Effect of nano or/and normal application of N, P, and K fertilizers at different rates on growth, yield, and yield components of two squash hybrids. Part 1: Characteristics of flowering and yield

Document Type : Original Article

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Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, El Minia, Egypt

Abstract

This study examined how two squash hybrids, Ola and Yara, responded to nano NPK fertilizers under the conditions of El-Minia Governorate, Middle Egypt, Egypt. Thirteen nutritional treatments were applied, including foliar application of nano NPK at 1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm either alone or combined with  soil application of traditional NPK at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended dose.  The control treatment received 100% traditional NPK. Ola hybrid produced more male and female flowers, while Yara exhibited higher sex ratios. The results indicated that application of  3000 ppm nano NPK treatment significantly increased the number of female flowers and the Ola F1 hybrid plus 3000 ppm nano NPK interaction was the most effective. Ola produced longer fruits, whereas the Yara hybrid produced better fruit weights per plant and per fruit. The shape index was maximized by the combination of 50% NPK with Yara-1000 ppm nano NPK. Early and total fruit yield was significantly enhanced by the 3000 ppm nano NPK treatment, which outperformed the control by 8.4% and 3.5% for early yield and 6.5% and 5.1% for the total in the first and second seasons, respectively. Total soluble solids (TSS) exceeded the control in the average of all hybrids and seasons and was substantially equal (Ola) or increased (Yara) to the control with 2000 ppm nano NPK in the average of both seasons. Chlorophyll (Chl a, Chl b) and carotenoid levels showed no significant differences across hybrids, treatments, or interactions. In conclusion, foliar application of 3000 ppm nano NPK enhanced female flower production, early and total yield, as well as fruit quality in both hybrids, providing a cost-effective, environmentally safer alternative to traditional fertilizers for late summer squash cultivation.

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