Nerson, H., Agricultural Research Organization, Department of Vegetable Crops, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, P.O. Box 1021, 30095 Ramat Yishay, Israel
Hazor, I., Agricultural Research Organization, Department of Vegetable Crops, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, P.O. Box 1021, 30095 Ramat Yishay, Israel

Three pot experiments were conducted in a temperature-controlled greenhouse at Newe Ya'ar Research Center in order to determine the limits of depth for germination and emergence in squash (Cucurbita pepo). There were no depth limitations to germination down to 12 cm in four different media. The mean emergence percentages of two accessions in four media were 78, 57, 26 and 2% from 1, 4, 8 and 12 cm, respectively. Seed size (weight) did not affect the emergence percentage based on findings of two experiments: one demonstrated similar emergence percentages of two accessions differing markedly in seed weight; the other demonstrated similar emergence percentages of different-sized seeds in each of these accessions. The effects of medium on emergence were mostly non-significant. However, the tuff medium (volcanic gravel with large particles) was less favorable than the other media, with lower emergence percentages and slower seedling development.