Dataset on the Effects of Anti-Insect Nets of Different Porosity on Mineral and Organic Acids Profile of <i>Cucurbita pepo</i> L. Fruits and Leaves

Abstract

The growing interest in healthy foods has driven the agricultural sector towards eco-friendly implementation to manage biotic and abiotic factors in protected environments. In this perspective, anti-insect nets are an effective tool for controlling harmful insect populations concomitantly with reducing chemicals’ interference. However, the low porosity of nets necessary to ensure high exclusion efficiency for a designated insect leads to reduced airflow, impacting the productivity and quality attributes of vegetables. The evidence presented in this dataset pertains to the content of total nitrogen, minerals (i.e., NO3, K, PO4, SO4, Ca, Mg, Cl, and Na), and organic acids (i.e., malate and citrate) of zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Zufolo F1) in leaves and fruits grown with two anti-insect nets with different porosities (Biorete® 50 mesh and Biorete® 50 mesh AirPlus), is and analyzed by the Kjeldahl method and ion chromatography (ICS3000), respectively. Data of total nitrogen concentration, macronutrients, and organic acids provide in-depth information about plants’ physiological response to microclimate changes induced by anti-insect nets.

Keywords

• zucchini squash
• insect-proof screens
• protected environment
• ion chromatography