Interrelationship of squash characteristics under different environmental conditions [electronic resource]

Includes bibliographic reference

Two locations trials were conducted to evaluate 14 imported genotypes of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo)
for some vegetative growth, flowering and yield traits during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 under open
field conditions. According to correlation studies, estimations of the genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than
the equivalent phenotypic correlation coefficient, indicating a significant underlying association between the various traits
being studied. The decreased phenotypic values could result from interactions with the environment. A negative and
significant correlation of days to 1st female flowering was observed with the number of fruits per plant, fruits yield/plant,
TSS and average fruit weight in both localities. A very weak association was observed between average fruit weight and
yield per plant in this study, which suggested that environment played role in determining average fruit weight. The path
coefficient analysis among seven traits fruit yield and each of vine length, fruit diameter, fruit length, number of fruits
per plant, average fruit weight and total soluble solids percentage were performed. However, the picture was different
under various environments where, total direct effects increased from 37.3% (Dumah Al-Jandal) to 39.0 % (Rafha) and
the reverse trend was observed for total indirect effects which increased in Dumah Al-Jandal (63.5%) than 52.6% in Rafha.
Keywords: Squash, correlation, locations, genotypes, environments

Summary in Arabic