Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

The Synergistic Effect of Foliar Application with Optimus Plus Nano-Fertilizer and Seaweed Extract on Growth, Yield, and Quality Parameters of Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sabah Kamil Sabah Kamil
Hisham Aziz Amran
Mohammed Hadi Obaid
Haneen Fadel Kazim
Ali Hussein Al-Safaar
Rusul Ali jawad
Maytham Naser Neamah
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq
10.48311/fsct.2026.117665.82929
Abstract
The increasing global demand for high-quality vegetables necessitates the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural strategies. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a widely cultivated cucurbit of significant economic importance. The integration of nanotechnology and biostimulants, such as seaweed extracts, represents a promising approach to enhance crop productivity and nutritional quality while reducing environmental footprints. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of foliar spraying with Optimus Plus nano-fertilizer and a commercial seaweed extract on the morphological traits, yield components, and key quality attributes of zucchini. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed with treatments including: 1) Control (distilled water), 2) Optimus Plus nano-fertilizer (1.5 g/L), 3) Seaweed extract (2 mL/L), and 4) Combination of Optimus Plus and Seaweed extract. Growth parameters (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content), yield (fruit number and weight per plant), and fruit quality characteristics (total soluble solids, vitamin C, and Antioxidant Activity) were assessed. The combined application of Optimus Plus and seaweed extract resulted in the most significant (p< 0.05) improvements across all measured parameters. This treatment synergistically enhanced plant growth, leading to a substantial increase in total fruit yield (by ~45% compared to the control). Furthermore, fruits from plants treated with the combination showed superior quality, with significantly higher levels of total soluble solids and vitamin C content. The foliar application of a combined Optimus Plus nano-fertilizer and seaweed extract is a highly effective strategy for boosting the growth, yield, and nutritional value of zucchini.
Keywords
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)
Nano-fertilizer
Seaweed extract
Biostimulant
Foliar application
Fruit quality
Synergistic effect

Subjects

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