Abstract
The main objectives of this research were to determine the effects of interactions among irrigation strategies and substrate amendment rates on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) physiological traits, fruit quality and yield in a soilless culture system in greenhouses. The experiments were conducted based on randomized complete block design arranged in split plot with three replicates in two years. The treatments consisted of different irrigation treatments (deficit irrigation (DI), partial root-zone drying (PRD) strategy and full irrigation as control) and three mixtures of substrates (pure perlite, perlite + 1% (zeolite + hydrogel) and perlite + 2% (zeolite + hydrogel)). Not only fruit yield increased at PRD compared to DI, but fruit quality significantly improved. In addition, mixing the zeolite + hydrogel, especially in the highest amount (2%), into the growth medium improved physicochemical properties of substrate and enhanced water retention capacity and leads to increase in yield. Zeolite + hydrogel application effect was more pronounced in plants grown at PRD than DI or control.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
