Nitrogen Fertilizer Requirements of Pickling Cucumbers Grown for Once-over Harvest I. Effect on Yield and Fresh Quality1

Abstract

Abstract Different preplant and sidedress N fertilizer rates from NH4NO3 or urea were applied to pickling cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown for once-over harvest to determine the effect of N rate, source and time of application on cucumber yield, sex expression, and fruit quality. Nitrogen preplant rates of 67 or 134 kg/ha resulted in greater yields ($/ha and MT/ha) than no N preplant fertilizer. Preplant rates of 201 or 268 kg N/ha gave lower yields. The preplant source of N, NH4NO3 or urea had no effect on yield. Sidedress N as NH4NO3 or urea generally did not influence yields ($ and MT) when preplant N was used at rates of 67 or 134 kg/ha. The addition of preplant N fertilizer up to 134 kg/ha resulted in a slightly greater number of pistillate flowers per plant. The percentages of off-shape fruit were higher for the highest rate (268 kg/ha) of preplant N. Fruit quality evaluation (shape and color) and length:diameter ratios were generally not influenced by preplant N fertilizer.