The Effects of Amf, Whey and Humic Acid Applications on Plant Growth, Yield and Quality in Different Cucurbit Species Under Open Field Conditions

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effects of two different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus (AMF), humic acid (HA) and whey applications on various plant and yield characteristics in melon (Magnum-F1), watermelon (Wonder-F1) and summer squash (Focus-F1) species. At trials implemented in the field, 5 different applications [1-) Control, 2-) AMF, 3-) AMF+Whey, 4-) AMF + HA, and 5-) AMF + Whey + HA] were applied at 4 replications according to randomized block design for all three types of vegetables species. The applications on melon were significant for average yield (28 430 - 41 240 kg ha-1) and average branch length. The applications were significant on watermelon in terms of average yield (51 460-86 580 kg ha-1), average branch length (124.75-165.75 cm), fruit pedicle length; and on summer squash in terms of average yield (27 660-34 540 kg ha-1), TSSC (8.99-10.25 brixº), and weight of fresh leaves. It was observed that the 5th and 4th applications were more superior to the others. According to average yield, especially, the fifth application had the highest mean for all three species. © 2016, Centenary University. All rights reserved.