Optimizing Watering Strategies: Enhancing Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) Growth and Yield Through Phase-Specific Water Management

DOI: 10.22161/ijeab.96.23

Abstract:
The primary issue in zucchini cultivation is water availability. As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, zucchini is notably sensitive to water supply, which can significantly influence plant growth and productivity. Each growth phase of the plant has specific water requirements that must be met for optimal development. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal watering management, tailored to the growth stages of zucchini, ensuring sustainable cultivation practices. The study was designed using a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments. Four levels of watering management, based on field capacity (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%), were applied in combination with two main growth phases (vegetative and generative). The treatments were repeated three times, resulting in 36 experimental units. The findings of this study indicate that treatments V40G60, V40G80, and V60G60 led to a decrease in both growth and yield of zucchini plants. These included growth parameters such as plant length, number of leaves, number of male flowers, number of female flowers, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight. Furthermore, the V40G60 treatment significantly reduced yield parameters, including fruit weight and plant yield.

Keywords:
Field capacity, Watering management, Water stress, Zucchini.

Article Info:
Received: 13 Nov 2024; Received in revised form: 15 Dec 2024; Accepted: 21 Dec 2024; Available online: 31 Dec 2024

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