Impact of Potassium and Manganese on the Quantity and Quality Yields of Squash (Cucurbita Pepo L.)

Abstract

Two field experiments were performed at a private farm on the town of EL -Serw, Al -Zarqa region, Domiate Governorate, Egypt (Latitude 31 o 12 \ N; Longitude 31 o 37 \ E) during the spring seasons of 2017 and 2018 on March 1 st for the two seasons.The main targets of these experiments were to raise the productivity of squash fruits as well as improve its nutritive content and quality characteristics. Split plot design with three replicates was used where K -treatments i.e 0, 62.5 and 125 Kg K2O fed -1 were allotted to the main plots however, sub plots were comprised of different foliar spraying treatments of Mn namely 0, 0. 3 and 0.6 g L -1 . Data obtained revealed the following important topics : 1-K -soil application and foliar spraying of Mn had synergistic impacts on squash vegetative growth characteristics, yield and yield components as well as nutritive content and quality characteristics of squash fruits, except crude fiber and total phenol. Differences between either K levels or Mn ones for all abovementioned parameters were significant and treatments of K2 and Mn2 achieved the highest values.2-Additional positive effects were observed when the addition of K and Mn simultaneously. In this concern, the best values were recorded at the treatment of K2×Mn2 for all the investigated parameters. In brief, the productivity of squash fruits as well as their nutritive content and quality characteristics can be improved through K -soil application and foliar spraying of Mn at levels of 125 kg K2O fed -1 and 0.6 g Mn L -1 , respectively in a dual treatment.