EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCURBITS CROPS: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Cucurbitaceae family comprises of prominent vegetables like cucumber, squash, melon, watermelon, and pumpkin which are valuable from medicinal and nutritional aspects. The excessive use of chemical inputs caused serious problems to public health and the environment leading to suppress soil fertility and crop palatability for consumers. Hence, utilization of humic substances including humic acid, fulvic acid, and potassium humate as natural fertilizers and bio-stimulants is a good substitute since they are enriched with nutrients, hormone and hormone like substances that activates plant to grow and yield efficiently and to combat environmental stresses. The present review article put the spotlight on the possible role of humic substances in activating growth of cucurbit foliage and yield. The possible role in improving the resistance of certain cucurbits to environmental stress is briefly discussed. Keywords: plant growth, organic farming, bio-stimulants, Plant activation, environmental stress resistance