Abstract
Cucumber crop was evaluated for the influence of seedling age on its production during two consecutive years of 2011 and 2012 on experimental area of National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan. Nursery of cucumber was raised in polythene tubes under protected structures (walk-in tunnels). Seedling transplantation of three different ages viz., 30, 45 and 60 days were compared with direct seeding in the open field. Seedling transplantation produced fruits earlier (22 days), increased availability period (41 days) as compared to direct seeded crop. Transplantation of 45 and 60 days old seedlings produced higher fruits yield of cucumber with higher gross return and gross margin. The results revealed that transplantation of 45 to 60 days old seedlings was suitable for achieving fruits earlier and profitable cucumber production technology.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 214-221 (2015)
Highlights
Cucumber is cultivated on an area of 3499 hectares with an annual production of 449947 tonnes in Pakistan (GOP, 2013-14)
Cucumber seedling is injured by frost; direct seeding in the field is delayed until the danger of frost is ended (Hussain et al, 1989)
Cucumber seedlings may be successfully raised under plastic tunnels during cooler months and healthy seedlings can be transplanted at most favourable age
Summary
Cucumber is cultivated on an area of 3499 hectares with an annual production of 449947 tonnes in Pakistan (GOP, 2013-14). Seedlings of an older age are more tolerant to stress and produce fruits earlier, while young transplants are less tolerant (Vavrina, 1998). Seedlings transplanted at their older age develop reproductive phase quicker than vegetative phase (Orzolek, 2004). To encourage quick plant growth and early harvest, the technique of transplanting cucumber seedlings may be applied. Optimum seedling age for better plant establishment could enhance productivity of cucumber crop (Handley and Hutton, 2003). Optimum seedlings age determine early production as well as higher yield of crop which favours the farmers to get higher market price. The aim of present study was to observe the influence of seedling age on cucumber production which would be economical as well as beneficial for farmers
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