Response of growth performance and yield of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex Poir) cultivar Waltham under different dosages of bokashi application

Abstract

Butternut squash, also known as Cucurbita moschata, is a variety of pumpkin with promising commercial potential. However, most of the soils in the tropics are acidic and lack organic matter.The addition of organic material such as bokashi is essential in improving the low soil pH and soil quality. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of different rates of bokashi appli-cation on the growth performance and yield of butternut squash cultivated on tropical acid soil. A planting experiment was car-ried out from July until October 2022. A total of 36 planting beds were prepared, and each bed was constructed in 100 cm x 400 cm, consisting of 8 plants bed-1. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block design. A total of three differ-ent rates of bokashi were applied to the soil prior to planting, namely 0 (control), 4,000, and 8,000 kg ha-1. A 12,000 kg ha-1 of commercial peat moss (Holland Free Peat) was also applied to compare bokashi and peat moss (the common planting medium used in most planting activities). The maximum plant height growth and leaf production for butternut squash was around 7-8th week. Application rate of 8,000 kg ha-1 bokashi contributed to significantly highest plant height (352.1 cm), number of leaves (86 leaves), and yield of Waltham butter squash per plant (1.5 kg plant-1). Multiple planting cycles should be carried out further to elucidate the bokashi's residual effect on nutrient supply to butternut squash cultivation.