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Zucchini is rich in:

1) Vitamin A

2) Vitamin C

3) Vitamin E

4) Niacin, thiamine

5) Antioxidants

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For organic zucchini cultivation, a mixture of regular soil and compost has been used to plant the seeds. There was the addition of some small stones to help maintain the moisture.

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-Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt are soilborne diseases that target the vascular tissues of plants. They produce similar symptoms in affected plants and are challenging to manage because they can persist in the soil for many years. There is no treatment or cure once a plant is infected. Therefore, management should emphasize preventive measures and cultural control practices.

-Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum = Fungi can survive years in soil (main pathogens)

-Ideal temperature to trigger them: 21-30° C, and with wet soils fungus infects plants through their roots

Symptoms:

Wilting (Wilting of the leaves, often starting with older leaves)

Yellowing (Leaves may turn yellow)

V-shaped lesion (Yellowing and browning can form V-shaped patterns that progress from the leaf edges toward the center)

Leaf drop (Severely infected plants may shed leaves prematurely)

Darkened Vascular tissue (When the stem is cut open, the vascular tissue often appears dark brown or black)

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Stem: Thick enough and it grows vertically but it can also branch out

Leaf: Large leaves, sometimes rough and sharp to touch,

prominent veins

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Taxonomy:

Order: Cucurbitales

Family: Cucurbitaceae (Gourd family)

Genus: Cucurbita

Species: Cucurbita pepo

History:

Cucurbita pepo, a species native to North America, has been cultivated for thousands of years and originates from wild forms in northeastern Mexico and Texas. Initially, Americans consumed the nutritious seeds because of the bitterness of the mature fruit flesh. Domestication though had as a result the choice of larger seeds.

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Zucchini, first described by Naudin in 1856 from Marseilles and had yellow-white fruits and it was smooth. By 1916, dark-colored cultivars were noted in Italy and then it was introduced to U.S in the 1920s (Tapley et al. 1937).

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-Ahmed, N., Zhang, B., Chachar, Z., Li, J., Xiao, G., Wang, Q., ... & Tu, P. (2024). Micronutrients and their effects on horticultural crop quality, productivity and sustainability. Scientia Horticulturae, 323, 112512.

-Andolfo, G., Amoroso, C. G., & Ercolano, M. R. (2021). Disease resistance breeding with genomic tools in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). In Advances in Plant Breeding Strategies: Vegetable Crops: Volume 9: Fruits and Young Shoots (pp. 407-422). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

-ajdigi. (2023, July 18). How to Get Rid of Aphids on Zucchini Plant | Live to Plant. https://livetoplant.com/how-to-get-rid-of-aphids-on-zucchini-plant/

-Bucki, P., Regdos, K., Siwek, P., Domagała-Świątkiewicz, I., & Kaszycki, P. (2021). Impact of soil management practices on yield quality, weed infestation and soil microbiota abundance in organic zucchini production. Scientia Horticulturae, 281, 109989.

-Caligiore-Gei, P. F., Della-Gaspera, P., Benitez, E., & Tarnowski, C. (2022). Cucurbit Powdery Mildew: First Insights for the Identification of the Causal Agent and Screening for Resistance of Squash Genotypes (Cucurbita moschata (Duchesne ex Lam.) Duchesne ex Poir.) in Mendoza, Argentina. The Plant Pathology Journal, 38(4), 296.

-Identifying Male and Female Zucchini Flowers—GreenThumbsGuide. (2023, September 6). https://greenthumbsguide.com/identifying-male-and-female-zucchini-flowers/

-Lecoq, H., & Desbiez, C. (2008). Watermelon mosaic virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus.

-Liburd, O., Nyoike, T., & Spies, J. (2015). Biology and Management of Aphids in Sustainable Field Production of Cucurbits. University Of Florida EDIS IFAS Extension, ENY847. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in761-2008

-Paris, H. S. (2001). History of the cultivar-groups of Cucurbita pepo. HORTICULTURAL REVIEWS-WESTPORT THEN NEW YORK-, 25, 71-170

-Paris, H. S. (1989). Historical records, origins, and development of the edible cultivar groups of Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae). Economic Botany, 43(4), 423-443.

-Perring, T. M., Stansly, P. A., Liu, T. X., Smith, H. A., & Andreason, S. A. (2018). Chapter 4 - Whiteflies: Biology, Ecology, and Management. In W. Wakil, G. E. Brust, & T. M. Perring (Eds.), Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests of Tomato (pp. 73–110). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802441-6.00004-8

-Santosh, D. T., & Maitra, S. (2021). Estimation irrigation water requirement of Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) under protected cultivation structures and in open field conditions. Ind. J. Nat. Sci, 12(69), 37380-373385.

-Tapley, W. T. (1934). The Vegetables of New York. JB Lyon

-Uddain, J., Tripti, S. I., Jahan, M. S., Sultana, N., Rahman, M. J., & Subramaniam, S. (2019). Changes of morphological and biochemical properties in organically grown Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). HortScience, 54(9), 1485-1491.

-Volesky, N., Murray, M., & Nischwitz, C. (2022). Fusarium and Verticillium Wilts of Vegetables.

-White Flies on Zucchini Plants: A Comprehensive Guide - Rockets Garden. (2023, August 25). https://rocketsgarden.com/white-flies-on-zucchini-plants/

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Conditions and ways to achieve efficiency 

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Conditions and ways to achieve efficiency 

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Needs to be well irrigated

Drip irrigation can offer a more efficient result and increase the yield

Reduced tillage

Proper temperature to germinate: 18°C - 24°C

Mixed compost and soil (used in my cultivation)

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ZYMV :

It is a cucurbit pathogen and started causing major yield losses in the late 1970s (Lisa et. al, 1981, Lecoq et. al, 1981)

Restricted host range

It is getting transferred by aphids

If the disease hits in an early growth stage it can cause up to 75-90% losses.

Mainly, can transfer by the seeds

Symptoms:

The leaves develop a yellow mosaic pattern and become severely blistered and deeply cut

The fruits become distorted with noticeable lumps (Lisa & Lecoq, 1984), and in yellow-fruited varieties, they may remain green with glossy yellow bumps (Provvidenti et al., 1984a).

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Podosphaera xanthii

-The disease is usually identified by the presence of the pathogen's signs, which manifest as whitish colonies on both sides of the leaves.

Symptoms:

Leaf yellowing

Necrosis

Premature death of leaves

Lowering the yield if we have leave losses

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Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV): Mostly transferred by aphids

Squash mosaic virus (SqMV): Mostly transferred by beetles and infected seeds

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The crops were sowed and then kept in a Greenhouse in the University's area.

Half of the soil used was vermicompost

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Basic nutrient deficiency in Horticulture

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Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen efficiency to help with leaf and stem growth. How to ensure that? By applying compost, manure, green manure, and leguminous cover crops.

Phosphorus (P): Root development, flower stage development, and fruit production. How to ensure that? Compost, green manure, (rock phosphate?)

Potassium (K): Plant health, disease resistance. How to? Compost

Calcium (Ca): Crucial for plant structure and overall growth.

Magnesium (Mg): Important element for photosynthesis, the main component of chlorophyll.

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No intense tillage --> Do not disturb soil's biomass

Cover crops --> Fix Nitrogen

Animal manure --> Mainly from chicken when it comes to zucchini (offer N proportion)

Mulching --> Use of straw, leaves, and crop residues if applicable from previous years. They can keep the soil moisture and prevent weeds intervention.

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(1773) Pinterest. (n.d.). Pinterest. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://gr.pinterest.com/pin/703054191805332188/

botanyone. (2016, August 5). History of the zucchini squash. Botany One. https://botany.one/2016/08/history-zucchini-squash/

Butler, J. (2023, July 25). Growing Plants 101: The Complete Guide to Getting Started. Gardener’s Path. https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/beginners/growing-plants-101/

Kazakova Maryia photos, images, assets. (n.d.). Adobe Stock. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/203439448/kazakova-maryia

Life Cycle Zucchini Plant Growth Stages: Vector στοκ (χωρίς δικαιώματα) 1303926514. (n.d.). Shutterstock. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.shutterstock.com/el/image-vector/life-cycle-zucchini-plant-growth-stages-1303926514

Limited, A. (n.d.). Zucchini plant and irrigation drip in Vegetable Garden, Provence, France Stock Photo—Alamy. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-zucchini-plant-and-irrigation-drip-in-vegetable-garden-provence-france-124412425.html

Parts of plant. Morphology of zucchini plant with fruit, green leaves, root, flowers and titles Stock-Vektorgrafik. (n.d.). Adobe Stock. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://stock.adobe.com/de/images/parts-of-plant-morphology-of-zucchini-plant-with-fruit-green-leaves-root-flowers-and-titles/247380634

Sayner, A. (2021, July 6). The Beginner’s Guide to Deep Mulch Gardening. GroCycle. https://grocycle.com/deep-mulch-gardening/

Zucchini yellow mosaic (202). (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v10/text/web_full/entities/zucchini_yellow_mosaic_202.htm

Zucchini—Treatments against pests and diseases | Armuro. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.armuro.com/en/zucchini-treatments-against-pests-and-diseases/

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00 000 Dry seed

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24/04/24

01 001 Beginning of seed imbibition

03 003 Seed imbibition complete

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05 005 Radicle emerged from seed

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app. 27/04/24

07 007 Hypocotyl with cotyledons breaking through seed coat

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01/05/24

09 009 Emergence: cotyledons break through soil surface

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Growing Zucchini Time Lapse - Seed To Fruit in 78 Days

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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02/05/24

10 100 Cotyledons completely unfolded

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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09/05/24

11 101 First true leaf on main stem fully unfolded

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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16/05/24

12 102 2nd true leaf on main stem unfolded

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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19/05/24

13 103 3rd true leaf on main stem unfolded

14 104 4th true leaf on main stem unforlded

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Simple Colourful Before and After Color Grade (1)

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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21/05/24

15 105 5th true leaf on main stem unfolded

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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31/05/24

16 106 6th true leaf on main stem unfolded

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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Principal growth stage 1: Leaf development 

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05/06/24

17 107 7th true leaf on main stem unfolded

18 108 8th true leaf on main stem unfolded

19 109 9th true leaf on main stem unfolded

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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09/06/24

51 501 First flower initial with elongated ovary visible on the main stem

52 502 2nd flower initial with elongated ovary visible on the main stem

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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10/06/24

53 503 3rd flower initial with elongated ovary visible on the main stem

54 504 4th flower initial with elongated ovary visible on the main stem

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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Principal growth stage 5: Inflorescence emergence 

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18/06/24

55 505 5th flower initial with elongated ovary visible on the main stem: 2 female flowers and two male

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Principal growth stage 7: Development of the fruit 

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Principal growth stage 7: Development of the fruit 

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23/06/24

71 701 First fruit on the main stem has reached the typical size and form

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Thoughts:

1)Fusarium Wilt: Initially starts with yellowing of the lower leaves, which then wilt and fall.

2) Verticillium Wilt: Starts with yellowing or chlorosis that might be more irregular. The change in the color of the leaves might be consistent with early stages of wilt diseases.

3)It is possible this could be due to other stress factors such as overwatering or nutrient imbalances.

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Simple Colourful Before and After Color Grade (2)

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Female Flower:

Female zucchini flowers have a small zucchini fruit at their base.

These flowers usually have shorter stems and are located closer to the plant's center.

The bulbous structure at the base, similar to a developing zucchini, identifies a female flower.

Female flowers contain pistils, which receive and fertilize pollen from male flowers.

Male Flower:

Male zucchini flowers emerge on the plant before female flowers, usually by a few days.

They are lighter and more delicate than female flowers.

A distinguishing feature of male flowers is the lack of a zucchini fruit at their base.

Male flowers often have longer stems and can be found in groups.

They are essential for pollination as they contain stamens, which generate pollen for fertilization.

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE ZUCCHINI FLOWERS

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE ZUCCHINI FLOWERS

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Thoughts:

Aphids:

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are tiny, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects. Their high reproductive capacity and ability to spread viral diseases make them significant and widespread threats to many crops globally.

Aphids extract sap from plants, causing the leaves to curl and become distorted, particularly when their population is large.

Management practices:

Methods, such as using physical barriers, spacing and timing of crop planting, mulching, crop rotation, border crops, and cover crops, can help prevent aphids from settling on host plants.

Ways to extinct:

1. Biological Control: Introducing natural predators, like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, can help maintain aphid populations at manageable levels.

2. Spraying: Using environmentally friendly treatments, such as insecticidal soaps or neem oil, can effectively manage aphid infestations.

3. Manual Intervention: Physically removing aphids by spraying them off plants with a strong water jet can provide temporary relief from these pests.

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Whiteflies extract plant sap, which can diminish yields and severely weaken plants, potentially causing their demise under conditions of heavy whitefly infestations.

How to manage:

Neem Oil: Serves as a whitefly repellent and disrupts their life cycle.

Insecticidal Soaps: Derived from natural fatty acids, these soaps effectively target whiteflies while sparing beneficial insects.

Manual Intervention: Using a strong water spray to physically weaken whiteflies from zucchini plants is an efficient, chemical-free approach.