Nutrient and Proximate Analysis of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as Influenced by Foliar Plus in the Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil applied fertilizers are prone to environmental problems relating to leaching, excessive heat, slow nutrient release, volatilization, soil-borne diseases which can lead to poor performance of the crop and generally low-quality produce. To prevent or remedy this problem, an alternative, ecologically friendly organic foliar application can be employed as it has been shown to improve the overall quality of crops, including factors like size, color, nutrient content, proximate content in high-value crops such as tomatoes, grapes, etc. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of Foliar Plus on the nutrient and proximate values of Cucumber in Owerri. The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Imo State University Owerri. Experimental site (96m2) was prepared where cucumber seeds were planted. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with 3 replications. Foliar Plus (FP) was sprayed on the cucumber plant from 1week after planting (1WAP) with different doses (0ml[control], 120ml, 140ml and 160ml) each in 15L of water and coined as 0mlFP/15Lwater, 120mlFP/15Lwater, 140mlFP/15Lwater and 160mlFP/15Lwater respectively. Evaluations of nutrient components and proximate parameters of cucumber fruits were done at harvest. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means separation was done using Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results showed that the Nutrient parameters were significantly influenced, as 120mlFP/15Lwater produced significant (p≤0.05) highest values in terms of K, Mg, P, PO-3 total chlorophyll components, whereas 160mlFP/15Lwater did the same on Ca. Though, 120mlFP/15LWater also showed statistical similarities with 160mlFP/15Lwater on P, and others on total chlorophyll (including a and b). Proximate analysis of the cucumber showed that Foliar Plus had significant (p≤0.05) effect on all the parameters, except on ash and moisture contents. 120mlFP/15Lwater had the highest significant (p≤0.05) crude protein value (0.44%) than the rest of the treatments and obtained significantly higher values than the control in terms of fat (0.09%), carbohydrate (3.76%) and energy contents (69.01 kJ/100g). Hence, 120ml of Foliar Plus per 15L of water has been recommended as a more suitable dose for cucumber cultivation in Owerri than other doses of the treatment used in the research.