Pumpkin yield irrigated with treated domestic wastewater

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch. Coroa IAC) irrigated with treated domestic wastewater. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were: T-1-irrigation depth of 150% of crop water demand; T-2-irrigation depth of 150% of crop water demand with application of CaSO4 in soil; T-3-irrigation depth of 100% of crop water demand; T-4-irrigation depth of 100% of crop water demand with application of CaSO4 in soil and T-5-control (without irrigation). The parameters evaluated were: crop yield, weight and number of fruits, their physico-chemical characteristics and potential contamination by pathogens in water. Significant differences in productivity, yield and number of fruits were identified between the control and all other treatments. The physico-chemical characteristics were similar in all treatments. Thermo tolerant coliforms were detected only on the surface of the fruit, but at levels below the minimum standards established by the sanitary legislation.