Impact of pinching on cucurbitaceous crops: a review

Pinching is a multifaceted common horticultural technique involving the removal of shoot tips, which in turn enhance the growth, development, and physiological responses of cucurbitaceous plants. Considering factors like shoot branching patterns, lateral bud activation, vine elongation, flower and fruit production, and overall plant vigour, this review evaluates the impact of pinching at different growth phases. By modulating auxin distribution, cytokinin levels, and carbohydrate partitioning, pinching has the potential to influence apical dominance, lateral shoot growth, and reproductive organ development. Physiological responses to pinching are also explored, including photosynthetic rate, transpiration efficiency, and water-use efficiency. Pinching influences all the physiological cum growth parameters, which can elucidate its broader impacts on plant productivity and stress tolerance. Furthermore, the study evaluates the potential trade-offs associated with pinching, including alterations in pest susceptibility, disease incidence, and nutrient availability. By elucidating the mechanistic underpinnings of these effects, this review contributes to optimizing pinching techniques for sustainable cucurbit cultivation. This review provides valuable insights into the specific impacts of pinching at various growth stages, aiding growers in making informed decisions to enhance yield and quality while considering potential trade-offs. In order to fully realize the benefits of pinching for the development of cucurbitaceous crops, future efforts might concentrate on improving pinching tactics through molecular and physiological investigations.