International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 29-40 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 34 Table 1 Mean comparison for different productivity-enhancing traits of cucumber for different treatments under soilless culture based on Tukey-Kramer (HSD) method (Adopted from Sallam et al., 2021) Traits T1 (Control) T2 T3 T4 Fruit Yield Per Plant (g) 525.8 ± 35.73b 918.3 ± 37.36a 875.7 ± 24.3a 824.7 ± 56.04a Fruit Weight (g) 146.13 ± 2.17b 180.53 ± 3.32a 181.85 ± 2.74a 177.71 ± 1.41a Leaf Area (cm2) 350.5 ± 14.95b 658.8 ± 40.12a 652.6 ± 14.25a 579.3 ± 14.81a Vine Length (cm) 178.96 ± 1.02b 201.13 ± 4.89a 202.8±4.2a 175.77 ± 3.55b Vine Girth (mm) 8.59 ± 0.166b 9.57 ± 0.158a 9.54 ± 0.213a 9.51 ± 0.117a Number of Leaves 17.21 ± 0.042b 20.92 ± 0.686a 20.58 ± 0.289a 20.88 ± 0.516a Dry Matter (%) 3.23 ± 0.0382c 4.33 ± 0.0313b 4.56 ± 0.0441a 4.43 ± 0.0635ab Total Soluble Solids (%) 3.912 ± 0.093a 4.564 ± 0.065ab 4.35 ± 0.056b 4.66±0.03c N-Content (Leaf) (%) 1.849 ± 0.098d 3.344 ± 0.138c 4.661 ± 0.061b 5.296 ± 0.156a N-Content (Fruit) (%) 3.127 ± 0.033d 3.84 ± 0.064c 4.187 ± 0.023b 4.717 ± 0.109a 6.2 Innovations in fertilizer types Innovations in fertilizer types, such as controlled-release fertilizers, have been pivotal in improving nutrient management in cucumber cultivation. The use of integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies, which include vermicompost, inorganic, and bio-fertilizers, has shown promising results in enhancing yield and nutrient uptake in cucumber plants (Singh et al., 2020). Additionally, the application of organic fertilizers like turkey litter-based compost (TC) and dairy manure vermicompost (VC) has been effective in maintaining nutrient release profiles suitable for cucumber growth in greenhouse conditions (Li and Mattson, 2019). The combination of chemical fertilizers with manure (NPKM) has also been found to improve soil microbial diversity and nutrient availability, thereby reducing the adverse effects of excessive fertilizer application (Wang et al., 2023). 6.3 Timing and methods for optimal nutrient uptake The timing and methods of nutrient application are critical for ensuring optimal nutrient uptake in cucumber plants. Studies have shown that the interaction of water, nitrogen, and magnesium significantly affects cucumber yield and quality. For example, the optimal combination of irrigation and magnesium alleviated the negative effects of nitrogen deficiency, thereby improving the partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (Li et al., 2023). Furthermore, weight-based fertigation strategies, which involve replenishing nutrient solutions based on the weight loss of growing bags, have been found to maximize cucumber yield and water use efficiency (WUE) (Randhe et al., 2022). The zero discharge of nutrient solutions in soilless greenhouse systems has also been demonstrated to maintain cucumber yield and quality while reducing environmental pollution (Ding et al., 2022). 7 Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) 7.1 Overview of common cucumber pests and diseases Cucumber cultivation is often challenged by a variety of pests and diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality. Common pests include root-knot nematodes (RKNs), which are particularly problematic in protected cultivation environments due to the buildup of soil-borne pathogens and pests (Dhillon et al., 2022). Additionally, cucumber crops are susceptible to fungal and viral diseases, which can be exacerbated by intensive production systems (Sabir et al., 2011). The striped cucumber beetle is another notable pest, especially in regions like the Midwestern United States, where it poses a significant threat to cucurbit crops (Ternest et al., 2020). 7.2 Biological and natural control methods Biological and natural control methods are essential components of IPDM, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. For instance, the use of plant-based amendments such as mustard cake (MC) and neem cake (NC) has shown effectiveness in managing RKN infestations in cucumber plants, leading to improved plant growth and soil health (Dhillon et al., 2022). Biological control agents like Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum have also been effective in reducing disease and nematode incidences in greenhouse
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