Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilization for Enhanced Yield in Cucumber Hybrids: Evaluating Growth and Productivity of Greengo, African Giant and Darina under Field Conditions

Abstract

Appropriate inorganic fertilizers application is a strategy to supplement soil nutrients for cucumber production for its optimum production. These inorganic fertilizers will make nutrients readily available for uptake within a short time.  A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, for three consecutive seasons to ascertain the appropriate nitrogen rate for cucumber hybrids. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RDCB) with three replicates. The 3 x 4 factorial experiment involved three cucumber hybrids (African Giant, Greengo and Darina) and four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1). Data were collected on the vine length (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area (cm2), days to 50% flowering, number of female flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), and fruit weight per plant (kg) and analyzed using IRRI STAR software. Means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the traits studied increase as the nitrogen level increases in all the selected cucumber hybrids. There were significant increases at each of the nitrogen levels except for 100 to 150 kg N ha-1 in all the studied traits. The percentage increase in fruit weight per plant from 100 to 150 kg N ha-1 was very minute and not economical. Furthermore, Greengo recorded the highest mean value for fruit weight per plant, followed by Darina at all the nitrogen levels. The experiment recommended that nitrogen should be applied at the rate of 100 kg N ha-1 for profitable fruit yield in the cucumber hybrid, and commercial farmers should adopt Greengo for higher fruit yield under open field conditions.