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Semi-arid regions present the inherent problem of accumulation of salts in the soil due to the use of brackish water for irrigation, and water deficit compromises the growth and physiological indices of crops. This study evaluated the effect of salt and water stress on growth and gas exchange in the zucchini cv. Caserta crop. The study was conducted at the University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, Ceará State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with five levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water - ECw (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 dS m-1) and two water regimes (50 and 100% of the potential crop evapotranspiration - ETc), with five replicates. At 36 days after sowing, the following traits were evaluated: CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, internal carbon concentration, leaf temperature, relative chlorophyll index, and water use efficiency. At 45 days after sowing, the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, and leaf area were also evaluated. The use of brackish water (1 to 2.5 dS m-1) reduced the growth parameters of zucchini cv. Caserta. The increase in ECw caused a decline in the physiological traits. Under 100% ETc, higher values of CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration, and instantaneous water use efficiency were recorded, and there was 50% ETc for internal carbon concentration, even with the increase in ECw.

Posljednjih nekoliko godina, virusne bolesti tikvica i tikvi u Hrvatskoj javljaju se u sve jačem intenzitetu i uzrokuju gubitke u proizvodnji. Cilj rada bio je utvrditi prisutnost virusa mozaika krastavca (CMV), virusa žutog mozaika tikvice (ZYMV) i virusa mozaika lubenice (WMV) na tim kulturama. Tijekom 2019. godine, na 18 lokacija (polja na otvorenom) u šest županija provedeni su vizualni pregledi te je ukupno sakupljeno 43 simptomatičnih uzorka tikvice i 39 uzoraka tikve u svrhu laboratorijske analize na prisutnost CMV, ZYMV i WMV. Analiza je provedena imunoenzimskim testom DAS-ELISA korištenjem komercijalnih seroloških kompleta. Od 82 uzorka, CMV je potvrđen u njih 55 (67%), ZYMV u 50 (61%), a WMV u 10 uzoraka (12%). Pojedinačna zaraza s jednim od tri istraživana virusa utvrđena je u ukupno 38 uzoraka (46%). Mješovite zaraze s dva virusa zabilježene su u 36 uzoraka (44%): 32 uzorka (39%) s kombinacijom CMV + ZYMV te četiri uzorka (5%) s kombinacijom CMV + WMV. Mješovita zaraza sa sva tri virusa (CMV + ZYMV + WMV) utvrđena je u dva uzorka. U šest uzoraka (7%) nije zabilježen niti jedan od tri istraživana virusa. U osam nasada utvrđena je prisutnost jednog virusa, u devet nasada prisutnost dva virusa, a u jednom od 18 pregledanih nasada utvrđena je prisutnost sva tri istraživana virusa., Viral diseases of zucchini and pumpkin have become more severe in recent years, causing significant yield losses. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) in these crops. In 2019, a survey was conducted at 18 sites (open fields) in six counties. Fortythree symptomatic samples of zucchini and 39 symptomatic samples of pumpkin were collected and tested for the presence of CMV, ZYMV and WMV. Samples were tested with commercial serological assays, using doubleantibody sandwich ELISA kits. Out of 82 samples analysed, CMV was detected in 55 (67%), ZYMV in 50 (61%), and WMV in 10 samples (12%). Single viral infection was detected in 38 samples (46%). Mixed infections with two viruses were recorded in 36 samples (44%), CMV + ZYMV combination in 32 samples (39%), and CMV + WMV combination in four samples (5%). Triple viral infection was detected in two samples, while six samples (7%) were determined to be free of all three viruses in the testes. One virus species was recorded at eight locations, two viruses at nine locations, while all three viruses were determined in one out of 18 sampled fields.

Saline water has been used in irrigation due to the limited availability of fresh water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the use of this type of water can affect crop growth and development. Studies have tested the use of chemical conditioners to minimize the negative effects of salinity on plants. In this scenario, the present study examined the role of hydrogen peroxide in mitigating the negative effects of salt stress on zucchini plants grown in a hydroponic system. The study was carried out in a greenhouse in Pombal - PB, Brazil. The NFT (nutrient film technique) hydroponic system was employed. A randomized complete experimental design was set up with a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of four levels of electrical conductivity in the nutrient solution (ECns: 2.1 [control], 3.6, 5.1, and 6.6 dS m-1) and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 0, 20, 40, and 60 uM), in three replicates. Foliar spraying with H2O2 at 60 and 40 uM associated with the nutrient solution of 2.1 dS m-1 increased stem diameter and root length, respectively, at 47 days after transplanting. However, at ECns higher than 2.1 dS m-1, the application of H2O2 at the concentrations of 60 and 40 uM intensified salt stress, reducing stem diameter and root length. Nutrient solution salinity levels above 2.1 dS m-1 reduce photosynthetic pigments; the number of leaves; leaf area; the length of the main branch; and the dry biomass of stems, leaves, and roots of zucchini plants. Chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents are the variables most sensitive to changes in salinity levels. A salina vem sendo utilizada na irrigação principalmente água à baixa disponibilidade de água doce principalmente em regiões áridas e semiáridas. No entanto, o uso destas águas pode ajudar o crescimento e o desenvolvimento das culturas. Dessa forma, têm testado o uso de estudos químicos a fim de minimizar os efeitos negativos nas plantas pela salinidade provocada. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve como avaliar o papel do peróxido de hidrogênio como mitigador dos efeitos do estresse salino em objetivo de abobrinha italiana cultivadas em sistema hidropônico. O trabalho foi feito em casa de plantação, em Pombal – PB. O sistema de cultivo utilizado foi o hidropônico tipo NFT - Técnica de Fluxo Laminar de Nutriente. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, sendo quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1 (controle); 3,6; 5,1 e 6,6 dS m-1), e quatro de peróxido de hidrogênio – H2O2 (0; 20; 40 e 6uM), com 30 repetições. A solução salina nutritiva acima de 2, as fotos m-1 secas da crescimentodS m-1 fotosintéticos os teores de pigmento, o crescimento de fitomassa das plantas de abobr italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana. 1 m-1 dS fotosintetizantes de teores de pigmentos, o crescimento e o acúmulo de fitomassa seca das plantas de abobrinha italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana. 1 m-1 dS fotosintetizantes de teores de pigmentos, o crescimento e o acúmulo de fitomassa seca das plantas de abobrinha italiana. Aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio nas 60 uM no tratamento promoveu crescimento do diâmetro do caule e comprimento da raiz da abobrinha italiana.

The demands of high-quality zucchini fruits by the consumer market make studies regarding the improvement of cultivation systems, such as plant nutrition and salinity tolerance. Considering the demands of the consumer market for the high quality of zucchini fruits, it is necessary studies regarding the improvement of production systems for this improvement, such as nutrition and salinity tolerance to plant. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the zucchini fruits quality characteristics, grown in soilless, under N:K ratios, and levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment in pots with 8.2 dm3 of volumetric capacity filled with commercial substrate. The trial design adopted was randomized blocks, with three replicates, in a 5x3 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity (1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; and 5.0 dS m-1) and three N:K ratios (2:1; 1:1; and 1:2), both in the nutrient solution. The application of the nutrient solution was by fertigation through drip irrigation. Throughout the experiment, variables related to fruit quality and total plant biomass production were analyzed. The increase of the electrical conductivity in the nutrient solution provided an increase in the values of fruits organoleptic properties. Regarding the nutrient solution N:K ratios, the 1:2 ratio provided larger fruits and a higher percentage of water.

Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a globally important vegetable, the production of which is severely constrained by powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii. In this study, we examined the effects of Trichoderma asperellum (MW965676), Streptomyces rochei (MN700192), and a mixture of the two foliar sprays with or without shikimic acid seed priming treatment on powdery mildew severity, plant growth, and total yield during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons. We also studied their immune eliciting properties by examining their enzymatic, phenolic, and hormonal functions. The combination of Trichoderma asperellum, Streptomyces rochei, and shikimic acid triggered plant defense responses, which elicited enzyme activities such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), phenolic compound accumulation, and increased salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content. This approach yielded high-quality results in the control of powdery mildew during the two growing seasons under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, relatively large statistical differences in plant growth, total yield, mineral components, and physiological traits were observed. A GC–MS analysis of Trichoderma asperellum (MW965676) showed hemin cation as a major component, while Streptomyces rochei(MN700192) contained 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol and the hexadecenoic acid methyl ester. With respect to the morphological changes induced by powdery mildew and the treatments, plants treated with a mixture of Trichoderma asperellum, Streptomyces rochei and shikimic acid showed an improvement in the thickness of the midvein, increased dimensions of the main midvein bundle, a larger number of xylem rows in the main midvein bundle, greater mean diameters of vessels and of parenchyma cells in the ground tissues, as well as increased thickness of the upper and lower epidermis, lamina, palisade tissue and spongy tissue. This extensive, new study is the first step toward a more profound understanding of the use of Trichoderma asperellum and Streptomyces rochei with shikimic acid-primed seeds as a potential alternative technique for attenuating powdery mildew infection in squash.

Parasitic diseases are responsible for substantial losses in reproduction and productivity in swine, creating a major impairment to efficient and profitable livestock management. The use of phytotherapeutic remedies has notably increased over the past decade due to their bioavailability, decreased toxicity, non-polluting nature, and to some extent due to their antiparasitic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiparasitic potential of Cucurbita pepo L. and Coriandrum sativum L. against protozoa and nematodes found in swine. The samples were collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows and examined via flotation (Willis and McMaster), active sedimentation, Ziehl-Neelsen staining as modified by Henricksen, a modified Blagg method, and eggs/oocyst culture. The parasite species detected were Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., depending on age category. A dose of 500 mg/kg bw/day of C. pepo and 170 mg/kg bw/day of C. sativum powders, administered for ten consecutive days, demonstrated a pronounced anthelmintic (pumpkin) and antiprotozoal (coriander) effect against the aforementioned parasites. Future studies are required to ascertain the optimal dose that maximizes their antiparasitic effectiveness. The current study represents the first Romanian report on the in vivo antiparasitic activity of these two plants tested on digestive parasites in swine.

Knowledge about the effect of chemical conditioners on the reduction of the deleterious effects caused by salinity on crops is of great importance for the expansion of the cultivation of vegetable crops such as zucchini in the semi-arid region of the Northeast. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide as a mitigator of salt stress on the gas exchange, production, and postharvest fruit quality of zucchini cultivated in a hydroponic system. The study was conducted in NFT-type (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system in a greenhouse, in Pombal — PB, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution - ECns (2.1 (control); 3.6; 5.1 and 6.6 dS m−1), and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0; 20; 40 and 60 μM), with three replicates. Nutrient solution with electrical conductivity above 2.1 dS m−1 caused a reduction in gas exchange and the total number of fruits of zucchini. An increase in nutrient solution salinity levels increased the total soluble solids content of the fruits and the initial fluorescence of zucchini. Under conditions of nutrient solution salinity above 2.1 dS m−1, hydrogen peroxide could not mitigate the effects of salt stress. Application of 20 μM of H2O2 when the plants were grown in a nutrient solution of 2.1 dS m−1 promoted higher total fruit weight and basal diameter of the fruits. RESUMO O conhecimento do efeito de condicionadores químicos na redução dos efeitos deletérios provocados pela salinidade nas culturas é de grande importância para a expansão do cultivos tais como abobrinha na região semiárida do Nordeste. Nesse contexto, no presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio como atenuador do estresse salino sob as trocas gasosas, a produção e a qualidade pós-colheita de frutos de abobrinha italiana cultivada em sistema hidropônico. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em sistema hidropônico tipo Técnica de Fluxo de Nutrientes em casa de vegetação, em Pombal — PB. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, sendo quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva - CEsn (2,1 (controle); 3,6; 5,1 e 6,6 dS m−1), e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio — H2O2 (0; 20; 40 e 60 μM), com três repetições. A solução nutritiva com condutividade elétrica acima de 2,1 dS m−1 promoveu redução nas trocas gasosas e no número total de frutos de abobrinha italiana. A elevação dos níveis salinos da solução nutritiva aumentou o teor de sólidos solúveis totais dos frutos e a fluorescência inicial de abobrinha italiana. Em condições de salinidade da solução nutritiva acima de 2,1 dS m−1, o peróxido de hidrogênio não conseguiu atenuar os efeitos do estresse salino. A aplicação de 20 μM de H2O2 quando as plantas foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva de 2,1 dS m−1 promoveu maior peso total dos frutos e diâmetro basal dos frutos.

The informations about methodologies for evaluating the vigor of vegetable seeds is less studied, including species of less commercial interest, such as the most diverse species of pumpkins. Studies involving the storage of these seeds and the effects of chemical treatment on their vigor are necessary for a better understanding of the maintenance of the quality of pumpkin seeds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of “Pumpkin of Pig” seeds under different periods of storage and chemical treatment. The experiment was carried out in the seed analysis laboratory of Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. The treatments were: with and without chemical treatment and five storage periods (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days). The following analyzes were carried out: physical purity, mass of a thousand seeds, moisture content, electrical conductivity, germination, dry mass of germinated seedlings, field emergence and emergence speed index. Data were submitted to Tukey's test (5%) by Sisvar and regression analysis. It was observed that the stored seeds lost moisture and had an increase in electrical conductivity as a function of storage. There was no significant difference in seed germination with or without the application of chemical treatment in the studied periods. The emergence of seedlings with seed treatment was higher up to 90 days. La información sobre metodologías para evaluar el vigor de semillas de hortalizas está menos estudiada, incluyendo especies de menor interés comercial, como las más diversas especies de calabazas. Los estudios que involucran el almacenamiento de estas semillas y los efectos del tratamiento químico en su vigor son necesarios para una mejor comprensión del mantenimiento de la calidad de las semillas de calabaza. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la calidad de semillas de “Calabaza de Cerdo” bajo diferentes periodos de almacenamiento y tratamiento químico. El experimento se realizó en el laboratorio de análisis de semillas del Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. Los tratamientos fueron: con y sin tratamiento químico y cinco periodos de almacenamiento (0, 30, 60, 90 y 120 días). Se realizaron los siguientes análisis: pureza física, masa de mil semillas, contenido de humedad, conductividad eléctrica, germinación, masa seca de plántulas germinadas, emergencia en campo e índice de velocidad de emergencia. Los datos fueron sometidos a la prueba de Tukey (5%) por Sisvar y análisis de regresión. Se observó que las semillas almacenadas perdieron humedad y tuvieron un aumento en la conductividad eléctrica en función del almacenamiento. No hubo diferencia significativa en la germinación de semillas con o sin la aplicación de tratamiento químico en los periodos estudiados. La emergencia de plántulas con tratamiento de semillas fue mayor hasta los 90 días. As informações acerca de metodologias para avaliação de vigor de sementes de olerícolas são menos estudadas, inclusive de espécies de menor interesse comercial, como é o caso das mais diversas espécies de abóboras. Estudos que envolvam o armazenamento dessas sementes e efeitos do tratamento químico sob o seu vigor são necessários para maior conhecimento da manutenção da qualidade de sementes de abóbora. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de sementes de “Abóbora de Porco” sob diferentes períodos de armazenamento e tratamento químico. O experimento foi realizado no laboratório de análise de sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Ceres. Os tratamentos foram: com e sem tratamento químico e cinco períodos de armazenamento (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias). Foram realizadas as seguintes análises: pureza física, massa de mil sementes, grau de umidade, condutividade elétrica, germinação, massa seca de plântulas, emergência em campo e índice de velocidade de emergência. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey (5%) pelo Sisvar e a análise de regressão. Observou-se que as sementes armazenadas perderam umidade e tiveram aumento da condutividade elétrica em função do armazenamento. Não houve diferença significativa na germinação de sementes com a aplicação ou não de tratamento químico nos períodos estudados. A emergência de plântulas com tratamento de sementes foi maior até os 90 dias.

Although there are fertilization recommendations for the cultivation of zucchini, there are just few researches about the effects of nutrients in seed production. Calcium and boron have a low mobility in plants, and some researches recommend foliar application for these nutrients. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the foliar application of calcium and boron in the production and quality of zucchini seeds. The experimental design was randomized blocks with seven replications. Four treatments were evaluated: only calcium (0.2%) application, only boron (0.1%) application, combined application of calcium (0.2%) and boron (0.1%) and the control (without calcium and boron.) The following characteristics were evaluated: number of pollen grains per flower, hundred seeds weight; seed number and weight per fruit and seed physiological quality (germination; first germination count and speed of germination index - SGI). Only boron application reduced the number of seeds produced per fruit. The combined foliar application of calcium and boron, in addition to reducing the number of seeds, also reduced SGI. The calcium only application increased the amount of pollen per flower (superior to all other treatments) and also the number of seeds per fruit (compared to the combined application of calcium + boron), without affecting the quality of the zucchini seeds. So, it can be recomended the aplication of Ca during zucchini flowering for seed production.

The use of organic substances in integrated pest management can contribute to human- and environment-safe crop production. In the present work, a combination of organic biostimulants (Fullcrhum Alert and BioVeg 500) and an inorganic corroborant (Clinogold, zeolite) was tested for the effects on the plant response to the quarantine pest tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Biostimulants were applied to healthy and infected greenhouse-grown zucchini plants, and the vegetative parameters and viral titer were evaluated. Although no antiviral effects were observed in terms of both virus replication and symptom expression, these biostimulants were shown to influence plant fitness. A significant increase in biomass and in leaf, flower, and fruit production was induced in both healthy and infected plants. Biostimulants also enhanced the production of metabolites commonly involved in plant response to virus infection, such as carbohydrates, phenylpropanoids and free amino acids. These results encourage new field trials to evaluate the actual productivity of infected plants after treatments and the possible application of organic biostimulants in agriculture.

To maintain the shelf life of fresh-cut zucchini flowers, low temperatures and wrapping with plastic film have been used. In this study, storage at 5 °C for 8 days has been studied, using polyester (an oxygen permeability reduction of 63%) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with an oxygen permeability reduction of 24%. In addition, the novelty was investigating the possibility of introducing washing into the process, a rather difficult operation given the high sensitivity of this product to handling. The washing of flowers could ease the consumption of fresh-cut zucchini flowers as they are ready-to-use. The following measurements were carried out: respiration rate, color, firmness, pH, and sensory analysis. The findings showed the polyester film allows the best conservation, representing a barrier to gas diffusion and maintaining an atmosphere rich in CO2 and poor in O2. The flowers kept a better texture than those wrapped in LDPE. Using polyester film packaging, sensorial and structural characteristics were maintained for a longer period, and the aspect of the ready-to-use fresh-cut zucchini flowers was satisfying until day 5.

VQ protein is a plant specific protein, which plays an important role in plant growth and development and biological and abiotic stress response. This study aimed to systematically analyze for the first time the VQ of Cucurbita pepo and understand their expression patterns in response to different stimuli. Herein, 44 VQ genes were identified, which were divided into eight groups (I–VIII) based on phylogenetic analysis. Two genes (CpVQ1 and CpVQ2) could not be located on the chromosome, whereas the remaining CpVQ genes were randomly distributed on the chromosomes, except for chromosomes 15 and 18. Noteworthy, the main event driving the expansion of the VQ gene family was chromosome fragment duplication. Based on qRT-PCR analysis, VQ genes are expressed in different tissues, and VQ genes are differentially regulated under a variety of abiotic stresses and powdery mildew stress, indicating that they play an important role in plant stress response and other aspects. This report presents the first systematic analysis of VQ genes from C. pepo and provides a solid foundation for further research of the specific functions of VQ proteins.