International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 29-40 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 35 cucumber cultivation (Sabir et al., 2011). Moreover, integrating conservation agriculture (CA) with IPM practices has been demonstrated to reduce labor, pests, diseases, and chemical pesticide use while improving yields and income in smallholder vegetable farms (Paudel et al., 2020). 7.3 Adoption of IPDM for sustainable cucumber farming The adoption of IPDM practices is crucial for sustainable cucumber farming. Studies have shown that IPDM can significantly reduce pest incidences and pesticide application costs while increasing net returns and technical efficiency (Rahman and Harun-Ar-Rashid, 2020). For example, in Bangladesh, IPM adoption in vegetable farming, including cucumbers, has led to reduced pesticide costs and increased market-level benefits (Rahman et al., 2018). Additionally, the implementation of IPDM in greenhouses has been validated as an effective approach for pest control, with economic analyses indicating superior cost-benefit ratios compared to non-IPM methods (Sabir et al., 2011). However, the successful adoption of IPDM requires comprehensive planning, education, and extension efforts to transfer innovative knowledge from research to practical application (Riudavets et al., 2020). 8 Protected Cultivation Techniques 8.1 Benefits of greenhouses and polyhouses in cucumber production Greenhouses and polyhouses offer significant advantages for cucumber production by creating a controlled environment that optimizes plant growth conditions. These structures help in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and light levels, which are crucial for the thermophilic and frost-susceptible cucumber crop. For instance, naturally ventilated polyhouses (NVP) have been shown to provide a more favorable micro-climate for cucumber cultivation compared to insect net houses (INH) or shade net houses (SNH), leading to improved physiological traits and higher yields (Khapte et al., 2021). Additionally, polyhouses can reduce the temperature inside by approximately 4°C compared to the outside environment, which is beneficial during high-temperature periods (Suresh et al., 2022). The use of polyhouses also enhances water productivity and efficiency, making them a suitable low-cost option for arid regions (Khapte et al., 2021). 8.2 Use of shade nets and low tunnels for climate adaptation Shade nets and low tunnels are effective tools for adapting cucumber cultivation to varying climatic conditions. Shade nets, particularly those with colored options like red, blue, and pearl, can improve photosynthetic responses and increase fruit production significantly compared to conventional black nets (Tafoya et al., 2018). These nets help in controlling light quality and temperature, which are critical for the growth and yield of cucumber plants. Low tunnels, on the other hand, provide protection against extreme weather conditions and pests, thereby ensuring a stable growing environment. Studies have shown that nethouses with small mesh sizes can significantly reduce insect pest populations and increase marketable yields compared to open plots and rain shelters (Nordey et al., 2020). These structures are particularly useful in regions with high temperatures and pest pressures, as they create a conducive environment for cucumber development (Nordey et al., 2020). 8.3 Case studies of successful protected cultivation practices Several case studies highlight the success of protected cultivation practices in cucumber production. In Tanzania, the use of nethouses with small and large mesh sizes resulted in significantly higher yields and lower pest infestations compared to open plots and rain shelters (Nordey et al., 2020). In India, the application of plant-based amendments like mustard cake and neem cake in polyhouses effectively managed root-knot nematode infestations, leading to improved plant growth and yields (Dhillon et al., 2022). Another study in Pakistan demonstrated the potential of tunnel farming for off-season cucumber production, showing high yields and energy efficiency, although it also highlighted the need for renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Ali et al., 2019). These examples underscore the effectiveness of protected cultivation techniques in enhancing cucumber production while addressing environmental and pest management challenges.
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