Growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) grown in hydroponic system as influenced by different aggregate compositions and pruning techniques

Title : Growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) grown in hydroponic system as influenced by different aggregate compositions and pruning techniques

Abstract:

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important cultivated greenhouse crops, which requires new technology to cope with climate changes. This study aimed to determine, investigate and compare the growth, yield, and postharvest quality of cucumber; and evaluate the cost and return of cucumber grown in hydroponic system as influenced by different aggregate compositions and pruning techniques. This was undertaken in Split-plot in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three different pruning techniques Without pruning (P?), V-cordon pruning (P?) and Five stem pruning (P?) as the main plot and four aggregate compositions 4:3:1 Rh:Cc:LECA (T?); 4:3:1 Rh:Cc:Rs (T?); 3:2:1 Rh:Cc:LECA (T?); and 3:2:1 Rh:Cc:Rs (T?) as subplots. Cucumber plants applied with V-cordon pruning (P?) shown a lesser number of days from transplanting to female flowering, a more significant number of marketable fruits, lesser visual quality loss, lesser weight loss, and high titratable acidity. However, without pruning (P?) gains the highest number of female flowers and highest Vit. C content. While, five stem pruning (P?) revealed a longer fruit length, wider diameter, heavier weight of marketable fruits and highest yield than all treatments. Among the four aggregate compositions, 4:3:1 Rh:Cc:LECA (T?) resulted to the tallest plant height, longer fruits, greater number of marketable fruits, heavier weight of marketable fruits, and highest yield. On the other hand, 3:2:1 Rh:Cc:LECA (T?) obtained the widest diameter of Japanese cucumber fruits while 4:3:1 Rh:Cc:Rs (T?) obtained the highest content of Vit. C. In addition, cucumber plants with V- cordon pruning (P?) and 4:3:1 Rh:Cc:LECA (T?) gave a positive net return.

Biography:

Mary Rose G. Giban earned her Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Visayas State University, Alangalang, in 2017 and completed her MS in Horticulture at Visayas State University, Baybay, in 2021. She is an instructor at Visayas State University, Alangalang, with four years of teaching experience. Preparing to do research in hydroponics, aiming to contribute to academic and extension services. She has published her MS thesis, is set to present it, and is awaiting the approval of another research paper for publication. Her goal is to advance sustainable hydroponic farming systems.