Effect of apex 10 biostimulant application rates on growth rate and yield of butternut (cucurbita moschata)

Author

Mubvundu, Tendai M.

Title

Effect of apex 10 biostimulant application rates on growth rate and yield of butternut (cucurbita moschata)

Abstract

The limited understanding of Apex 10’s impact on butternut squash necessitates research to determine optimal application rates for enhanced growth and yield, including improved soil fertility and increased crop productivity. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different Apex 10 bio stimulant application rates on the growth and yield of butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata). The experiment was carried out at Saparanyambuya Irrigation Scheme in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Apex 10 rates) replicated three times. Key growth and yield parameters measured included leaf length, fruit count per plant, and total fruit yield per plot. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for all measured parameters. Vine length, fruit count, and fruit yield increased progressively with increasing levels of Apex 10. The 100% treatment produced the longest vines (27.33 cm), the highest number of fruits per plant (6.33), and the greatest yield (5.00 kg per plot), while the control (0% Apex 10) consistently recorded the lowest values. The study concludes that the use of Apex 10 biostimulant significantly enhances both vegetative and reproductive growth of butternuts. The 100% application rate is recommended as the optimal dose for achieving maximum yield under local agro-ecological conditions.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Butternut (cucurbita moschata)

Apex 10 biostimulant

Growth

Supervisor

Mr. Chitamba