Seaweed Extract Improves Lagenaria siceraria Young Shoot Production, Mineral Profile and Functional Quality

Vegetable landraces represent the main source of biodiversity in Sicily. Lagenaria siceraria is appreciated by Southern Mediterranean consumers for its immature fruits and young shoots. Plant-based biostimulants supply, such as seaweed extract (SwE), a contemporary green agricultural practice applied to ameliorate yield quality vegetables. However, there are no studies concerning effects SwE on L. siceraria. The current study evaluated foliar application (0 or 3 mL L?1) five (G1, G2, G3, G4 G5) grown greenhouses. Growth traits, first female flower emission, fruit yield, shoot firmness, nitrogen use efficiency (NUEys) specific parameters, soluble solids content (SSC), mineral profile, ascorbic acid, polyphenols, were appraised. Plant height number leaves at 10, 20 30 days after transplant (DAT) significantly higher plants treated with compared untreated plants. Treating increased marketable mean mass, shoots 14.4%, 15.0%, 22.2%, 32.4%, 32.0%, respectively Relevant increments also recorded NUEys, P, K, Ca, Mg, acid polyphenols concentration. did not affect total SSC. Furthermore, produced lower than non-treated present showed that L?1 can fruitfully enhance crop performance,