Influence of fertigation and training systems on yield and other horticultural traits in greenhouse cucumber

Abstract

Appropriation of major nutrients in proper ratio and systems of plant manipulation are important factors deciding the yield of greenhouse cucumber. So, a study involving 4 levels of fertilizers and 3 of training systems in factorial arrangements was conducted during 2013-2015 to optimize nutrient dose and training system in greenhouse cucumber. Greenhouse cucumber responded significantly to higher level of fertigation and displayed not only earliest flowering resultantly early picking but showed excellent vegetative growth as well. Greenhouse cucumber plants trained to single stem system also exhibited good performance in terms of plant height and leaf area. The higher level of fertigation also produced fruits with good amount of fibre content and had significant effect on various yield components like fruit length and diameter. The sensory scoring of such fruits on acceptability by heterogeneous panel of evaluators demonstrated its importance for prompt applicability under field. A significant effect on number of fruits per plant as governed interactively by fertigation and training system contributed to greenhouse cucumber yield. The plants administered with higher level of fertigation and trained to single stem system exhibited higher yield per unit area resulting in good net returns of Rs. 83724 within three months of crop duration. Furthermore, higher economic gain could be realized by availing 65% and 75% subsidy being offered by the government on the basis of socio-economic status of the farmers.