Optimization of agrotechniques in the cultivation of Luffa acutangula |
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Authors: | S. Huyskens S. Mendlinger A. Benzioni M. Ventura |
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Affiliation: | 1. ?bst-und Gemusebau Institut der Universit?t Bonn, Bonn, Germany;2. The Institutes for Applied Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84110, Israel |
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Abstract: | Germination requirements, flowering pattern, planting density and growing regimes were examined for Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. Maximum germination (50%) was obtained at 35°C, and at 8, 12, and 45°C germination was completely inhibited. Partial removal of the seed coat increased the percentage of germination while vernalization and exposure to salinity 5=50 mM NaCl reduced it. Planting season influenced flowering pattern, with significantly more female flowers being produced in spring-summer (long days and high temperatures) than in autumn-winter (short days and low temperatures). A high yield of 44.5-47.3 Mg ha 1 was obtained for plants trained on trellises at planting densities of 10,000 and 20,000 plants ha-1. Fruits kept at low temperatures showed the least deterioration during storage, a shelf life of about two weeks being demonstrated at 4°C. |
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