Performance of Different Varieties of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Prayagraj Agro – Climatic Conditions

Abstract

A field study was conducted during the zaid season of 2024 at Horticulture research field, SHUATS in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, evaluated eight cucumber varieties using a randomized block design with three replications and focused on key parameters, including growth, yield, and fruit quality traits. Among the tested varieties, 2021/CUCUVAR-2 variety exhibited the longest vine length (2.56 m) and the highest number of primary branches (5.57). It also achieved the earliest appearance of the first female flower (36.07 days) with the lowest node position for this occurrence (3.40 nodes). Fruit produced by 2021/CUCUVAR-2 stood out in terms of quality. It recorded an impressive fruit length of 16.90 cm, an average fruit weight of 179.18 g, and a maximum fruit diameter of 42.47 mm. In addition, 2021/CUCUVAR-2 generated a higher number of female flowers per plant (15.47), more fruits per plant (12.55), and fruit yield 38.13 t/ha. The fruit quality was further supported by a total soluble solids (TSS) content of 3.00°Brix. Overall, the superior performance of 2021/CUCUVAR-2 in growth, yield, and quality parameters suggests that its cultivation can offer significant benefits to farmers. These benefits include ease of cultivation, enhanced stress tolerance, improved disease resistance, and higher overall productivity.