Effects of Basfoliar and Biovita Foliar Spray on Growth and Quality Attributes of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Abstract

The study aimed to analyse the effects of Basfoliar and Biovita on the growth and quality attributes of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). cv. Punjab Chappan Kaddu- 1. Basfoliar (extract from Ecklonia maxima) and Biovita (freshly harvested extract of Norwegian seaweed viz., Ascophyllum nodosum) is one such product containing naturally occurring major and minor nutrients produced helpful for obtaining maximum yield and better-quality crop. The study involved ten treatments consist of Basfoliar and Biovita at 5, 10, 25 and 20% along with the Recommended dose of fertilizer (100-50-50 kg/ha). The RDF + Basfoliar @ 20% had a beneficial effect on plant height, number of leaves, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, male-to-female sex ratio, days to first fruit set, days to first fruit harvest, harvest duration, number of fruits per plant per picking, number of pickings, average fruit weight, yield per plot, TSS and ascorbic acid. It is concluded that applying a Recommended dose of fertilizer + Basfoliar @ 20% is beneficial as this enhances the growth, yield and quality attributes of summer squash due to their unique bioactive components and beneficial effects. These products exhibit phytostimulatory properties that promote plant growth and enhance yield in several important crops. Furthermore, their phytoelicitor activity triggers defence responses in plants, improving resistance to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and cold.