Squash Production
Squash is a member of the cucurbit family. Its fruit comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is a rich source of vitamin A, Calcium, and Phosphorus. It can be grown in an open field as well in insect nets, shade, and Green House. Time of Sowing is very important for their batter production. It also has health benefits such as it helps to manage diabetics and is good for Asthma patients etc.
Squash grows sandy loam to loamy soil with an optimum PH ranging from (5.5 to 6.5). Green Ball F1 and Super Green F1 is a popular varieties for squash production. During land preparation, 2-3 plows should be done before sowing the seed. The optimum time of sowing is October to November (Under protection) and mid-January to march.
Seeds should be planted at 2.58cm depth and a distance 45cm apart from each other. 1500 g to 2000g seed is required for one acre. After seedling immediate irrigation is required after that irrigate the crop at an interval of 6 to 7 days depending upon the season.
Hand weeding and hoeing should be done to control the weeds. Shallow cultivation should be done for a 2-week-old plant to control weed growth. For plants, protection watches the symptoms of the disease. Like powdery mildew and downy Mildew for their control carbendazim 2g/l or 40g/20l water tank. For controlling Aphids and Thrips use cypermethrin, Bifentherine, or thiamethoxan 7g/20L of the water tank. Harvesting is done after 7 days of fruit set. Picking should be done after 2-3 days means 2 to 3 times a week.
