Cucumber Cultivation Research Articles

Antbears and underground melons: A highly specialized seed dispersal mutualism mediated by scent

Societal Impact StatementSeed dispersal is critical for the establishment and persistence of populations of most plant species. We investigated the seed dispersal biology of an African melon, Cucumis humifructus, which is closely related to cultivated cucumbers and watermelons but differs in that it buries its fruits deep underground. The fruits are located by antbears using olfaction; the antbears consume the fruit pulp and the seeds germinate in their faeces. Cucumis humifructus has become very rare in some parts of Africa and is vulnerable on account of its annual lifecycle combined with its dependence on a declining mammal species for establishing each new generation.Summary Seed dispersal mutualisms between plants and animals are seldom specialized at the species level. We investigated the highly unusual case of the dispersal of seeds of a melon Cucumis humifructus by the antbear (Orycteropus afer), a myrmecophagous African mammal. This annual plant buries its fruits c. 20 cm underground, a depth from which seedling emergence is impossible. We asked why the fruits are buried and how they are located by animals. We investigated the seed dispersal system of C. humifructus in central Namibia using camera traps, seed germination experiments and analyses of animal faeces. Coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS) was used to analyse the chemistry of fruit scent. Naturally‐buried C. humifructus fruits were excavated solely by antbears. Antbear faecal pellets often contained intact C. humifructus seeds. All of the C. humifructus plants that we examined originated in antbear pellets. Fruits placed experimentally above ground or buried shallowly were eaten by porcupines which act as seed predators as they destroy soft melon seeds with their chewing teeth. Fruits of C. humifructus emit scent with a chemical profile distinct from that of related melon species. We argue that deep burial of fruits is a strategy that C. humifructus uses to escape from mammalian seed predators, particularly porcupines. This study highlights the potential role of escape from antagonistic interactions in the evolution of specialized seed dispersal mutualisms.

Effectiveness of Four Rootstocks against Fusarium wilt, Yield and Quality in Cucumber

Fusarium crown root rot caused by F. solani is one of the most important diseases that limiting cucumber cultivation all around the world. There is more than one way to deal with this disease, but sometimes these practises may be insufficient. For this reason, the use of resistant varieties and rootstocks gains importance in the control of soil-borne diseases. The objectives of this study are to determine the resistance of breeding materials to fusarium and to evaluate their rootstock performance and to reveal their effects on fruit yield and quality. To determine the Fusarium resistance level, 48 breeding materials were tested and four moderate resistant materials were grafted onto the hybrid Gordion variety. The effects of grafted plants on fruit yield and vegetative growth were evaluated. Early yield was also significantly higher in grafted plants than in the ungrafted control. Strongtosa had the highest fruit per plant, followed by RS 841 and 13×18 hybrid rootstock. Although higher yields were generally obtained in grafted plants compared to the control group. Additinally fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, fruit firmness and panel test were evaluated in grafted plants. These materials used as rootstocks increased plant growth and yield.

Balancing Yield and Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis of Supplemental Lighting in Commercial-Scale Cucumber Cultivation

Lighting is a fundamental driver of plant productivity in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), directly affecting physiological processes, resource efficiency, and sustainability. This study evaluates the effects of distinct lighting systems, industrial Light-Emitting Diodes (iLEDs), horticultural LEDs (hLEDs), high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, and controls (no supplemental light), each providing unique light spectra, on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) growth, physiology, and environmental impact under a controlled light intensity of 250 µmol m−2 s−1 in a commercial CEA setup. The results indicated that iLEDs enhance intrinsic water use efficiency (35.65 µmol CO2/mol H2O) and reduce transpiration, reflecting superior physiological resource use. Electrophysiological measurements indicated significantly more stable stress responses in plants subjected to iLEDs and hLEDs as compared to HPS and control treatments, indicating the effectiveness of LED light spectra in mitigating stress-related physiological impacts. Furthermore, compact growth and shorter stem internodes were observed under iLEDs as well as hLEDs, highlighting the spectral effects on photomorphogenesis, likely caused by a balanced light spectrum. HPS lighting achieved the highest yield (42.86 kg m−2) but at a significant environmental cost, with 342.65 kg CO2e m−2 emissions compared to 204.29 kg CO2e m−2 for iLEDs, with competitive yield of 38.84 kg m−2. Economic analysis revealed that iLEDs also offered the most cost-effective solution due to lower energy consumption and extended lifespan. This study focused on the interaction between light spectra, photosynthetic performance, stress resilience, and resource efficiency, advancing sustainable strategies for energy-efficient food production in CEA systems.

GATA3-COMT1-Melatonin as Upstream Signaling of ABA Participated in Se-Enhanced Cold Tolerance by Regulate Iron Uptake and Distribution in Cucumis sativus L.

Selenium has the function of bio-stimulating hormone. However, the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of melatonin and abscisic acid as secondary messengers in improving cold tolerance by selenium are limited. This study investigated the effects of selenite on the cold stress of cucumber seedlings. The results showed that the content of endogenesis abscisic acid significantly changed with exogenous application of selenite under cold stress. Interestingly, we found that the content of iron significantly changed in this process. Iron uptake and distribution may be the important reason of selenium alleviates cold injury of cucumber seedlings. Whole genes transcriptome was used for screening key genes on leaf and root of cucumber seedlings. To determine the interrelation between abscisic acid and melatonin in selenite alleviating cold stress, abscisic acid inhibitor fluridone and melatonin synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine were used for in-depth study. The results indicate that melatonin as upstream signal of ABA involved in selenium enhanced cucumber cold tolerance. The results of yeast single hybridization, EMSA, LUC, and overexpression transgenic showed that the transcription factor CsGATA3 regulates the expression of CsCOMT1 in vitro and in vivo and affects melatonin content. This study provides a theoretical basis for cucumber cultivation and breeding.

Analisis Risiko Produksi Pertanian Mentimun pada Lahan Gambut di Kubu Raya

Kubu Raya Regency, particularly Rasau Jaya District, is a region in West Kalimantan dominated by peatlands. One of the leading agricultural products in this area is cucumber. However, cucumber production in Rasau Jaya District experiences significant annual fluctuations. These fluctuations are caused by various risks, such as vulnerability to climate change, which triggers pest and plant disease outbreaks, and physical and chemical damage to peatlands. This study, conducted in 2023, aims to describe cucumber production outcomes, analyze factors affecting production risks, and measure the magnitude of those risks. Data were collected from 30 respondents who are cucumber farmers in Rasau Jaya District. The research highlights that peatlands, while fertile, are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making risk management crucial for sustainable agriculture. Farmers face challenges such as limited access to agricultural inputs and unpredictable weather conditions, further amplifying the risks in cucumber farming. The socio-economic characteristics of respondents, including education levels and farming experience, also play a role in managing production risks. Data analysis was performed using the coefficient of variation (CV) method and multiple linear regression. The results show that the production risk of cucumber farming in peatlands has a CV value of 0.009, indicating a low risk (CV < 0.5). The analyzed factors include land area, seeds, labor, lime usage, and poles and strings. These factors significantly influence the production risks of cucumbers in the area. This study provides insights into the conditions and risks of cucumber cultivation in the peatlands of Rasau Jaya. The information obtained can serve as a basis for better risk management in peatland agricultural practices.

Synergistic role of rootstock and grafting in boosting growth, yield, and quality of cucumber cultivation

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a widely grown and highly valued cucurbitaceous vegetable crop, commanding premium prices in the vegetable market. However, intensive cultivation and monocropping practices have led to significant challenges in cucumber production, particularly in greenhouses, due to root-knot nematode and soil-borne diseases. Grafting has emerged as an alternative approach to boost abiotic stress tolerance and mitigate root diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens, thereby improving crop productivity. A study was conducted during 2023-2024 on the farmer’s field to explore the interactive effects of various grafting techniques by grafting a hybrid cucumber scion onto various local rootstocks. The experiment evaluated the performance of the hybrid cucumber scion Emistar, grafted onto four rootstocks: fig-leaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), ash gourd (Benincasa hispida), and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Two grafting techniques-hole insertion and splice grafting, were tested using different scion-rootstock combinations. The study evaluated growth, yield, and fruit quality under controlled environmental conditions. The results indicated that the pumpkin rootstock outperformed the other rootstocks, particularly when grafted using the hole insertion techniques. This combination achieved the earliest flowering (26.33 days), longest plant growth (455.77 cm), and highest fruit yield (8.07 kg). In contrast, splice grafting on bottle gourd resulted in slower growth and lower yields. Additionally, hole insertion grafting on pumpkin produced superior fruit characteristics, including the longest fruits (16.43 cm), largest diameter (9.1cm), highest fruit weight (147.24 g), and the highest TSS content (2.85ºBrix). Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted strong positive relationships between yield and growth traits, emphasizing the superiority of the pumpkin rootstock for cucumber grafting. The study showed vigorous rootstocks like pumpkin can significantly enhance cucumber growth and yield through improved nutrient uptake, hormone translocation, and optimized grafting techniques.

RPO film effectively promotes fruit quality and yield of cucumber through adjusting greenhouse environment and hormone contents.

Light conversion films are crucial for optimizing vegetable crop production in greenhouses, particularly during winter and spring seasons. This study investigated the effects of a europium-based light conversion film (RPO) compared to traditional polyolefin film (PO film, control) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivation, focusing on handle length, yield, and fruit quality in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that RPO film significantly enhanced multiple light parameters: overall transmittance (8.5% increase), far-red radiation (710-760nm, 17% increase), red-orange radiation (610-709nm, 9.8% increase), and blue radiation (440-509nm, 9.6% increase). The film also increased average light intensity (400-700nm) by 13% and maximum temperature by 13%. Conversely, it reduced ultraviolet radiation (300-399nm) by 38%, violet radiation (400-439nm) by 3.3%, and green radiation (510-609nm) by 5.7%. The modified light environment substantially improved cucumber production metrics. Handle length ratio decreased by 24% due to reduced cell numbers, while yield increased by 30%. Fruit quality parameters showed significant improvements: soluble protein (25% increase), vitamin C (27% increase), free amino acids (28% increase), and soluble solids (9% increase), with a 35% reduction in organic acid content. Notably, both auxin synthesis gene expression and auxin content in cucumber handles decreased by 87% and 24%, respectively.

Microbial Indoor Air Quality Within Greenhouses and Polytunnels Is Crucial for Sustainable Horticulture (Malopolska Province, Poland Conditions)

Sustainable horticulture is crucially based on the greenhouse production of vegetables under controlled conditions. In this study, we wanted to learn how cultivated plants may impact indoor air quality and whether the workers can be exposed to bioaerosols in a similar way in these settings. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that the microbial concentrations, distribution of bioaerosol particle sizes, and composition of the airborne microbiome are specific to greenhouses, polytunnels, and open-air sites. The air samples were collected to assess the concentration of total culturable bacteria (TCB), fungi, actinomycetes, and β-haemolytic bacteria and for the identification of bacterial and fungal strains. Higher concentrations of TCB and fungi were found in the greenhouse (log 3.71 and 3.49 cfu m−3, respectively) than in polytunnels (log 2.60–2.48 and 2.51–2.31 cfu m−3, respectively) during the vegetation of cucumbers. These airborne microbes were represented by a significant contribution of the respirable fraction with a distinct contribution of fine particles in size below 4.7 µm. Cultivation of cucumbers resulted in the higher emission of airborne microorganisms in contrast with growing herbs such as oregano and basil. In total, 35 different bacteria and 12 fungal species, including pathogenic or allergenic agents, were identified within the studied sites. The workers can be exposed to increased concentrations of TCB and fungi in the greenhouse during the plant vegetation. It might be recommended to properly manage greenhouses and polytunnels, dispose of dust sources, and maintain appropriate ventilation to sustain relevant air quality.

Transforming Irrigated Agriculture in Semi-Arid and Dry Subhumid Mediterranean Conditions: A Case of Protected Cucumber Cultivation

Pressure from population growth and climate change stress the limited water resources in the Mediterranean region and threaten food security and social stability. Enhancing food production requires the transformation of irrigation systems and enhancement of local capacity for sustainable water and soil management in irrigated agriculture. The aim of this work is the conversion of traditional irrigation practices, by introducing the practice of optimal irrigation scheduling based on local ET estimation and soil moisture monitoring, and the use of continuous feeding by fertigation to enhance both water and nutrient use efficiency. For this, two trials were established between August and November 2023 in two different pedoclimatic zones (Serein and Sultan Yacoub) of the inner Bekaa Plain of Lebanon, characterized by semi-arid and dry subhumid conditions and different soil types. Greenhouse cucumber was tested to compare the prevailing traditional farmers’ practices with the advanced, technology-based, methods of water management. Results showed a significantly higher amount of water applied by the farmers to the protected cucumber, with a potential for average saving of 105 mm of water applied in each season by improved practices. Water input in the traditional practices revealed potential stress to plants. With more than 20% increase in cucumber yield by the transformed practices, a general trend was observed in the fertilization approach and amounts, resulting in lower nutrient recovery in the farmer’s plots. The science-based practices of water and nutrient management showed higher application and agronomic water use efficiency of full fertigation, exceeding 60%, associated with double and triple higher nitrogen use efficiency, compared to those results obtained by the traditional water and fertilizer application methods. The monitored factors can contribute to severe economic and environmental consequences from nutrient buildup or leaching in the soil–groundwater system in the Mediterranean region.

Mechanism of a novel Bacillus subtilis JNF2 in suppressing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerium and enhancing cucumber growth.

Cucumber Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerium (FOC), is a prevalent soil-borne disease. In this study, Bacillus subtilis JNF2, isolated from the high incidence area of cucumber Fusarium wilt in Luoyang, demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on FOC and promoted cucumber seedling growth. The biocontrol mechanism of strain JNF2 were elucidated through morphological observation, physiological and biochemical experiments, and whole genome sequence analysis. Pot experiments revealed an 81.33 ± 0.21% control efficacy against Fusarium wilt, surpassing the 64.10 ± 0.06% efficacy of hymexazol. Seedlings inoculated with JNF2 exhibited enhanced stem thickness and leaf area compared to control and hymexazol-treated plants. Physiological tests confirmed JNF2's production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and hydrolytic enzymes, such as β-1,3-glucanase, amylase, and protease, which inhibited FOC growth and promoted plant development. Genome analysis identified genes encoding antimicrobial peptides and hydrolases, as well as a novel glycocin synthetic gene cluster. These findings underscore B. subtilis JNF2's potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable cucumber cultivation.

Economic viability of seaweed and sea cucumber culture using integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Economic viability of seaweed and sea cucumber culture using integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Automation in Agriculture: A Robotic Approach to Weed Control for Greenhouse Cucumber Cultivation

The increasing global population has heightened the demand for efficient food production, leading to the adoption of compact cultivation methods such as greenhouses. However, weed growth within these controlled environments significantly challenges crop productivity. The application of robots can be a useful and economic choice. This study presents an innovative, purely mechanical system for weed control in greenhouses, specifically designed to operate autonomously on a monorail. The machine stops in the distance between the two main plant rows (cucumber) and its arm goes into the gap to deploy the weeds by rotating its blades. This is continued repeatedly. The cutting is by the rotational speed of the blade. Variable-speed motions of the blade were at 3500, 2500 and 1500 rpm for 3 types of moulinex, triangular, and circular blades. The movement speed of the arm was 10 and 30 rpm and the forward movement speed of the machine was 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 120 rpm. The results showed that different blades, blade speeds and engine speed affect significantly (p <0.05) the percentage of weeds being cut. Although the interactions of these factors have no significant effect on percentage; the average percentages by the blades have significant differences. Although the interactions between these factors were not statistically significant, the comparison of means revealed that at lower blade speeds, the blade type had a pronounced effect on weed-cutting efficiency. As blade speed increased, differences in blade performance diminished. The most effective combination was achieved using Moulinex blades at 3500 rpm with a 10-rpm arm speed, resulting in the highest percentage of weeds cut. These findings suggest that optimizing blade type and speed can significantly enhance the mechanical weed control efficiency in greenhouse environments.

Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat melalui Pembuatan Produk Minuman Timun Apel sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Ekonomi dan Ketahanan Pangan Lokal

Apple cucumber is an annual plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is very closely related to the melon plant. Regarding morphology and fruit aroma, this plant is a hybrid plant or a cross between melon and suri cucumber. Apple cucumber farmers in Tanjungpakis Village cultivate an average of ½Ha land for apple cucumber cultivation. The taste of the apple cucumber produced by the fruit is sweet, and the flesh is soft, making this fruit much liked by the public. This makes apple cucumber a superior local fruit that is cultivated in Tanjung Pakis Village. The aim of implementing community service is to make apple cucumbers a strategic superior commodity to be processed into beverage products, optimize the potential of local and regional products, and help improve the economy and welfare of farmers in rural areas. The implementation method is carried out through outreach and licensing, training and practice, and assistance to farmers. The results obtained from the service implementation are syrup product innovations that have been packaged and equipped with attractive product labels.

Economic Analysis of kharif Vegetable Cultivation in Palghar District of Maharashtra State, India

The study was undertaken with the specific objective to workout costs, returns and profitability in vegetables production of a sample of 90 vegetable cultivators of three tahsil of Palghar viz. Vasai, Palghar and Dahanu during 2023.Simple statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, average, percentage, ratios and frequency distribution were worked out. For working out cost of production, standard cost concepts viz., cost-A1, cost-A2 cost-B1, cost-B2, cost-C1, cost-C2, cost-C3 were used. The cost of cultivation of kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.130880, Rs.172317, Rs.74835, Rs.145956, Rs.166815, Rs.220387and Rs.209361for respectively. The gross returns obtained from kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was Rs.141240, Rs.271560, Rs.77532, Rs.280280, Rs.227850, Rs.337506 and Rs.345345 respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for kharif brinjal, okra, cowpea, tomato, cucumber, bottle gourd and bitter gourd was 1.08, 1.58, 1.04, 1.92, 1.37, 1.53 and 1.65 respectively. The promising benefit-cost ratios indicate a favorable environment for vegetable farming in Palghar, suggesting that with strategic crop selection and enhanced agricultural practices, the future of vegetable cultivation in the region is likely to be both profitable and sustainable.

EFFECT OF FISH PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE ON GROWTH, YIELD AND STORABILITY OF SOME FEMALE CUCUMBER HYBRIDS (Cucumis Sativus L) GROWN IN PLASTIC HOUSE IN BASRA

General Background: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable, valued for its nutritional and economic significance. Specific Background: The application of biostimulants, such as fish protein hydrolysate, has gained attention for enhancing plant growth and yield. However, the impact of varying concentrations of fish protein hydrolysate on different cucumber hybrids remains underexplored. Knowledge Gap: Despite existing research on biostimulants, the specific effects of fish protein hydrolysate on hybrid cucumber performance, particularly in unheated plastic houses, are inadequately documented. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of fish protein hydrolysate on the growth and yield of three cucumber hybrids ("Super Faris," "Ballistic," and "Darina") during the winter agricultural season of 2023/2024. Results: Conducted in a randomized complete block design with six factorial treatments and three replicates, the results indicated that the "Darina" hybrid significantly outperformed the other hybrids in key growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, leaf count, fruit number, fruit weight, individual plant yield, total yield, and total dissolved solids. Additionally, concentrations of fish protein hydrolysate at 2 and 4 ml L-1 demonstrated significant benefits over control treatments for most vegetative and yield indicators, although no effect on vitamin C content was observed. Novelty: This study provides new insights into the synergistic effects of hybrid selection and biostimulant application in cucumber cultivation. Implications: The findings suggest that the strategic application of fish protein hydrolysate can enhance cucumber production, highlighting its potential as a sustainable agricultural practice to improve crop yield and quality.

Optimizing water use efficiency in greenhouse cucumber cultivation: A comparative study of intelligent irrigation systems.

This study investigated the use of an intelligent irrigation system for greenhouse cucumber cultivation, aiming to manage water consumption efficiently. During the initial phase, irrigation was tested at four levels: 80%, 90%, and 100% of Field Capacity (FC), and Conventional Flood Irrigation (CFI). Data on environmental conditions and water usage were meticulously recorded. Optimal yields and crop quality (measured by size and firmness) were achieved at CFI and 100% FC, with CFI consuming the most water (0.148 m3/m2) Consequently, 100% FC was identified as the best practice, informing the intelligent system's calibration in the subsequent phase. This adjustment resulted in reduced water consumption and a 15.6% improvement in Water Use Efficiency (WUE) over CFI. Additionally, by examining the product performance and the color characteristics, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis of the leaves, it was observed that the quality and optimal water supply and the product performance were maintained in the smart irrigation system. The study concludes that, considering long-term outcomes, the intelligent irrigation system is preferable to CFI, offering significant water savings and enhanced WUE without compromising crop quality.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers on Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Under The Climatic Conditions of Takhar Province

The experiment was carried out in the research farm of Agriculture Faculty, Takhar University under the title of the effect of nitrogen fertilizer with different amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers on cucumber yield under the climatic conditions of Takhar Province, Afghanistan. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and four treatments. Treatments T1 without of any fertilizer, T2 nitrogen 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 100 kg ha-1, and potassium fertilizer 85 kg ha-1. T3 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 120 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 95 kg ha-1. T4 nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1. In the order of information related to fruit length, fruit diameter, weight per fruit, weight per plant, fruit yield per hectare in tons was registered. The maximum fruit length (19.39 cm), fruit diameter (4.80 cm), weight per fruit (184.87 gr), fruit weight per plant (2.86 kg) and performance per hectare (61.37 tons) in T4 with nitrogen fertilizer 80 kg ha-1, phosphorus fertilizer 140 kg ha-1 and potassium fertilizer 105 kg ha-1 were found, while the lowest recorded data was from T1 i.e. control. From this experiment, it can be said that the use of NPK fertilizer with the use of 80 kg of nitrogen fertilizer ha-1, 140 kg of phosphorus fertilizer ha-1 and 105 kg of potassium fertilizer ha-1 for cucumber cultivation caused better growth and performance in the field of Takhar University.

Revealing the Response of Cucumber Soil Microbial Community Composition and Function to Nitrogen Addition in Northern Chinese Greenhouses

At present, the soil of Chinese greenhouses is experiencing severe nitrogen input in the form of fertilizer, which will cause damage to the soil environment and restrict crop growth in the long run. The response of potential functions of microorganisms as drivers of nutrient cycling and material transformation to nitrogen enrichment has rarely been reported in northern vegetable planting systems. Therefore, we set up four cucumber pot experiments with different nitrogen addition rates (0, 258, 516, and 1032 kg N ha−1 yr−1) in the greenhouse. Bacterial and fungal communities were detected by 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequencing, and bacterial and fungal functional groups were predicted using the FAPROTAX and FUNGuild databases. The findings showed that nitrogen addition induced soil acidification (a decrease of 0.25–1.63 units) significantly reduced microbial diversity and changed the community composition of bacteria and fungi. The relative abundance of bacterial functional groups associated with the nitrogen cycle increased significantly when medium and high levels of nitrogen were added. Conversely, the bacterial functional groups involved in the carbon cycle exhibited the opposite pattern. In this study, NO3− and soil pH were the main factors affecting the soil microbial community and its functional groups. Our results highlight that hydrocarbon degradation and saprophytic fungi may play key roles in yield formation during cucumber cultivation in northern solar greenhouses. In general, adopting a fertilization strategy that ensures low-medium nitrogen availability can contribute to the sustainable progress of facility agriculture.

Financial Feasibility of Cucumber Cultivation in Polyhouse: A Case Study from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the popular vegetable crops grown broadly throughout the world. Cucumber crop grows successfully under conditions of high light, high humidity, high soil moisture, temperature, and fertilizers in the greenhouse. Aim of the Study: The present study was carried out to evaluate financial matrix such as payback period or net present value benefit cost ratio and internal rate of return of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation financial metrics evaluated, for 2023-24. Sampling Design: A multistage sampling design were used for the study of Cucumber cultivation in a polyhouse in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan for the 2023-24. Two tehsils were selected purposively based on the highest number of polyhouse from Jaipur district, namely Jhotwara and Jobner. A sample of 60 farmers were selected for the study from these two tehsils. Results: The finding of the study revealed that the payback period of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation, for small farmers was favorable after covering the subsidy i.e. 0.75 years. The net present worth of polyhouse for small farmers was ₹ 14222249.12, for 20-year expected life at a 7.5 percent discount rate. It was ₹ 13406743.12 for large farmers and ₹ 11164102.12 for assumed non-subsidized farmers. The benefit-cost ratio for the subsidized small farmer was 10.41 and it was 6.76 for the subsidized large farmer. The benefit-cost ratio for the assumed non-subsidized farmer was 3.44 for the cucumber cultivation in polyhouse. The Internal Rate of Return was 133 percent, 84 percent, and 36 percent for the small, large, and non-subsidized cucumber-cultivating polyhouse farmers. Thus, result of the study in all three condition shows profitability of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation.

SILICIO COMO BIOESTIMULANTE EN EL CULTIVO DE PEPINO (Cucumis sativus L.)

<p><strong>Background. </strong>The use of silicon as a fertilizer can reduce the need to use chemical fertilizers and thereby prevent the adverse effects of the latter. <strong>Objective. </strong>To evaluate silicon as a biostimulant in the cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under greenhouse conditions<strong>. Methodology. </strong>Four concentrations of silicon dioxide (0, 0.15, 0.21 and 0.27 g of SiO<sub>2 </sub>per plant) were applied to the plant at six, 20 and 28 d after transplanting (six days after the emergency). At 40 days after sowing, the length of guides (m), stem diameter (mm) and number of leaves were determined. Likewise, the number of flowers, number of fruits, length fruits, diameter and weight of the fruit and yield (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The variables were analyzed using a general linear model and polynomials by regression. <strong>Results. </strong>The treatment of 0.22 g of SiO<sub>2 </sub>per plant increased stem diameter and length of the guides. The concentration of 0.27 g of SiO<sub>2 </sub>per plant had a positive influenced the growth of the cucumber crop, allowing fruit harvests of greater length, weight and diameter and a greater number of fruits per plant. <strong>Implications. </strong>It is possible to increase the yield of cucumber crops by applying silicon. <strong>Conclusions. </strong>The use of<strong> </strong>SiO<sub>2 </sub>at concentrations of 0.27 g per cucumber plant under greenhouse conditions increases it yield per hectare.</p>