Gibberellin spraying in the production of male flowers of squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) and their postharvest quality

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) spraying on the production of male flowers and their physical and chemical quality for fresh sale of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.).

Methodology: A pumpkin crop was established under open-air conditions, where two GA₃ sprays were applied at doses of 0, 30, 60, and 90 mg L^-1 during the first 45 days after planting. The number of male and female flowers accumulated over 31 days after GA₃ application was recorded, and selected physical and chemical quality parameters were determined. A randomized complete block design with four blocks was used.

Results: The proportion of male to female flowers increased from 2:1 at 0 mg L^-1 to 4:1 at 90 mg L^-1 during the evaluation period. Chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C were not negatively affected by GA₃ spraying.

Limitations/Implications: This experiment should be replicated under different climatic conditions and with other varieties.

Conclusions: GA₃ spraying increased the proportion of male flowers without affecting the quality of pumpkin flowers.