Growth Of Cucumber Research Articles

Effect of Iron Nanoparticles Prepared from Onion Extract on Cucumber Plant Growth and Production

In recent years, it has been shown that the use of chemical fertilizers negatively affects the environment and public health. Nano fertilizer have been discovered and used, and one of their many advantages is the speed and ease of obtaining them from various plant sources, which are cheap and currently available it's friendly for environment. The field experiment was carried out in the spring season of 2021 in a mixture of salty clay (cohesive soil) for the purpose of studying the effect of spraying synthetic nanoparticles used from iron oxide particles with onion plant extract at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 parts per million on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus). The prepared nanoparticles were identified by the following assays: UV-visible spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and AFM. The results showed a significant effect of using Nano pesticides, especially with high concentration, in increasing average plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area and total plant yield. It was concluded from this study that the positive effect of Nano-fertilizer prepared with onion extract on plant growth, which led to an increase in cucumber productivity and the quality of its fruits, from that there is the possibility of using it as an alternative to conditional mineral fertilizers, after conducting several studies on the safety of using these plants treated with Nano-fertilizers for humans.

The Effect of Plant Spacing and Weeding Time on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The Effect of Plant Spacing and Weeding Time on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Improved salinity tolerance in cucumber seedlings inoculated with halotolerant bacterial isolates with plant growth-promoting properties

To address salinity stress in plants in an eco-friendly manner, this study investigated the potential effects of salinity-resistant bacteria isolated from saline agricultural soils on the growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus, cv. Royal) seedlings. A greenhouse factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, salinity at four levels and five bacterial treatments, with three replications (n = 3). Initially, fifty bacterial isolates were screened for their salinity and drought tolerance, phosphate solubilization activity, along with production of auxin, siderophore and hydrogen cyanide. Isolates K4, K14, K15, and C8 exhibited the highest resistance to salinity and drought stresses in vitro. Isolates C8 and K15 demonstrated the highest auxin production capacity, generating 2.95 and 2.87 µg mL− 1, respectively, and also exhibited significant siderophore production capacities (by 14% and 11%). Additionally, isolates C8 and K14 displayed greater phosphate solubilization activities, by 184.64 and 122.11 µg mL− 1, respectively. The statistical analysis revealed that the selected four potent isolates significantly enhanced all growth parameters of cucumber plants grown under salinity stress conditions for six weeks. Plant height increased by 41%, fresh and dry weights by 35% and 7%, respectively, and the leaf area index by 85%. The most effective isolate, C8, was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on the 16 S rDNA amplicon sequencing. This study demonstrated that inoculating cucumber seedlings with halotolerant bacterial isolates, such as C8 (Bacillus subtilis), possessing substantial plant growth-promoting properties significantly alleviated salinity stress by enhancing plant growth parameters. These findings suggest a promising eco-friendly strategy for improving crop productivity in saline agricultural environments.

Macrogenome-based study on the mechanism of Bacillus velezensis SX13 in regulating rhizophere environment and cucumber growth under different cultivation environments

Microbial activities are the dynamic core of nutrient cycling in organic substrates, and the exploitation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria strains contributes to sustainable agricultural development. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Bacillus velezensis SX13 in nutrient cycling and plant promotion under different substrate supply conditions. The effects of reduced substrate amount (sCK) and inoculation of SX13 strain under both substrate supply conditions (Bv and sBv) on rhizosphere microenvironment and plant growth were investigated using conventional substrate amount (CK) as a control. Results showed no significant difference in the α-diversity indexes (Chao1 and Shannon) of the rhizospheric microbial community among the four treatments. However, nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis and principal coordinate analysis revealed that compared with CK treatment, the inoculation of SX13 strain and reduced substrate supply reshaped the β-diversity structure of microbial communities. Furthermore, inoculation with B. velezensis SX13 under both substrate supply conditions increased the abundance of Proteobacteria (1.64%–2.46 %), Acidobacteria (14.09%–43.07 %), and Firmicutes (179.29%–861.29 %). The results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that the metabolic pathway with the highest abundance of enriched genes was also the pathway with the most enriched differential genes caused by reducing substrate supply or inoculation of B. velezensis SX13. The rhizosphere inoculation of B. velezensis SX13 significantly up-regulated the top genes related to carbohydrate esterases, carbohydrate binding modules, glycoside hydrolases, glycoside transferases, and polysaccharide lyases. As a result, the activities of carbon and nitrogen cycle-related enzymes such as cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase, urease, l-leucine amino peptidase, and β-1 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase were increased, which in turn accelerated nutrient cycling. B. velezensis SX13 and its mediated improvement of the rhizospheric microenvironment resulted in the up-regulation of root CsNRT family genes (such as CsNRT1.1, CsNRT1.4a, CsNRT1.4b, CsNRT1.5a, CsNRT1.5b, CsNRT1.5c, and CsNRT1.8), which accelerated nitrogen uptake, accumulation, and utilization efficiency and ultimately improved the yield and quality of cucumber. The effect of SX13 strain was more stable and efficient under conventional substrate supply conditions than under reduced substrate supply conditions.

Effect of different leaf area management on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivated in hydroponic system

Effect of different leaf area management on growth and yield of cucumber (<i>Cucumis sativus</i> L.) cultivated in hydroponic system

Impact of weed control methods and staking on the growth, yield, and weed response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Kano, Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Cucumber growing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria's Sudan savanna region due to its health benefits and minimal impact on the soil. However, weed infestation is a major challenge that can significantly reduce yields, by up to 45-95%. In view of this, two trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and the net house of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture of the Bayero University Kano to examine the effects of weed control and staking on cucumbers during the 2021 dry season. The trial consisted of eight weed control treatments and two staking methods which were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates, with staking assigned to the main plot while weed control was assigned to the sub plots. The study analyzed data on growth and yield, using Genstat (17th edition) and significantly different means were separated using the Student Newman-Keuls Test (SNK) at a 5% level of probability. Results showed a higher composition of grass and broadleaf weeds in open fields compared to controlled net house environments. Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) was greater in weed-free plots, but Butachlor and metolachlor significantly outperformed other treatments, providing higher WCE. The herbicidal treated plots significantly resulted in longer days to 50% emergence than other treatments, while it also resulted in a shorter number of days to 50% flowering and fruiting than weedy check. The vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were highly significant (p&lt;0.01) in weed free, butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 post emergence ( POE) and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE. Similarly, yield and yield attributes followed the same pattern as obtained in growth components. Staking of vines on the other hand significantly resulted in greater growth and yield of cucumber. Based on these findings, farmers in the study area are advised to grow cucumber staked with the application of Butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE for sustainable weed management.

Bioestimulación de extractos de plantas del semidesierto en crecimiento, rendimiento y calidad en pepino

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a relevant crop in horticulture and the world economy. Mexico stands out as the sixth largest cucumber producer, with 72.3% exported. High demand has driven agricultural innovations to improve growth, yield and fruit quality. Extracts from semi-desert plants used as biostimulants represent a sustainable alternative to increase productivity. The aim was to evaluate the bioestimulant effect of Rhus muelleri, Flourensia microphylla y F. retinophylla extrcts, alone or combined, compared with three commercial bioregulators: gibberellic acid, indoleacetic acid, and 6-benzylaminopurine, and a control, in the growth, yield and quality of cucumber. The treatments were applied, first by imbibing the seeds, and then by foliar application. The combination of extracts showed better yield and quality of cucumber, surpassing the bioregulators and control. The semi-desert plant extracts biostimulated the vegetative growth, yield and quality of cucumber hybrid Centauro F1.

Effects of dietary fermented attachments of suspension cage as a replacement for sea mud on growth and intestinal health of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

In the suspension cage culture process, regular cleaning to remove epiphytic organisms from the cage is essential to prevent economic losses due to the sinking of the cage. However, after cleaning, many of attachments from the suspension cage accumulate in the tidal flats, causing environmental pollution and resource wastage. Moreover, because sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) are sedimentary food organisms, sea mud is typically added to their feed to varying degrees. However, long-term excavation of sea mud can destroy the marine environment. Therefore, developing an alternative new raw feed material to replace sea mud in sea cucumber feed is necessary to promote sustainable development of the A. japonicus aquaculture industry. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using fermented attachments of suspension cage (FASC) as a raw feed material for A. japonicus. Different FASC concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 %) were used in A. japonicus feed for 60 d. Replacing Sea mud with 100 % FASC significantly improved sea cucumber growth, reduced the feed coefficient, significantly increased the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, improved intestinal structure, and enriched intestinal microbiome diversity. Furthermore, expressions of growth genes mapk-7 and fgfr-1 significantly increased in the 100 % FASC treatment compared with that in the control, and that of negative growth regulator gene gdf-8 was inhibited. The results suggested the potential of FASC as a new raw feed material for A. japonicus.

Effects of polypeptidin feeding on growth and intestinal flora of Apostichopus japonicus

Apostichopus japonicus (A. japonicus) is known as one of the most popular varieties in aquaculture due to its rich nourishment and potential medicinal value. In recent years, with the abnormal change of marine environment and global climate, new challenges are arising continually in the culture process of A. japonicus. Intestinal flora plays an important role in host health and growth, and a lot of studies confirmed the close relationship between the composition change of intestinal flora and the growth of sea cucumbers. In this study, polypeptidin belonging to bacteriocins, was as an additive ingredient in sea cucumber feed. The growth of A. japonicus increased significantly after polypeptidin feeding, and the growth rate reached the highest with 1 % polypeptidin especially. Subsequently 16 S rRNA of gut microbiota from 1 % polypeptidin group was sequenced and analyzed for richness and diversity index, but the results showed that polypeptidin supplement did not markedly change the diversity and main composition of gut microbiota compared to the control. So the further analyze was performed by dependent t-test for paired samples, and found that the abundance of only a few of species at the class level changed significantly, including Alphaproteobacteria, Desulfotomaculia and Chlamydiae, but many species at the genus level changed significantly. Some important metabolic pathways were identified through function prediction, like TCA cycle, streptomycin biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism. At this basis, the analysis combined with the genuses and the metabolic pathways demonstrated that polypeptidin might regulate the richness of some bacteria, which could be involved in enzyme degradation, antibacterial substances secreting or underlying pathogenic tendency of gut microbiota ecosystem. These fine-tunings instead of main community structure change were probably more beneficial to the intestinal flora health, and finally contributed to the growth of A. japonicus. Thus, polypeptidin serves as a mild, non-stimulating feed supplement for A. japonicus, and has good prospects for application.

Growth, Yield, and Physiological Responses of Cucumber (Kish F1 Hybrid) Grafted onto African Horned Cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus L.) Rootstock under Deficit Irrigation Stress

Growth, Yield, and Physiological Responses of Cucumber (Kish F1 Hybrid) Grafted onto African Horned Cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus L.) Rootstock under Deficit Irrigation Stress

Estimating body weight of caged sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus) using an underwater time-lapse camera and image analysis by semantic segmentation

Image analysis is being developed to improve the efficiency of fishery and aquaculture technologies. Optical cameras are an easy and cost-effective method for monitoring fish and other species. In this study, a monitoring system that combines an underwater time-lapse camera and a deep learning-based image analysis was developed for utilization in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). The sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) was used as a target species because the technology necessary for estimating growth, particularly in terms of weight, of caged sea cucumber using an underwater environment is still under study. Therefore, semantic segmentation was applied to classify the images into caged sea cucumbers and various underwater backgrounds. Multiple images of sea cucumbers were captured in a water tank that mimicked the box cage used in IMTA, and their body weights were measured simultaneously. For model development, approximately 1,300 images were prepared for the training and validation processes. The model then achieved an IoU (Intersection over Union) of approximately 94 % for the validation data. Next, the pixel numbers of sea cucumbers were converted into an area calculated using the size of the cage net as the background. The relationship between the area and weight of sea cucumbers yielded an approximate line for estimating body weight. As a result, the approximation line had a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.87 for training and validation data and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) =1.81 and 6.78 g for sea cucumbers less than 10 and 110 g, respectively. Using the model, test images in an actual IMTA situation were applied, and the estimated body weights were close to the measured values for small sea cucumbers. If we apply this model to images obtained over an extended period, the growth of sea cucumbers in a time series can be understood.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Zinc Sulphate on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

An experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during February-May, 2023 on cucumber. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations and was replicated thrice. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor H: Hybrids (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112 and Saira-934) and Factor T: Different concentrations of GA₃+ZnSO₄ (T0 - Control (water spray), T1 -GA₃ @100ppm+ZnSO₄ @0.25%, T2 - GA₃ @200ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.50%, T3 - GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% and T4 - GA₃ @400ppm+ZnSO₄ @1%). TMCU-1125 recorded significantly higher yield attributes of cucumber over other hybrids in parameters like vine length at 80 DAS (102.6 cm), days to 50% flowering (40), days to 1st harvest (46), number of fruits per plant (11), fruit length (18.4 cm), average fruit weight (237.5 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.6 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.8 mg/100g). Among different treatments, GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% resulted in significantly longer vine at 80 DAS (98.4 cm), Days to 50% flowering (43), days to 1st harvest (50), number of fruits per plant (9), fruit length (16.6 cm), average fruit weight (232.0 g), average fruit yield per plant (2.0 kg) and ascorbic acid content (0.5 mg/100g). The interaction effect of T8 (TMCU-1125 + GA₃ @300ppm+ ZnSO₄ @0.75% is best suited for getting higher growth, yield, quality of cucumber.

Effects of light colors on the growth, body color changes, and phototactic behaviors of green, purple, and white sea cucumbers, Apostichopus japonicus

The sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is a high valuable species in Chinese aquaculture. Light significantly impacts the life cycle of sea cucumbers. However, existing studies mainly focus on the effect of light intensity and photoperiod on adult green sea cucumbers, with fewer studies on light color and inconsistent results. Research on the photoreceptive responses of different color morphs is still insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to explore the physiological and behavioral effects of different light colors on various color morphs (green, purple, white) of sea cucumbers. The results showed that short-wavelength light inhibits sea cucumber growth, while long-wavelength light and darkness promote higher growth rates. Green sea cucumbers adapted best to light stress, followed by purple and white morphs. Purple sea cucumbers grew better under long-wavelength light and darkness. Under low light, color changes in sea cucumbers were minimal. Sea cucumbers exhibited negative phototaxis to all light colors, with stronger reactions to blue and purple light, leading to stacking behavior. They aggregated less under red and yellow light, using tentacle contact to reduce light exposure. White sea cucumbers showed the most aggregation under light. The results provide a theoretical basis for further research on sea cucumber photoreception, new insights into environmental adaptation, and information for aquaculture improvement.

Mining key genes associated with phosphorus deficiency through genome-wide identification and characterization of cucumber SPX family genes

BackgroundProteins harboring the SPX domain are crucial for the regulation of phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in plants. This study aimed to identify and analyze the entire SPX gene family within the cucumber genome.ResultsThe cucumber genome encompassed 16 SPX domain-containing genes, which were distributed across six chromosomes and categorized into four distinct subfamilies: SPX, SPX-MFS, SPX-EXS and SPX-RING, based on their structure characteristics. Additionally, gene duplications and synteny analysis were conducted for CsSPXs, revealing that their promoter regions were enriched with a variety of hormone-responsive, biotic/abiotic stress and typical P1BS-related elements. Tissue expression profiling of CsSPX genes revealed that certain members were specifically expressed in particular organs, suggesting essential roles in cucumber growth and development. Under low Pi stress, CsSPX1 and CsSPX2 exhibited a particularly strong response to Pi starvation. It was observed that the cucumber cultivar Xintaimici displayed greater tolerance to low Pi compared to black-spined cucumber under low Pi stress conditions. Protein interaction networks for the 16 CsSPX proteins were predicted, and yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that CsPHR1 interacted with CsSPX2, CsSPX3, CsSPX4 and CsSPX5, implying their involvement in the Pi signaling pathway in conjunction with CsPHR1.ConclusionThis research lays the foundation for further exploration of the function of the CsSPX genes in response to low Pi stress and for elucidating the underlying mechanism.

Humic acid and grafting as sustainable agronomic practices for increased growth and secondary metabolism in cucumber subjected to salt stress

Salinity stress poses a significant treat to crop yields and product quality worldwide. Application of a humic acid bio stimulant and grafting onto tolerant rootstocks can both be considered sustainable agronomic practices that can effectively ameliorate the negative effects of salinity stress. This study aimed to assess the above mentioned ameliorative effects of both practices on cucumber plants subjected to saline environments. To attain this goal a factorial experiment was carried out in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications. The three factors considered were (a) three different salinity levels (0, 5, and 10 dS m−1 of NaCl), (b) foliar application of humic acid at three levels (0, 100, and 200 mg L−1), and (c) both grafted and ungrafted plants. Vegetative traits including plant height, fresh and dry weight and number of leaf exhibited a significant decrease under increasing salinity stress. However, the application of humic acid at both levels mitigated these effects compared to control plants. The reduction in relative water content (RWC) of the leaf caused by salinity, was compensated by the application of humic acid and grafting. Thus, the highest RWC (86.65%) was observed in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. Electrolyte leakage (EL) increased under salinity stress, but the application of humic acid and grafting improved this trait and the lowest amount of EL (26.95%) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. The highest amount of catalase (0.53 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) and peroxidase (12.290 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) enzymes were observed in the treatment of 10 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 humic acid. The highest amount of total phenol (1.99 mg g−1 FW), total flavonoid (0.486 mg g−1 FW), total soluble carbohydrate (30.80 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein (34.56 mg g−1 FW), proline (3.86 µg g−1 FW) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 of humic acid. Phenolic acids and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased with increasing salinity and humic acid levels. Contrary to humic acid, salt stress increased the sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl−) and decreased the amount of potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) in the root and leaf of ungrafted cucumber. However, the application 200 mg L−1 humic acid appeared to mitigate these effects, thereby suggesting a potential role in moderating physiological processes and improving growth of cucumber plants subjected to salinity stress. According to the obtained results, spraying of humic acid (200 mg L−1) and the use of salt resistant rootstocks are recommended to increase tolerance to salt stress in cucumber. These results, for the first time, clearly demonstrated that fig leaf gourd a new highly salt-tolerant rootstock, enhances salt tolerance and improves yield and quality of grafted cucumber plants by reducing sodium transport to the shoot and increasing the amount of compatible osmolytes.

Soil physico-chemical properties and yield response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) To 2,4-Epibrasinolide under water stress

Dry season production of cucumber is often limited by water availability. Here, we explored the pleiotropic role of 2,4-epibrassinolide (BR) in ameliorating water stress based on changes in soil physico-chemical properties and fruit yield of cucumber under water stressed-conditions. The effects of four water stress levels-WL0, [No stress/control: 860 mL (100% daily irrigation)], WL1 [640 mL (75% daily irrigation)], WL2 [430 mL (50% daily irrigation)] and WL3 = [210 mL (25% daily irrigation)] in factorial combination with foliarly-applied two BR levels [with (BR1= 150 and 250 mL) and without (BR0= 0 mL)] were studied. The soil hydraulic conductivity (Ks) decreased substantially under the water-stressed condition. Soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity and base saturation were adversely (p ≤ 0.05) affected by water stress, but the exchangeable acidity (EA) was little changed. Water-stressed soil treated with BR showed a significant reduction in EA, increased Ks and nutrient availability. Although dry matter, biological yield, moisture content of the leaves and fruit yield were severely reduced by water stress, treatment with BR increased these by about 89, 27, 41 and 95%, respectively. Light interception was considerably improved under BR treatment as evidenced from the photosynthetically active radiation which increased by 42%. Over all, the increased fruit yield was a result of reduced soil acidity, increased nutrient availability and better use of light energy. Foliar application with BR could sustain growth and fruit yield of cucumber up to 50% of daily irrigation requirement.

Metabolite responses of cucumber on copper toxicity in presence of fullerene C60 derivatives

Copper (Cu) toxicity in crops is a result of excessive release of Cu into environment. Little is known about mitigation of Cu toxicity through the application of carbon-based nanomaterials including water-soluble fullerene C60 derivatives. Two derivatives of fullerene were examined: polyhydroxylated C60 (fullerenol) and arginine C60 derivative. In order to study the response of Cu-stressed plants (Cucumis sativus L.) to these nanomaterials, metabolomics analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed. Excess Cu (15 μM) caused substantial increase in xylem sap Cu, retarded dry biomass and leaf chlorosis of hydroponically grown cucumber. In Cu-stressed leaves, metabolomes was disturbed towards suppression metabolism of nitrogen (N) compounds and activation metabolism of hexoses. Also, upregulation of some metabolites involving in antioxidant defense system, such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol and ferulic acid, was occurred in Cu-stressed leaves. Hydroponically added fullerene adducts decreased the xylem sap Cu and alleviated Cu toxicity with effectiveness has been most pronounced for arginine C60 derivative. Metabolic responses of plants subjected to high Cu with fullerene derivatives were opposite to that observed under Cu alone. Fatty acids up-regulation (linolenic acid) and antioxidant molecules (tocopherol) down-regulation might indicate that arginine C60 adduct can alleviate Cu induced oxidative stress. Although fullerenol slightly improved cucumber growth, its effect on metabolic state of Cu-stressed plants was not statistically significant. We suggest that tested fullerene C60 adducts have a potential to prevent Cu toxicity in plants through a mechanism associated with their capability to restrict xylem transport of Cu from roots to shoot, and to maintain antioxidative properties of plants.

Combined application of myo-inositol and corn steep liquor enhances seedling growth and cold tolerance in cucumber and tomato.

Low temperatures pose a common challenge in the production of cucumbers and tomatoes, hindering plant growth and, in severe cases, leading to plant death. In our investigation, we observed a substantial improvement in the growth of cucumber and tomato seedlings through the application of corn steep liquor (CSL), myo-inositol (MI), and their combinations. When subjected to low-temperature stress, these treatments resulted in heightened levels of photosynthetic pigments, thereby fostering enhanced photosynthesis in both tomato and cucumber plants. Furthermore, it contributed to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and electrolyte leakage (REP). The effectiveness of the treatment was further validated through the analysis of key gene expressions (CBF1, COR, MIOX4, and MIPS1) in cucumber. Particularly, noteworthy positive outcomes were noted in the treatment involving 0.6 mL L-1 CSL combined with 72 mg L-1 MI. This study provides valuable technical insights into leveraging the synergistic effects of inositol and maize leachate to promote early crop growth and bolster resistance to low temperatures.

Study on Effect of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) and Training System on Growth and Yield of Cucumber

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season, in 2023 in the Horticulture research field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twenty treatments and replicated thrice with four cucumber varieties (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112, SAIRA-934). The observations are vine length, days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants, days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, and yield per hectare. The results showed that viz., vine length (155.53 cm), days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants (32.73), days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants (39.20), days to first harvest (52.07), average fruit weight (245.93 g), fruit length (15.67 cm), fruit diameter (4.41 cm), number of fruits per plant (12.73), average yield per plant (3.13 kg/plant), yield per hectare (34.77 t/ha), were recorded significantly highest by the application of GA3 – 30 ppm + NAA – 75 ppm + Single head system (Treatment 3) as compared to rest of the treatments.

Different Oligosaccharides Induce Coordination and Promotion of Root Growth and Leaf Senescence during Strawberry and Cucumber Growth

Oligosaccharides, as a wide type of polysaccharide, have a broad antimicrobial spectrum and promote development as plant growth stimulants. To investigate the regulation effects of different oligosaccharides on the dynamic changes of chlorophyll content, leaf fluorescence, root activity and morphology, and chloroplast ultrastructure, as well as the yields and yield components of strawberry and cucumber, typical greenhouse experiments were conducted over two years (2021–2022). The experimental plants were foliar sprayed with tap water (CK), chitosan oligosaccharide (CSOS), and mixed oligosaccharides (MixOS) five times before flowering. The conventional management (CM) was conducted as a conventional control. The findings of the present study suggest that the application of MixOS has the greatest regulation effects on delayed leaf senescence, well-developed roots, and higher fruit productions of strawberry and cucumber. Exogenous MixOS resulted in significant increases in SPAD values, maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and photochemical quenching coefficiency (qP); they were increased by 1.94–28.96%, 5.41–33.89%, and 9.93–62.07%, compared to the CSOS, CM, and CK treatments, respectively. The orderly and steady structure of thylakoids in the chloroplast, and the randomly distributed starch grains, could be clearly observed in the MixOS treatment, while the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was correspondingly reduced by 19.04–45.92%. Meanwhile, the remarkable promotion of root activity and root surface morphology indicators (i.e., root length, surface area, average diameter, and volume) could be observed when exposed to the MixOS treatments, and the total yields of strawberry and cucumber were all increased by 12.40–25.57%. These findings suggest that the mixed oligosaccharides mainly promote the coordinated growth of root and shoot, which leads to the improved yields of strawberry and cucumber.