Performance of soilless cucumbers in relation to differential fertigation under naturally ventilated greenhouse conditions

Abstract

A study was carried out in a split plot design in three replicates during 2016–17 to monitor the performance of soilless cucumbers in relation to differential fertigation. The treatments included fertigation levels viz. 100.0% (F1), 85.0% (F2) and 70.0% (F3) in main plots and varieties viz. Kafka (V1), Multistar (V2) and PBRK-4 (V3) in sub plots. Fertigation levels and varieties significantly affected the fruit yield being highest and lowest values for F1V2 and F3V3, respectively. The average fruit yield with and without fruit thinning was obtained in the range of 2.4–3.5 kg plant−1 and 3.3–4.4 kg plant−1, respectively. The crop water use efficiency (CWUE) was computed to be in the range of 60.4–86.3 kg m−3 and 84.6–108.9 kg m−3 with and without fruit thinning. Overall, the soilless cucumber cultivation in relation to differential fertigation under naturally ventilated greenhouse conditions proved to be a success in terms of plant growth, yield, quality and economic viability.