Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
Akash Nongmaithem and Darpreet Kaur

Abstract:
Data for this analysis were collected in 2021-2022 at the Agricultural Farm of the School of Agriculture at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, to assess the efficacy of a foliar spray containing micronutrients on the development and production of Cucurbita pepo (summer squash). In this study, a random block design was used for the experimental design with seven treatments and a control group, with three replicates of each. The majority of micronutrients are incorporated into plant enzyme systems. Micronutrients are crucial to photosynthesis. Micronutrients are crucial in processes like protein synthesis and the fixation of nitrogen. According to the findings, treatment T4 SA (5 ppm) + Zn (50 ppm) and treatment T5 SA (5 ppm) + Mn (50 ppm) showed the greatest increase in plant length (25.32 cm) and plant height (20.94 cm) respectively, while treatment T5 SA (5 ppm) + Mn (50 ppm) produced the greatest increase in leaf count (24.44), flower count (8). Hence, T5SA (5 ppm) + Mn (50 ppm) treated plants had the highest total yield, while T0 plants produced the lowest (control). Using biofertilizers in combination with micronutrient foliar sprays has been found to have a significant effect on plant development and harvest yield. So, it is concluded that, for increased sustainable production of Cucurbita pepo (summer squash), primarily under organic farming system, the combined application of micronutrients and biofertilizers must be done.