Varying Intra-Row Spacing and Mulching Effect on Growth and Yield of Parthenocarpic Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Protected Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons, 2023 and 2024, at the Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to assess the effect of different mulching materials and plant spacings on the growth, flowering, and yield of cucumber. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and fifteen treatment combinations comprising five mulches- Double Shaded Mulch (M1), Transparent Mulch (M2), Black Mulch (M3), Straw Mulch (M4), and No Mulch (M5)-and three spacings: 70 × 30 cm (S1), 70 × 45 cm (S2), and 70 × 60 cm (S3). The results revealed significant differences in all observed parameters. Among mulches, straw mulch (M4) showed superior performance in most traits, recording the highest fruit length (14.87 and 18.87 cm), fruit girth (12.49 and 14.47 cm), fruit weight (123.99 and 124.20 g), and yield (15.80 and 16.92 q/1000 m²). In terms of spacing, 70 × 45 cm (S2) spacing significantly improved vegetative and yield traits, yielding the highest vine length (3.64 and 4.87 m), fruit length (16.76 and 21.14 cm), and yield (16.74 and 17.86 q/1000 m²). The interaction of M4S2 (Straw Mulch + 70 × 45 cm) consistently produced the best results across both years, with maximum vine length, fruit size, and yield (18.00 and 19.12 q/1000 m²).