Zucchini growth, yield, and fruit quality in response to sodium chloride stress

Abstract

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Moschata) plants were grown in a pot experiment under greenhouse conditions at Almería (Southeastern Spain) in 1994 and 1995. Sodium chloride (NaCl) added to the irrigation water at 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 g L^‐1 and complemented with a fertilizer solution. Yield was determined on number and weight (kg) of fruit per plant. The hidric content (%W) per fruit was calculated using fruit fresh and dry weights. Fruit diameter, fruit length, and fruit firmness were also measured. Electrical conductivity, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, and pH as well as non‐structural carbohydrates concentration were determined. Zucchini yield, quality, and quantity increased as NaCl concentration was increased to 1 g L^‐1. This cultivar appears to suitable to be grown in coastal locations where soil and irrigation water contain salt concentration that limit the growth of other crops less tolerant to salinity.