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Effect of Mulches and Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Squash (cucurbita Pepo)

F. Akhter
Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

T. Mostarin
Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

M. N. Islam
Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

S. Akhter
Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

A. Parvin
Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was conducted at the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during October, 2015 to January, 2016 to determine the effects of mulches and phosphorus on the growth and yield of squash (Cucurbita pepo). The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: different mulches and Factor B: phosphorus (3 levels). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Mulches and phosphorus showed significant effects on most of the parameters. In case of mulches, highest individual fruit weight (328.0 g) and fruit yield (37.0 t ha^-1) was recorded from black polythene, whereas the lowest fruit weight (280.8 g) and fruit yield (21.5 t ha^-1) was recorded from control. In case of phosphorus, highest individual fruit weight (300.4 g) and fruit yield (31.3 t ha^-1) was recorded from 90 kg P₂O₅/ha_, whereas the lowest fruit weight (290.4 g) and fruit yield (26.2 t ha^-1) was recorded from control. For combination, highest individual fruit weight (338.2 g) and fruit yield (39.9 t ha^-1) were recorded from black polythene with 90 kg P₂O₅/ha while the lowest individual fruit weight (272.2 g) and fruit yield (19.7 t ha^-1) were recorded from control treatment. Black polythene mulch with 90 kg P₂O₅/ha was found suitable for squash cultivation under the condition of the study.

Keywords: Squash, Mulches, Phosphorus

Location: Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka

Start Date: 00-10-2015

End Date: 00-01-2016

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Squash, Mulching

Objectives:

To determine the proper mulch materials and phosphorus for better vegetative growth and yield of squash.

Methodology:

The soil of the experimental field belongs to the Tejgaon series under the Agro ecological Zone, Madhupur Tract (AEZ- 28) and the general soil type is Shallow Red Brown Terrace soil. The two factorial experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The total area of the experimental plot was 178.08 m² with length 21.2m and width 8.4m. The total area was divided into three equal blocks. Each block was divided into 9 plots where 9 treatments combination were distributed randomly. There were 27 unit plots altogether in the experiment. The size of each plot was 1.8m × 1.8m. The experiment comprised of two factors: 3 different mulches (M₀- No mulch, M₁- Rice straw and M₂- Black polythene) and 3 levels of phosphorus (P₀– 0 kg P₂O₅/ha, P₁ – 60 kg P₂O₅/ha and P₂ -90 kg P₂O₅/ha). There were in total 9 (3x3) treatment combinations such as M₀P_0, M₀P_1, M₀P_2, M₁P_0, M₁P_1, M₁P_2, M₂P_0, M₂P_1, M₂P_2. Urea, triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MP), were used as a source of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium respectively. Cow dung, urea, muriate of potash (MP), were applied at the rate of 10 tons/ha 365kg/ha, 223 kg/ha respectively following some research work above squash was done in abroad and BARI recommendation for cucurbitaceous crop (Krishi Projuktir Hat Boi). Phosphorous were applied as per treatment. Polybag was prepared on 28 October 2015 for raising seedlings of squash and the size of the polybag was 8-inch length and 5-inch breadth. Loose soil was used for polybag preparation. Cow dung was mixed with soil in polybag for better growth of plant. The soil was treated by Sevin 50WP @ 5kg/ha to protect the seed and young plants from the Invasion of ants. Seeds were sown on 30 October 2015 in the polybag. Light watering and weeding were done several times. No chemical fertilizers were applied for raising of seedlings. Seedlings were not invaded by any kind of insect or disease. Healthy and 15 days old seedlings were transplanted into the experimental field on 21 November 2015. The seedbed was watered before uprooting the seedlings to minimize the damage of roots. Fifteen days old healthy seedlings were transplanted at the spacing of 90 cm × 90 cm in the experimental plots on 21 November 2015. Thus the four plants were accommodated in each unit plot. Planting was done in the afternoon and light irrigation was given immediately after transplanting around each seedling for their better establishment. Watering was done up to five days until they became capable of establishing on their own root system. Data were recorded for yield and its contributing characters such as plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, total number of male and female flower, number of marketable fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), fruit weight (g), yield per plant (kg), and yield per ha (t). Collected data were statistically analyzed using MSTAT-C computer package program.

Source of Information: The Agriculturists 16(2): 25-34 (2018)

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.3329/agric.v16i02.40340

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It may be concluded that use of black polythene mulch and phosphorus at 90 kg P₂O₅/ha would be suitable for optimum vegetative growth and yield of squash compare to other treatments.

Knowledge Management: Journal