The Study of Plant Density and Planting Methods on Some Growth Characteristics, Seed and Oil Yield of Medicinal Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo Var. Styriaca, Cv. ��Kaki)

Abstract

The effect of plant densities (2, 2.5, 3 plant/m2) and two methods of planting (transplanting and direct seeding) were investigated on some growth characteristics, seed and oil yield of medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca, cv. ‘Kaki). The experiment was carried out in a factorial trial based on complete randomized block design, with three replicates during spring and summer 2013. When the weather condition became suitable and seedlings were at true four leaves stage, both seeds and seedlings were planted at the same time in the farm. The results showed 2 plant/m2 density had significant effect on plant lenght, leaf number, node number and sub branch number. Planting method also affected significantly on plant growth, so that the highest node number was achieved by using transplanting method. Plant density and planting method had significant effect on the oil content, so that the highest oil content was achieved by transplanting method with 2 plant/m2 density. Also the most seed and oil yield obtained from transplanting method. Thus transplanting method had higher yields and its may be as a more reliable production method.