Abstract

SEDANO-CASTRO, Gaudencio et al. Yield and Quality of Zucchini Fruits on High Doses of N and K. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2011, vol.29, n.2, pp.133-142. ISSN 2395-8030.

Nine treatments resulting from three N rates (150, 240 and 330 kg ha-1) and three K rates (90, 120 and 150 kg ha-1), were compared regarding fruit yield and quality of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cv. Tala under field conditions. Measured variables were: fruit yield, fruit number per plant, leaf net CO2 assimilation rate; total sugars content, firmness and color. Two fruit sizes were considered: for national consumption (size 1) and for export (size 2). Fruit size 1 (12-15 cm) yield increased by increasing the N rate from 150 to 330 kg ha-1, but was not affected by K rates or the N × K interaction. Fruits size 2 (16-25 cm) yield was unaffected by the N and K rates. In both sizes, the number of fruits per plant was not altered by the imposed treatments; the CO2 net assimilation rate was not affected either, but the plants showed high rates (41 and 38 µmoles of CO2 m-2s-1) for a C3 plant. Regarding fruit quality, treatments did not affect total sugar content in size 1 but in size 2 the sugar content was higher at the high N rates (240 and 330 kg ha-1). For both fruit sizes, firmness increased as N decreased and K increased. Fruits were greener as N and K rates increased.

Keywords : Cucurbita pepo; nutriments; sugars; firmness; color.

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