, number of fruits set and marketable fruits per plant of squash
8 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on number of 59 male and female flower per plant, number of fruits set and marketable fruits per plant of squash
9 Effect of mulches and phosphorus on length of fruit (em), 62 diameter of fruit (ern) and weight of individual fruit (g) of squash
10 Combined Effect of mulches and phosphorus on length of 63 fruit (em), diameter of fruit (em) and weight of individual
fruit (g) of squash
11 Combined effect of mulches and phosphorus on fruit yield of 71 squash
12 Cost and return analysis of squash considering different 73 mulches and different levels of phosphorus
LIST OF FIGURES Figure
Title Page
No. No.
1 Field layout of the experiment 30
2 Effect of mulches on plant height (em) at different days after 42 transplanting of squash.
3 Effect of Phosphorus on plant height (em) at different days 42 after transplanting of squash.
4 Effect of mulches on number of leaves per plant at different 45 days after transplanting of squash.
5 Effect of phosphorus on number of leaves per plant at 46 different days after transplanting of squash.
6 Effect of mulches on fruit yield per plant (kg) of squash. 65 7 Effect of phosphorus on fruit yield per plant (kg) of squash. 66 8 Effect of mulches on fruit yield per plot (kg) of squash. 67 9 Effect of phosphorus on fruit yield per plot (kg) of squash. 68
Effect of mulches on fruit yield per hectare (t)of squash.
-
10 69
11 Effect of Phosphorus on fruit yield per hectare (t) of squash. 70
LIST OF PLATES
Plate Title Page
No. No.
1 A photograph showing 15 days old seedling of squash 32 2 A photograph showing black polythene mulch 33
3 A photograph showing rice straw mulch 33
4 A photograph showing transplanting of seedling of squash 34 5 A photograph showing male flower of squash 37 6 A photograph showing marketable fruit of squash 38
LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix
Title Page
No. No.
I Monthly average of air temperature, relative humidity 90 and total rainfall of the experimental site during the
period from October 2015 to January 2016
II Analytical data of soil sample of the experimental plot 90 III The experimental site was shown in the map of AEZ of 92
Bangladesh
IV Analysis of variance of the data on plant height (ern) and 93 number of leaves per plant of squash as influenced by
different mulches and levels of phosphorus
V Analysis of variance of the data on stem diameter (em) 94 of squash as influenced by different mulches and levels
of phosphorus
VI Analysis of variance of the data on male and female 95 flowering parameters of squash as influenced by
different mulches and levels of phosphorus
VII Analysis of variance of the data on yield contributing 96 parameters and yield of squasb as influenced by different
mulches and levels of phosphorus
VIII Cost of production of squash per hectare 97-98
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
ACRONYMS ABBREVIATION
AEZ Agro Ecological Zone
Anon Anonymous
ANOVA Analysis of Variance
BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics
BCR Benefit cost ratio
CV Coefficient of Variation
DAr Days after Transplanting
df Degrees of freedom
LSD Least Significant Difference
% Percentage
RCBD Randomized Complete Block Design
SRDr Soil Resource Development Institute
Chapter I
Introduction
CHAPTER I
Sher-e.SanglaAgritulturaIUnivarsity Librar:yAccession No ~0111 ~ "
INTRODUCTION
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Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and grown throughout the world in both temperate and tropical climatic zones. Its origin in America and is available in the market in yellow, light green or green colors.
Four species are commonly cultivated: Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita moschata; cucurbita pepo (Kernick, 1961). Various cultivars of Cucurbita pepo are called summer squash, pumpkin, vegetable marrow, zucchini, and spaghetti squash (purseglove, 1968), which are eaten as a vegetable, fed to live stock, or used for ornament (Cobley. 1976).
In Bangladesh, this crop is relatively new but is increasingly gaining high levels of economical importance both in generation of income and provision of nutritional value. Squash has various health benefits to human as well as medicinal potentials (Mohammad et al., 2011). It is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds contents such as phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins (including fl-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B2, a-tocopherol, vitamin C, and vitamin E), amino acids, carbohydrates and minerals (especial1y potassium), and it is low in energy content (about 17 Kca1JI00 g of fresh squash) and has large amount of fiber (Tamer et al., 2010). ]tcontains vitamin A (200 IU) and vitamin C (17.9 mg) per 100 gm (Anon., 2016) that can contribute to solve nutritional problem in Bangladesh. Squash production in Bangladesh is limited compared to other vegetable. In 2015- 2016, total vegetable (summer and winter season) production area was 992 acres of land with total production of 3818 mil1ion tons (BBS, 2016) but pumpkin, squash and gourd production is only 290,835 tons which ranks Bangladesh 16th position in the world (Anon., 2016). In Bangladesh squash is growing in a limited area like as Pabna, Bogura, Joypurhat and Natore but the production could be increased by means of some practice.
Squash is cultivated in Bangldesh during the winter season when rainfall is scanty and its growth and development is required optimum temperature within 18-2SoC. Most of the time irrigation and weed management increases the total cost of production of crops and ultimately growers can be frustrated. Mulching can reduce the water Joss from the soil by evaporation which can minimize the requirement water, suppress of weed and helpful in conserving soil moisture of the preceding season and may be exploited to produce squash successfully particularly where rainfall and irrigation facilities are scarce. Mulching offers tremendous potential for increased crop production through its noticeable effect on the soil environment which ensures proper growth and yield of crop (Lai, 1989). There are many reports confirming the stimulation of growth and consequent yield increase by the use of different mulches such as black polythene, water straw, water hyacinth, saw dust, leaves, hay, shredded bark, shells, woodchips, newspaper, cardboard etc. Among them black polythene and water straw are economical and available in our country. Black plastic is the most popular one because it retards weed growth and warms the soil in the winter. Douglas and Sanders (2001) stated that the advantages of using plastic mulches are: increasing soil temperature from 4 to 5 °C under black mulch reducing soil compaction, reducing evaporation, reducing weed problems, earlier crops and increasing growth. Black polyethylene plastic has the ability to warm soil temperatures rapidly, which can benefit fanners by enabling early harvests of their crop.
Another important management practice is fertilizer. Fertilizers influenced of plant growth, yield and quality of horticultural crops, particularly color, shape, size, taste, shelf life and processing characteristics. Deficiency of soil nutrient is now considered as one of the major constraints to successful upland crop production in Bangladesh (Islam and Noor, 1982). The cultivation of vegetable crops requires proper supply of plant nutrient. Phosphorus is one of the important essential macro elements for the normal growth and development of plant. Phosphorus shortage restricts the plant growth and influence maturity of plant (Hossain, 1990). Phosphorous is involved in photosynthesis, respiration,
energy storage and transfer, cell division, and enlargement of plant, promotes early root formation and growth, irnpoves quality of fruits, vegetables, and grains. (kbalid, 2003). Phosphorus enhances many aspects of plant physiology including the fundamental processes of photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, flowering, fruiting and maturation. Adequate availability of Phosphorus stimulates root development, increases plant length and stem strength and improves flower formation, fruiting and seed production. It also enhances uniform and early crop maturity, improves crop quality and increases resistance to plant diseases (Ahmed et al., 2003; Mitchell, 1970; Plaster, 1985, 2003).
Information on the use of optimum level of phosphorus fertilizer and mulch materials to optimize the squash production within the farmer's limited resources is inadequate in Bangladesh. So from the above mentioned constraints for squash cultivation in Bangladesh, the present research study was undertaken with the following objectives
a. To determine the effect of different mulch materials for maximizing the vegetative growth and yield of squash;
b. To find out the optimum levels of phosphorus for better growth and yield of squash; and
c. To optimize the better combination of mulch materials and phosphorus for ensuring better growth and higher yield with maximum economic return .
\
.
\
. ,
. '.
Chapterll
Review of literature
CHAPTERll
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a minor vegetable and newly introduced crop. It has less attention by the researchers on various production aspects especially the use of phosphorus and mulches and a very few studies on the growth and yield of squash have been carried out in Bangladesh and world. Therefore, the research work so far done in Bangladesh is not adequate and conclusive.
Nevertheless, some of the important informative works and research findings related to phosphorus and mulches on squash and related crops so far been done at home and abroad have been reviewed in this chapter under the folJowing headings:
2.1. Effect of mulch materials on growth and yield of squash
Ahmed (2017) was carried out an experiment in the greenhouse condition on Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mo1.) StandI) during seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of polyethylene mulching (black and white) and Mycorrhizae inoculation on plant growth, fruit yield, seed yield and seed oil content. Seeds of bottle gourd were sown in 15 October in the nursery and the seedlings were transplanted in greenhouse on 15 November. The experiment was designed in a split plot design in the two growing seasons. Using polyethylene mulching enhanced both of soil temperature and soil moisture content comparing to bare soil as a control. The obtained results showed that a significant increase in the vegetative growth in covered-inoculated treatments comparing with control and the black polyethylene mu1ch was more effective than the white mulching. For instance, the average of vine length 60 days after transplanting in the first season; in the black and white muJch without mycorrhizae treatments was 1.34 and 1.] 6 fold of control and with mycorrhizae, the ratio was 1.44 and 1.27 fold of control, respectively. There
was
a significant effect of mycorrhizae on plant growth. but the main effect of mycorrhizae treatment was more obvious in fruitcharacteristics in terms of size, length as well as number of seeds per fruit in both growing seasons. The benefit of this study was to obtain the high seed productivity and quality of Bottle gourd plant in additional to high seed oil production in Egypt.
Mounika (2017) was laid out an experiment entitled "Effect of mulches on growth and yield parameters in gherkin cultivars (CUClon;S sativus sub spp.
"Anguria") during the kharif season of 2016 at College of Horticulture, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The study was laid in with 15 different treatments involving different combinations of different cultivars and mulches. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with factorial concept replicated thrice and data on the effect of muJches on growth and yield parameters of gherkin cultivars and their interactions were recorded and statistical1y analyzed. Among different mulch applications, the highest values for plant growth parameters with respect to days to first seedling emergence, percentage of germination., main vine length, number of primary branches per vine, number of days taken for first male flower opening and number of nodes per vine were recorded with the use of white plastic mulch. The yield contributing parameters like number of fruits per vine, mean fruit weight, yield per vine, yield per plot, estimated yield per hectare, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of seeds per fruit and fruit retention percentage were also recorded highest with the use of white plastic mulch.
Rao et aT.(2017) was examined in the effect of different mulching material and mulch color on growth and yield of watermelon during 2015-16. Organic mulch (paddy straw) and six different colors plastic mulch films of 30 microns were used in the study by adopting drip irrigation. Plant growth and yield parameters were found to be higher with silver polyethylene muJch while, plants without mulch (control) resulted poor growth and yield. Water and fertilizer use efficiency were found to be 60% higher over the no mulch condition. Economic analysis of the study indicated that the adoption of silver mulch in watermelon production resulted in highest net returns.
Nodar et al. (2016) observed that plastic sheet mulch significantly increased plant height, fruit weight, fruit number and seed yield of watermelon by 30%, 70%, 17% and 65% respectively.
Alenazi et al. (2015) concluded that plastic mulch treatment resulted in higher plant height, leaf area, fruit number, early fruit yield, total yield and crop water productivity than non-mulch treatment. A higher crop production was observed with mulch and 100% ETc treatment for "Velta" cultivar, Plastic mulch with 80% ETc water treatment was considered more suitable for optimizing WUE with no major yield reduction in musk melon.
Aniekwe (2015) conducted an experiment on the effects of plastic films and rice hull mulches and plant densities on the environment, growth and yield of cucumber were studied at Abakaliki, in a 4 x 3 factorial experiment in three replications for two cropping seasons. Rice hull mulch had the highest vine length (145.5 em), leaf area (184.63 em 2), fruit weight (1.27 kg), fruit length (62.7 ern) and fruit diameter (9.43 ern) better than the unmulched and raised the average daily soil temperature from 28.1oC - 27.4°C, while transparent plastic mulch had the highest number of vine (5.2), number of leaves (32.5), number of fruits (7.98) and made the greatest improvement on the average daily soil temperature (28.8°C). Plant spacing 50 em x 40 em gave rise to a profuse branched plants with longer vines (144.7 ern), greater number of leaves (35.2) and leaf area (181.05 cm 2), while fruit length of 20.4 ern and the highest fruit diameter (9.53 cm) resulted from the widest plant spacing of 50 cm x 50 cm.
The closest plant spacing (50 cm x 30 em) consistently produced the lowest values in all the vegetative and yield parameters considered except in fruit weight (1.0 kg). Both mulching and plant spacing are good crop production
techniques, are highly recommended for the smallholder fanners of this zone, especial1y plastic film mulches and medium plant densities for efficient cucumber production and management.
Khan et al. (2015) observed maximum values for vine length (125.00 cm.) and yield characters like days to flowering, vine spread (em), fruit length (em), fruit
'_',
weight (g), fruit diameter (em), number of fruits per plant and fruit yield (2] 3.47 q/ha) which were significantly superior with black polyethylene mulch in "Pusa Chikni" variety of Sponge gourd.
Roudan and Vahid (2015) observed significant effect of mulch on the number of leaves per plant, plant height, plant weight, yield, precocity, the average yield of a plant, number of fruits per plant and the total yield. The results showed that white mulches increased earliness performance and produced the highest yield in cucumber.
Saeid et01.(2015) was conducted an experiment at the vegetable research farm of Horticulture Department! Faculty of Agriculture lDuhok University on two hybrids of summer squash during spring in the season of 2014, to study the effect of five color plastic mulches (without cover, transparent, black, red and blue) on two hybrids of summer squash (Amjed and Alexandra FI). The results showed that covers plastic mulches led to positive significant differences in leaf area (em'), leaves chlorophyll contentss, fruit number/plant, early yield and total yield as we1l as fruit weight (g), fruit length (ern) and fruit diameter (mm) as compared to without cover. There were no significant differences between the two hybrids in all detected traits. The interaction between covers plastic mulches and two hybrids.was significantly enhanced all detected traits, since summer squash (Alexandra hybrid) covered with transparent plastic mulch were characterized by the highest values. of I~ area (em"), leaves chlorophy1l content% and fruit diameter (mrn), and summer squash (Amjed hybrid) covered with blue plastic mulch gave positive significant of fruit number/plant and total yields
toni
hectare.Siwek et al.,(20IS) compared results to non-mulched control and black polypropylene nonwoven (pP 50 gm") in cucumber. Slightly higher temperatures under the polypropylene and lower temperatures under the control in comparison to the control were observed. 'Mulching with polypropylene.
increased organic carbon and macro aggregate contents; while under control
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Mutetwa and Mtaita (2014) found that mulches have provided a suitable condition in cucumber for producing superior branch characteristics, number of fruits/plant, fruit size and total yield in the plants. Marketable fruit yield significantly improved by the use of a silvery-grey coloured plastic mulch (37.9 t/ha) compared to the blue coloured mulch (15.3 t/ha) and wheat straw mulch (26.4 t/ha).
Deshmukh (2013) was conducted a field experiments to assess the impacts of different type of mulches with different level of irrigation through drip irrigation system on soil temperature, soil moisture depletion and performance of bottle gourd (Lagenaria sicerariat in PFDC, IGKV, Raipur. The crop yield was found maximum under black plastic mulch with 80% of CWR (Crop Water Requirement) through drip irrigation system, followed by paddy straw mulch and without mulch with drip system in a split plot design. The benefit cost ratio was found maximum (2.14) fewer than 80% of CWR through drip irrigation system with black plastic mulch. The soil temperature (at morning) was found maximum in 10 cm depth compared to 5 cm depth under black plastic mu1ch, fo11owed by paddy straw and without mulch. Similarly, inthe afternoon the soil temperature was found maximum in 5 em depth compared to 10ern depth under black plastic mulch, fol1owed by without mulch and paddy straw mulch. The soil moisture depletion was found minimum in 10 cm depth compared to 30 em depth under 100% of CWR through drip irrigation system with black plastic mulch. These improvements of crop growing environment resulted in increased bottle gourd growth and fruit yield.
Parmar (2013) found that plant growth was superior with silver on black polyethylene mulch in respect of number of branches per vine and vine length.
Water melon plants mulched with silver on black polyethylene recorded maximum number of nodes per vine. The yield characters such as fruit length, number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plot were recorded significantly highest in mulch treatment in silver on black polyethylene. Similarly, the highest yield per plot (63.00 kg) and fruit yield per
hectare of water melon (35.37 t/ha) was also produced with same treatment. . The quality characters such as highest fruit pulp weight, reducing sugar, non- reducing sugar, total sugar and lowest acidity were noted in mulching treatment in silver on black polyethylene.
Patil et al. (2013) stated that mulching proved to be beneficially though increment in soil moisture, reduction in soil erosion and maintenance of soil temperature etc. It helps to improve in soil structure, soil fertility and soil biological regime. Though mulching is having many advantages it shows some limitations as it may harbor some pests and diseases.
Aldntoye et al. (2011) found that melon produced the highest fruit yield
(418.86 glvine) in 2007 while cucumber yield was highest (275.02 g) in 2008.
There were significant differences in weed density among live mulch.
Bhutia (2011) concluded that maximum weed control was observed with black and green plastic mulch than organic and control in bottle gourd. The highest uptake of nitrogen was recorded with black plastic mulch than other mulches and control. The yield attributes like number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight and fruit yield per hectare were recorded highest in black plastic mulch than green plastic mulch, organic mulch and control. Black plastic mulch recorded significantly higher soil moisture, temperature and soil nitrogen than green plastic mulch, organic mulch and control. Among the various treatment combinations, black plastic mulch + 100% nitrogen was found to be significantly superior over other treatment combinations.
Odedara (2011) reported maximum number of branches per vine (16.67), vine length (137 em), number of nodes per vine (60.07) with minimum number of days to maturity (64.33 days), highest number of fruits per vine (6.30), average fruit weight (554.67 g), number of fruits per plot (45.10), yield per plot (24.46 kg), fruit. yield per hectare (17.47 tlha), highest reducing sugars percentage (1.30%) and non-reducing sugars percentage (2.10%) in silver on black mulch in musk melon vines.
El-Shaikh (2008) was carried out an experiment to investigate the effect of organic mulch (wheat straw), plastic mulches (black, transparent and yellow polyethylene) and bare soil (as a control) on soil temperature, germination ratio, plant growth, weed percent, water use efficiency and cucumber yield under drip irrigation system. The results showed that soil temperature increased by using plastic mulches. The highest soil temperature was obtained with transparent polyethylene which permits early germination, flowering and harvesting. Also, the average yield increased by 67, 109, 129, and 124% with straw, black, transparent and yellow mulch respectively compared with the control. Moreover, mulching treatments led to saving in irrigation water for all mulching types compared with the control treatment. The water use efficiency was 6.22, 7.76, 8.51, 8.34, and 2.32 kg/m" under straw, black, transparent, yellow and bare soil treatments respectively.
Melek and Atilla (2009) found that average fruit weight of the cultivars was significantly high in mulch application, especially clear mulch application when compared to control in musk melon. Average marketable yield in the study years increased by 25-28% in clear plastic mulch and 15% in black plastic mulch compared to the control application.
Singh et al. (2007) found that the plastic mulched crop of bitter gourd was not only advanced by 15 days over the control (non-mulched crop) but produced 55.0 per cent yield increase. The total fruit yield of 130.0 q/ha was obtained from the plastic mulched crop.
Rastiano et al. (2006) observed that straw mulching enhanced microbial biomass, activity and potential N availability by 42, 64 and 30% respectively, relative to none mulched soils via improving C and water availability for soil microbes.
Ban (2004) reported that the soil temperature under clear PE film was higher compared to semi-transparent clear (brown or green), non-transparent (back) and reflective (white) PE films regardless of the location or year of the experiment. Generally clear film had positive effect on vegetative growth while
an opposite trend was found for the white one semi-transparent films (brown and green) had similar effects to each other on watermelon vegetative growth.
Ghorbani (2004) reported that plastic mulch is an effective way to conserve water in soil reservoir so that it can be taken up gradually by plants. The plastic mulch was used with furrow irrigation on cucumber and tomato yield, in the yield, at flowering and production stage. Using plastic mulch in conjunction with furrow irrigation system increased moisture retention by 75%, whereas no conservation
was
observed with black polythene mulch. Considerable yield increases (60 and 49%) and (66 and 47%) were achieved for tomato and cucumber crops under both clear and black plastic mulches respectively at flowering and production stage.Deoraoji and Chandrashekhar (2003) found that black polyethylene mulch induced higher and early germination, earlier initiation of first male and female flower (34.08 and 43.41 days) and lower nodal position of both male and female flower (3.51 and 5.28) in cucumber. The number of days required for first harvest was less (85.17) in black polyethylene mulch than transparent polyethylene mulch, grass mu1ch and control (unmulched). Fruit characters like diameter of fruit, weight of fruit and fruits per vine showed significant results under grass mulch and black polyethylene mulch. Grass mulch treatment showed better results for yield of fruit per vine (1317.26 g) and yield per hectare (52.68 t ha"). TSS was highest (9.89 OBrix) under grass mulch than other mulch treatments.
Ibarra et al. (2001) observed that the effect of plastic mulch alone or in combination with row covers on yield of muskmelon plants cv. Crusier. Early and total yield were highest in plants grown under row covers. In no- covered plants, early and total yield were both higher in BPM plants relative to the control.
Waterrer (2000) studied the efficacy and cost efficiency of using various plastic soil mulches on the production of muskmelon (cucumis melo). They observed that mulches enhanced yields relative to bare ground in most sites. Clear mulch
usually produced the highest yield. Consequently, clear mulch without added herbicide usually represented the most cost- effective production option for muskmelon.
Baker et al. (1998); Brown and Butcher (1999); Ibarra- Jimnez et al. (2005);
Khan et aJ.(l 991); Soltani et al. (1995) showed that black plastic mulch has allows earlier production reduced weed pressure, reduce nutrient leaching and increases soil moisture in watermelon.
Munguia et al (1998) conducted a field experiment trail on melon cv. Crusier F1 to investigate the plastic mulch effect on the spatial distribution of solutes and water in the soil profile and relationship with yield of muskmelon crop.
The concentration of total dissolved solutes and soil moisture at 0-15 and 0-30 cm soil depth were higher in mulched plots than in control plots. Fruit yield was significantly higher in the plots with plastic mulch than in control plots.
They suggested that the higher concentration of total dissolved solutes in mulched plots contribute to increases in fruit yield.
Qadir et al. (1992) studied the use of various mulches on watermelon and observed that plant row covered with polythene mulches resulted higher fruit yield as compared to straw mulched and non-mulched plants. Higher fruit yield was recorded under black polyethylene mulch.
Decoteau et al. (1989) reported that mulch color affected the yield and growth of plants. Plants grown under mulch generally had the greatest early marketable yield and produced the least amount of foliage.
Bhella (1988) revealed that black polyethylene mulch or no mulch and drip irrigation or no irrigation was more effective in watermelon cv. "Charleston Gray". Both drip irrigation and polyethylene mulch, alone and in various combinations, increased stem growth compared with untreated controls.
Greatest stem growth was obtained from plants grown with polyethylene mulch in combination with drip irrigation.
2.1 Effect ofpbospborus on the growth and yield ofsquasb
Meena et af. (20] 7) was conducted a field experiment on effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorous Levels on Growth and Yield of Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) StandI.] cv. Pusa Naveen during summer (zaid) 2015 at Department of Horticulture, MJRP College of Agriculture & Research, MJRP University Jaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment consisted of nine treatments with three replications evaluated in randomized block design. Results of field experiment revealed that the minimum days required to opening female flower from sowing (36.36 days) and node number at which first female flower appears (4.95) was recorded under Ts treatment fol1owed by T7 (3S.69 days) whereas the maximum days (43.26 days and 6.92) were under control. Whereas, length of main vine and per cent fruit set were the maximum recorded under application ofTS. Maximum length (42.S5 ern), girth (24.32 em), fresh weight (1077.27 g) and number of fruits per plant (13.44) were recorded under Ts treatment and the minimum under control. The maximum yield (361.96 q ha-l) was obtained under T7 and the minimum under control (91.84 q ha").
Application of 110 kg N + 70 kg P20S ha' recorded significantly higher net returns (327756.52 Rs ha") and B: C ratio (9.5S) which was found statistically superior over other treatments.
Nagar (20] 7) was carried out a field experiment during kharif, season 2012 to study the effect of organic manures and different levels of NPK on growth and yield of Bottle gourd. The experiment consisting of 16 treatments viz., four levels of NPK (control, 100:50:50, 80:40:40 and 60:30:30) and organic manures (control, vennicompost, poultry manure and FYM) factorial designed in RBD with three replications. Results indicated that application of NPK (100:50:50) + vermicompost (5.0 tJha)
was
recorded minimum days taken to appearance of first female flower, maximum length of main vine (m), number of primary branches per vine, length and width of leaf (ern) 65 days after sowing, per cent fruit set, number of fruit per vine, length and girth of fruit, weight of fruit, total yield per vine, yield and return rupees' investment.Bhosale (2016) conducted a field experiment to study the effect of graded levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on yield and quaJity of watermelon in lateritic soils of Konkan at College of Agriculture, Dapoli during rabi season 2014-15 and reported that the treatment receivi.ng 200 kgha'
I N+50 kg ha" P+ 100 kg ha-1K resulted significantly highest average weight of fruit (3.18 kg ha-'), number of fruits per plot (14.6 No's) and yield of fruit (36.91 tha"). They also reported that the control treatment had lowest average fruit weight (1.94 kg), number of fruits per plot (12.33 No's) and fruit yield (19.77 t ha') respectively.
Naik (2016) studied the effect of different levels of fertilizer on growth and yield of F1 hybrids of cucumber under Konkan agro climatic conditions at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dapoli during rabi season 2015 and concluded that the treatment receiving 250: 100:50 Kg NPK ha-l appJication through soil along with Sedona hybrid observed significantly highest vine length (7.23 m), maximum number of nodes (64.90 no.) and maximum number of leaves (124.20). He also reported that the treatment consisting 200: 100:50, kg NPK ha" through soil along with Sedona hybrid observed' significant improvement in main vine length (6.69 rn), number of branches (4.32 no.), number of nodes (63.10 no.) and number of leaves (89.30).
He further concluded that the application of 135:60:30 kg NPK ha" through soi1 along with Ragini hybrid observed lowest main vine Jength (3.56 rn), lowest intermodal length (8.65 m), lowest number of nodes (32.70 no.), and lowest number of leaves (94.70 no.).
Siva (2016) was investigated "Studies on the effect of N, P, K levels and plant densities on growth, yield and quality of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)" during kharif,20 15-16at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, West Godavari District. The treatment combinations included were four nutrient combinations viz., 125:50:50 NPK Kg ha" (F I)' 150:60:60 NPK Kg ha" (F2), 175:70:70 NPK Kg ha' (F3) and control (F4) and three plant densities viz.,lm x 1m (SI), 1.5m x
] .5m (S2) and 1.5m x 1m (S3). Significant differences were observed due to N, P, K levels, plant densities and their interaction on growth, yield and quality parameters in the experiment. The treatment combination 150:60:60 NPK kglha + 1.5m x 1m recorded maximum values for the parameters viz., number of nodes per vine, number of primary branches per vine, number of fruits per vine, fruit length, fruit diameter, yield per vine, yield per plot, total yield, number of seeds per fruit, fruit retention percentage, ascorbic acid content, protein content and total soluble solids and the minimum values were observed for the parameters node at which first male and female flower appeared, days taken to first harvest and days taken from fruit set to marketable maturity.
However, the application of 175:70:70 NPK kg ha" + 1.5m x l.5m recorded maximum main vine length and intemodallength whereas with 125:50:50 NPK Kg ha-J+ l.5m x 1m recorded minimum days taken for opening of first male and female flowers.
Maluki et al. (2015) concluded that 50 kg P20S ha" and 120 kg N hahad a positive significant effect on number of days to flowering, number of fruits plant", fruit weights, firmness, rind thickness, total soluble solids and no significant difference in sex expression ratio in water melon.
Naorem et al. (2015) studied efTectofphosphorus and potassium on growth and yield characters of bitter gourd ecotype 'Mithipagal' was carried out with the four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha") and three levels of potassium (0, 40 and 80 kg ha') comprised of twelve treatment combinations under Factorial Randomized Block Design with three repJications. Nitrogen @ 90 kg ha' was applied in all treatments as constant dose except the control.
Among the graded levels, P3K2(Phosphorus 90 kg ha-J+Potassium 80 kg ha") registered the maximum values in growth parameters viz., vine length, number of branches plant-I, number of leaves plant-I. However, it was closely fo1Jowed by P2K2. The maximum values of physiological characters were found with the treatment combination of P3K2, which registered the maximum
leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, 'photosynthetic rate and dry matter production.
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) belongs to Cucurbitaceae family
was
studied for the effect of spacing and fertilizers on growth, yield and yield attributing characters in Konkan agro-climatic condition. The study revealed that among the different spacing studied, most of the desirable characters were noted at S](60x60 em). The highest number of leaves (33.01) and highest petiole length (12.5] em), the lowest days for initiation of 1st female flower (28.38), highest total number of male (137.26) and female flowers (8.71), lowest sex ratio (15.52), lowest number of days to first harvest (37.47), the highest days to last harvest (73.61), the highest number of fruits per plant (8.15), fruit yield per plant (3.77 kg), yield per plot (135.68 kg), yield per hectare (104.69 t) and B- carotene (7.58 mg) were recorded in SI (60x60 ern). Among various fertilizer levels, F3 (150:50:50 NPK (kg ha-') recorded significantly the highest plant height (75.16 em), number of leaves (34.96), plant spread (J .18 m), the highest number of fruit per plant (6.48), fruit yield per plant (3.37 kg), yield per plot (90.38 kg) and yield per hectare (69.73 t) Further, the treatment combination SIF3 i.e. planting of zucchini at (60x60 em) with fertilizer application of (150:50:50 NPK (kg ha') produced significantly the highest fruit yield per plant (3.99 kg), yield per plot (143.64 kg) and yield per hectare (l10.83 t) during summer season under Konkan agro-climatic conditions of Maharashtra.
(Narke et al., 2015)
Sheeba and Janova (2015) observed significant variations in the seed yields and highest yields (432.05 kg ha") when NPK was applied in snake gourd.
Thriveni et al. (2015) conducted a field experiment on effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient uptake and recovery of bitter gourd, (Momordica charantia L) at Orissa University of Agriculture, Bhubaneswar during Kharif 2013 and reported that the application of 100 per cent N:P:K + vermicompost + bio fertilizers (Azotobacter, Azospirillum and phosphate
solubilizing bacteria) registered the maximum vine length (534 em), maximum
~=:,.._
number of fruits per plant (40.0), fruit weight (86.4 g.) yield (4036 kg ha")
Umekwe et al. (2015) found that experiment on NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed a significant difference on vine length, number of flowers, number of fruits and number of marketable fruits as compared to the control in the cucumber.
Akhter (2014) was carried out an experiment at the Horticultural Farm of Sher- e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from March to July, 2013. The experiment consisted with two factors. Factor A: Sowing time (4 levels), T.: Sowing on 20 March, T2: 5 April, T3: 20 April, T4: 5 May and also Factor B: Phosphorus (4 levelsj-Ps: 0 kg P20s/ha (control), p( 30 kgP20s/ha, P2: 60 kg P20s/ha and P3: 90 kg P20s/ha. The present study
was
laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (ReBD) with three replications. Sowing time and levels of phosphorus showed significant variations on most of the parameters. The maximum number of fruits per plant (22.75), individual fruit weight (180.74 g) and fruit yield (48.49 t/ha) was recorded from T2 treatment, whereas the lowest was recorded from T4 treatment. On the other hand, the maximum number of fruits per plant (23.86), individual fruit weight (192.58 g) and fruit yield (51.14 t/ha)was
recorded from P2 treatment, while the lowestwas
recorded from Po (control) treatment. In the treatment combination, maximum number of fruits per plant (25.89), individual fruit weight (203.09 g) and fruit yield (58.42 t/ha) was recorded from T2P2, while the lowest were (16.0, 140.8 g, 25.05 t/ha) recorded from T4PO treatment combination, respectively. The highest benefit cost ratio (2.49) was noted from TiP2 and the lowest (1.08) from T4PO treatment combination. In the present study, combination of T2P2 showed more profitable than rest of the combinations in cucumber cultivation.Oloyede et al. (2013) conducted an experiment to perceived the purpose of evaluating the influence of NPK fertilizer on fruit yield and fruit yield parameters of pumpkin at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University. Nigeria. NPK 15:15: 15 compound fertilizer was applied as ring/side dressing at the rates of (0, 50, 100, 150, 200. 250 kg/ha). The fresh
fruit yield was 21 tlha and 7 tllha for early and late seasons, respectively. Fruits numberlha significantly increased from 7000 in control to over 10,000/ha at fertilizer rates between ]00 and 250 kg NPKJha. Fruit weight also increased from 9 to 17 t/ha between control and higher fertilizer rates. Seed yield from the appJication at 100 to 250 kg/ha were similar and significantly better than control and 50 kg/ha NPK application. Mean seed yield between 100-250 kg NPK was 460 kglha. The value was 37% higher than at 50 kg NPK and 57%
higher than in control. Increasing fertilizer above 100 kg NPKlha did not significantly increase the fruit yield nor the seed yield.
Opara et aI. (2013) conducted a field experiment on effects of poultry manure supplemented by NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) at Nigeria and observed that the application of 5 t ha" of poultry manure supplemented with 120 kg ha' of NPK and lOt ha' PM supplemented with 60 kg ha' NPK produced the maximum fruit yield (18.24 and 19.30 t ha") for wet and dry seasons, respectively.
Sabo et 01. (2013) carried out an experiment at Kaltungo Local Government Area demonstration farm in Gombe state during the 2011 rainy season, to evaluate the effect of NPK fertilizer and spacing levels on growth and yield of Watermelon (Citrillus lanatus L). Three different spacing and four levels of NPK fertilizer (0,100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) were used. All the treatments were set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCSO) with three replications.
Plant height, number of leaves, number of male and female flowers at 50%
flowering, number of fruits per plant and weight of fruits at harvest were observed. The result of the experiment shows a significant difference in plant height and number of leaves. Similarly, the result shows significant difference in number of flowers, number of fruits, weight of fruits (2.96 kg) and yield per hectare (63.6 t) as compared to the control. The interaction between the treatments indicate that 150 kg/ha of NPK and a spacing of 1x 1.5 m gave the highest number of fruit and yield per hectare. Therefore, based on the result of this findings, it is hereby recommended that the use of 150 kg NPKJha at a
spacing of 1 x 1.5 m should be adopted by the fanners for profitable watermelon production in the study area.
Wazed et al.(20l3) concluded that inorganic fertilizers can improve fruit yield of snake gourd and the tallest plant at 1st flowering and harvest, maximum number of branches, number of fruit, and the highest yield plant" were recorded in inorganic fertilizers and the minimum was recorded in the control.
Nasreen et al. (2013) studied about the requirement of N, P, K, and S for obtaining higher yield of bitter gourd (var. Bari Karola-1). Maximum fruit plant", fruit size, and single fruit weight and yield of bitter gourd were achieved with N120 P40 K80 S30 kg ha".
Agbaje et al. (2012) recorded that in pumpkin the ratio of male to female flowers was 3:1 and the higher number of flowers per plant was obtained at 100 kg NPK ha" (25) than in control (12). However, by increasing fertilizer rate above 100 kg dose not significantly improve the number of flowers.
Kumar et al. (2012) revealed that in bottle gourd the application of organic manures alone or in combination with half of recommended dose of NPK enhanced the growth and yield attributes in bottle gourd over full dose of recommended NPK (100:50:50 kg ha') and were significantly at par with lOt FYM+ half RDF. Higher yields can only be obtained with the use of organic manures in combination with chemical fertilizer.
Okonwu and Mensah (2012) recorded that highest leaf area, stem diameter, fresh weight and dry weight were obtained from NPK treatment at 300 kg ha' 'while 350 kg ha' rate gave the highest number of leaves in.pumpkin.
Oloyede (2012) studied to provide information on the influence of NPK fertilizer on the agronomic performance and antioxidant concentration of pumpkin leafy vegetable for the purpose of enhancing its cultivation and popularizing its utilization. The experiment was conducted in 2007 and 2008, at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 3
replications. Compound fertilizer, NPK 115:15: 15/ was used and added as ring dressing in four levels; 0, 90, 1SO, 270 kg! ha'. Data were recorded for several growth and leaf yield parameters. At the seventh week after planting, the harvested young leaves extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activities and antioxidant phenolic compounds concentration using different antioxidant assays. The significant highest estimates for vine length, leaves number, stem diameter, number of branches and number of tendrils per plant and total young leaf yield were resulted from plants treated with 180 and 270kg/ha-1• It is concluded that 180kg/ha' of NPK fertilizer is required for optimal yield and antioxidant composition of pumpkin leafy vegetable.
Raniet al. (2012) concluded that in pointed gourd the 100% fertigation through drip significantly increased maximum fruit length (l0.55 em), fruit width (3.96 ern), average fruit weight (38.50 g), weight of fruits vine" (6.31 kg) and yield (15.78 tons' ha-I).
Rahul et al. (2010) recorded that the interaction combinations ofNPK (200 kg N ha" +50 kg PzOs ha-t + 100 kg K20 ha-I) recorded the maximum weight of fruit (230.45g) and maximum number of fruits plant" (13.81) in cucumber cv.
Japanese long green.
Sanap et al. (2010) reported that the number of branches, diameter of fruit, yield vine" and yield ha'lwere highest when 250 kg N, 50 kg PzOs and 100 kg K20 ha" was applied in bitter gourd.
Hilli et al.(2009) studied the effect of method of trailing and fertilizer levels on ridge gourd with three levels of fertilizer F1 (50: 50: 50 kg NPK ha"), F2 (75:75:75 NPK kg ha") and F3 (100:100:100 NPK kg ha") at College of Agriculture, Dharwad. The study revealed that the fertilizer level F3
(l00:100:I00 NPK ha') produced maximum vine length, higher fruit yield as compared to other levels of fertilizers and farmer's method (without trailing).
Mady (2009) was carried out two field experiments to study the effect of squash seed soaked as a pre-sowing treatment with ]000 or 1500 ppm of
Monoamonium Phosphate (MAP), Diamonium phosphate (DAP), Urea phosphate (U-P) and phosphoric acid (H3POs) as phosphorous forms on vegetative and reproductive growth as well as fruit yield and quality were evaluated during winter months. Results showed that, different phosphorus forms and levels significantly increased all vegetative and reproductive growth traits of squash compared with control. These treatments, also, altered the sex ratio to be in favors of female flowers and led to earl iness of fruit production as well as total fruit yield / plant significantly was increased. The highest early and total fruit yield were existed with 1000 ppm of UP. Also, chemical composition such as minerals content, sugars, crude protein, carbohydrates and total free amino acid in leaves as well as vitamin C., total soluble solids and titratable acidity in fruits were also increased with phosphorus treatments.
Therefore, the present study, was aimed to use the phosphorus treatment not only to increase ear1iness and total squash fruit yield but also 'to avoid all cautions about the inserting of greenhouse production in the agricultural system.
A field experiment was conducted on effect of different levels of NPK on the growth and yield of hybrid cucumber and reported that application of NPK fertilizer (100-50-50) showed the best performance in almost a1l the parameters viz. maximum fruit per plant (35.5), maximum fruit weight (136.03 g) and yield per hectare (60.02) tons. Application ofNPK fertilizers @ 120-60-60 kg ha-I also showed some beneficial effect on some parameters including fruit weight (150.69 g) and vine length (3.85 m), respectively. (Jilani, 2009).
01aniyi (2008) reported that various levels of individual and combined Nand P fertilizers significantly influenced the growth and seed yield of egusi melon.
The sole application of 80 kg Nand P ha" resulted in the highest growth parameters which were significantly higher than that other combinations sole application of 60 kg Nand 13.2 kg P haTertihzer rates and their combination produced optimum seed yield of egusi melon.
Shivashankaramurty et al. (2007) stated that from their field experiment on influence of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the yield and quality of gherkin at Mysore with four levels of nitrogen (0, 125, 175 and 225 kg ha"), three levels of phosphorus (0, 125 and 175 kg ha") and two levels ofpotassiurn (0 and 125 kg ha-I).and reported that the different levels of fertilizers N2 (175 kg ha"), PI (125 kg ha") and KI (125 kg ha-I) recorded the maximum weight of fruit (g) and fruit yield (t). N2 PI KI (53.59, ] 5.96, 45.06, 325.3, ] 6.06. 3.02) respectively.
Vishwakanna et al. (2007) with the 80 kg N ha' as well as 60 kg P20S ha"
recorded least number of days taken for germination, first female flower anthesis and first harvest; and highest mean values for number of nodes to first female flower, number of fruits plant", fruit length, fruit diameter, average fresh weight, yield plant", vine length, estimation of chlorophyll and total soluble solids. Treatment combination (80 kg N ha" + 60 kg P20S ha-I) emerged as superior over all other treatment combinations in relation to growth, yield attributing components, yield and qua1ity for cultivation of spine gourd.
Bacha et al. (2005) carried out an experiment on the effects of Prate (0, 30, 40, 50 or 60 kglha as P20S) and sowing date (15 May. 30 May, 20 June and 5 July) on the growth and yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia cv. Land Race) in Mingora, Pakistan, during 2001-02. The increase in the rate of P20S rate resulted in early germination, flowering and harvesting, but had no effect on growth and yield. Early sowing had favourable effect on germination, plant growth, fruit size and yield, Among the sowing dates, 15 May resulted in the greatest germination (59.7%), plant height (262.7 em) and total yield (34.0 t/ha). The lowest number of days to first picking was obtained with the application of 60 kg Plha and sowing on 20 June (51.7). P at 0 kg/ha and sowing on 30 May gave the highest number of fruits per plant (40.0). Sowing on 15 May is optimum for bitter gourd production in the region.
Ogar and Asiegbu (2005) reported that a combination of 750 kg N 20 kg P 10 kg K ha" with lax cuttings of 8-weekly interval gave the
