Improvement of zucchini cultivation technology in the Non-Black Earth Zone of the Russian Federation

   Relevance. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) is a variety of hard-shelled pumpkin in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is one of the most common crops in the family. It is characterized by early crop formation, valuable dietary properties, and high yields, and is an integral part of the diet of the population of the Russian Federation. Cucurbita pepo L. is vulnerable to infections, but is responsive to growth regulators and various types of fertilizers, including biological ones. Studying the effects of biological pesticides on the growth and biochemical characteristics of zucchini is important for improving eco-technologies for its cultivation in various natural and climatic conditions.

   The aim of this study is to study the effects of growth regulators and biofungicides to substantiate elements of open-field zucchini cultivation technology in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation.

   Materials and Methods. The work was conducted in the Moscow Region at the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center experimental field from 2023 to 2024 on sod-podzolic heavy loam soils. The effects of growth regulators Micromix and BIS, and biofungicides Gliocladin, Fitosporin M, and Tridem on the biochemical parameters and fruit yield of two Cucurbita pepo L varieties (Faraon and Yakor) were studied.

   Results. Variety-specific responses of zucchini plants to the applied treatments were identified. For the Yakor variety, the greatest yield increase was achieved with the use of biofungicides Gliocladin and Tridem, based on soil fungi of the genus Trichoderma, while for the Faraon variety, the greatest impact was achieved with the use of the growth regulator BIS and the biofungicide Tridem. An increase in fruit dry matter content was observed with presowing seed treatment of both BIS varieties, while pre-sowing seed treatment of the Pharaoh variety with the biofungicide Fitosporin M influenced sugar accumulation in the fruit. Ascorbic acid accumulation in the Pharaoh zucchini fruit was promoted by soil treatment with the biofungicides Gliokladin and Tridem.

   Conclusions. Integrating biopreparations into zucchini cultivation technology can increase yields and improve fruit biochemical parameters. The greatest effect is achieved with a well-founded selection of growth regulators and biofungicides for a specific variety, opening up prospects for the development of eco-technologies for cultivating new zucchini varieties and hybrids in open ground in the Non-Chernozem Zone of the Russian Federation.

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