Phosphorus Rates Applied by Soil on Yield of Japanese Hybrid Pumpkin

Abstract

Growing Japanese hybrid squash has been a cost-effective alternative to growers; however, several factors directly influence plant growth and development, nutrition being one of the main ones. Data regarding the nutrition of these vegetables are scarce. The objective of this study was to verify the effect of phosphorus doses applied via soil, on fruit yield of Japanese hybrid squash. Two experiments were conducted in 2017, May 1 through July and September 2 through November, in the experimental area of the Olericulture Sector of the Federal University of Tocantins. For the development of both experiments, it was used the Divina® cultivar owned by the company “Horticeres seeds”. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replications, as follows: 0; 75; 150; 225 and 300 kg ha−1 of P2O5. The characteristics evaluated were: productivity (ton ha−1), average fruit mass (kg), number of flowers per parcel (unit), transverse diameter (cm) and phosphorus content in Japanese squash (g kg−1). The mean values related to the study variables were submitted to analysis of variance, and subsequently, regression analysis. The 300 kg ha−1 dose of P2O5 provided higher yield and average fruit mass. In both growing seasons. Cultivation of the Japanese hybrid squash between September and November showed higher productivity.