Research trials were executed at Bhandarwadi (Sindhudurg), a site within the Konkan agro-climatic zone, Maharashtra, India (15°37’–16°40’ N, 73°19’–74°13’ E; elevation 26 m). The climate features elevated in summer thermal regimes and temperate winters, where temperatures reach 40 to 42°C during the pre-monsoon phase. Erratic precipitation patterns frequently induce severe moisture stress, which may impair critical plant physiological functions during various ontogenetic stages of crop development and yield formation under these specific tropical coastal maritime conditions.

Summer squash/green zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Sunny House-Hybrid) seeds (genetic purity: 95%; Lot No: NUP-48962595; Label: 03001) were obtained from Namdeo Umaji Agritech (India) Pvt. Ltd. The specimens were categorized into two experimental cohorts: (i) an untreated control group (CONGZUG) and (ii) a biofield energy treated group (BTGZUG) subjected to Spiritual Blessing (Biofield) Energy Treatment (SBET/prayers). To isolate the specific effects of SBET, identical agronomic protocols for irrigation, fertilization, and pest management were maintained uniformly across both the experimental groups for the entire duration of this study.

Trials were arranged following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) evaluating two distinct primary treatments. The field site was partitioned into three blocks. Treatments were assigned to blocks randomly, ensuring robust allocation within each experimental replication cycle. Six experimental units were established, with each plot measuring 4.0 m × 2.0 m (8.0 m²). Spacing was fixed at 1.0 × 1.0 m, with maintained one-meter buffers between replicates and 0.5 m between individual experimental plots, encompassing a total study area of 60.0 m² and an individual unit area of 8.0 m² for each replicate. Thorough site clearance preceded all activities. Standard fertilizer (50, 100, and 50 kg NPK ha^-1) was applied directly to every plot and incorporated into the soil prior to sowing, ensuring optimal nutrient availability.

The control samples (CONGZUG) comprised untreated green zucchini seeds and soil substrate. The experimental group (BTGZUG) underwent a non-physical biofield energy protocol, administered by an expert practitioner, Dahryn Trivedi, who possesses more than 12 years of professional experience. This intervention was applied for 4 minutes at a distance of approximately 0.5 meters (1.5 ft) from the samples. Ambient parameters were maintained at a constant temperature of 28 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5%. To maintain sample integrity, no physical contact was permitted throughout the entire experimental procedure. The protocol utilized a standardized "laying on of hands" technique, designed to modulate the energetic state of the agricultural matrix and seeds. All specimens were subsequently managed using standard cultivation practices to assess specific phenotypic and physiological variations.

Before trial commencement, composite topsoil was harvested from the 30 cm profile of each plot via an established five-point sampling methodological framework. Specimens were ambient-dried, screened through 2-mm mesh, and subsequently refrigerated at 4 °C pending physicochemical characterization. Textural class was classified through the qualitative feel technique 6, while pH was potentiometrically quantified in 1:2 (w/v) soil–water aqueous suspensions utilizing a pre-calibrated electrode assembly ensuring precision.

Seeds were directly sown into the soil; moisture was maintained via manual irrigation during the initial one week following sowing. Subsequently, irrigation was regulated using a drip system comprising self-compensating emitters (0.5 m spacing; 3 L/h discharge flow rate). Basal fertilization comprised 50:100:50 kg/ha N:P:K, delivered via urea, single superphosphate (SSP), and muriate of potash (MOP) nutrient sources. The entire amounts of SSP and MOP, plus 50% urea, were incorporated pre-sowing; the residual nitrogen was then side-dressed at day 21 following initial sowing. To mitigate pest pressure, chlorpyrifos 50% + cypermethrin 5% (Hamla 550; Gharda Chemicals Ltd., India) was administered at a 2 mL/L concentration throughout each respective treatment.

To evaluate morpho-physiological parameters, five zucchini plants were randomly sampled from each experimental plot. Qualitative attributes assessed included leaf blade dimensions, morphology, margins, and pigmentation, alongside lobe frequency, floral colour, fruit shape, exocarp colour, mesocarp pigmentation, and rind characteristics. Seed colour, size, and shape were also documented. Quantitative traits encompassed plant height (cm), canopy spread (cm), primary branch and node counts, leaf density, and blade dimensions (cm). Phenological and yield metrics included days to 50% anthesis, fruit mass (g), length (cm), and equatorial diameter (cm). Furthermore, fruit frequency per plant, total yield (t/ha), and seed dimensions (length and width in cm) were meticulously quantified to provide a robust characterisation of the green zucchini genotypes during the growth period.

The green zucchini (C. pepo) fruits were harvested upon reaching physiological maturity. Morphometric dimensions, including length and diameter, were quantified via digital calipers, while individual fresh mass was determined using a precision electronic balance. To assess cumulative productivity, five plants were randomly selected from each net plot. Total yields were recorded in kilograms and subsequently converted into tonnes per hectare (t/ha) to facilitate standardized yield extrapolation.

Data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Intergroup comparisons were evaluated using unpaired Student’s t-tests within the SigmaPlot (v14.0) environment. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Baseline characterization of the experimental soil across all plots identified a sandy loam texture with a strongly acidic profile (pH 5.01). This acidity correlated with restricted cation exchange capacity (CEC) and suboptimal nutrient bioavailability. Post-harvest analysis demonstrated that plots subjected to SBET exhibited a significant pH shift to 5.90, transitioning the classification from strongly to moderately acidic (data not shown). These data suggest that the intervention modulates soil chemical properties, potentially by enhancing buffering capacity or altering ionic concentrations within the soil matrix, thereby mitigating the constraints associated with extreme pedological acidity.

The morphological development of the green zucchini was documented through systematic observations at set intervals. This study tracked from the initial germination, seedling phase vegetative growth stage, floral phase, fruit growth stage, and final harvest stage (Figure 1).

Green leaf blade colour was observed for CONGZUG, whereas dark green colour was found in BTGZUG. The flower colour of CONGZUG and BTGZUG was yellow and bright yellow, respectively. At harvesting, the colour of the green zucchini fruit was dark green in the BTGZUG group, and CONGZUG had green fruits. The CONGZUG group had light cream seed colour, and the BTGZUG had cream seed colour. The small size and oval shape seeds were found in CONGZUG, and medium and oval shape in BTGZUG. Fruit shape was non-uniformly cylindrical in the CONGZUG, while uniformly cylindrical shape in the BTGZUG.

Fruit skin colour was deep green in the BTGZUG and green in the CONGZUG. Fruit flesh flavour and taste was mild sweet and creamy in the BTGZUG, while mild earthy and nutty in the CONGZUG. Spongy fruit flesh texture was found in the CONGZUG, while less spongy in the BTGZUG. The colour of fruit flesh was white in the BTGZUG and off white in the CONGZUG. Other vegetative traits such as plant leaf size and shape (large and palmately lobed), leaf blade margin (dentate with pointed teeth), number of lobes in the leaf blade (5 lobes), and fruit freshness (green colour, smooth, glossy skin) were observed as similar features in both BTGZUG and CONGZUG (Table 1).

Compared to the untreated green zucchini group (CONGZUG), biofield energy treated green zucchini group (BTGZUG) exhibited a marked enhancement in both development and morphology. All comparisons were made based on the control group data. Germination rates and plant height improved by 10.14% (p = 0.013) and 35.14% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Leaf spreading also showed a significant gain of 21.59% (p = 0.013). Structural architecture was notably robust in the BTGZUG cohort, with primary branching increasing by 41.64% (p = 0.011) and node frequency rising by 23.73% (p = 0.021). Furthermore, indicators of photosynthetic potential were substantially boosted; the total number of leaves per plant surged by 49.01% (p = 0.029), which was further complemented by significant expansions in leaf length (19.09%, p = 0.001) and leaf width (28.15%, p = 0.002).

Compared to the CONGZUG, the treated group (BTGZUG) exhibited a marked enhancement in reproductive priming parameters, with male and female flower counts rising by 44.82% (p ≤ 0.001) and 21.53% (p = 0.018), respectively. The treatment's most profound influence was evident in harvest productivity. Specifically, fruit weight, length, and diameter in the BTGZUG was significantly outperformed than the CONGZUG, showing increments of 24.88% (p ≤0.001), 39.68% (p = 0.002), and 10.36% (p = 0.003). Furthermore, seed count per fruit was substantially higher in the BTGZUG, increasing by 26.94% (p ≤ 0.001). Ultimately, these improvements culminated in a 15.92% surge in total fruit yield (tons per hectare) relative to the control (Table 2).