Yield of Cushaw squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma H.) with organic fertilizers

Objective: to evaluate different doses of composted poultry manure and leachate applied to soil and foliage as organic fertilizers on the yield and yield characteristics of Cushaw squash (also known as Silver-seed gourd, and less frequently as creole squash). Design/ Methodology/ Approach: ten treatments (T) were tested in four doses, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 tons per hectare (Megagrams, Mg ha-1) of composted poultry manure (C) applied to the soil at the beginning of crop cultivation, and leachates (L) at 50% applied to the foliage. A completely randomized design was used, with 15 replicates (fruits) per treatment. Results: significant effects of compost and leachate treatments on the yield of Cushaw squash fruit were found. Limitations/ Implications of the study: it is suggested to evaluate more production cycles in order to identify the best treatments in further studies. Findings/ Conclusions: the combination of composts and leachates applied to the soil can be an alternative source of fertilization in the cultivation of Cushaw squash in Tabasco.