International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 29-40 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 36 9 Yield Optimization Through Agronomic Practices 9.1 Pruning, trellising, and training techniques Pruning, trellising, and training techniques are essential agronomic practices that significantly influence cucumber yield and quality. Trellising, in particular, has been shown to improve both total and marketable yields of cucumber cultivars. For instance, a study evaluating the effects of trellising on cucumber cultivars such as Dasher II, Marketmore 76, and PetoTripleMech found that trellising improved yields compared to ground culture, with PetoTripleMech producing yields equal to or higher than the other cultivars (Russo et al., 1991). These findings suggest that trellising can be a beneficial practice for enhancing cucumber production. 9.2 Impact of plant density on yield and quality Plant density is a critical factor that affects both the yield and quality of cucumbers. Research has demonstrated that reducing plant density can improve fruit quality without compromising yield. A study conducted in greenhouse conditions with varying plant densities (2.25 plants m², 3.0 plants m², and 3.75 plants m²) revealed that lower plant density (2.25 plants m²) resulted in the highest weekly yield per plant and total yield per plant. Additionally, this treatment was associated with higher contents of soluble sugar, total phenols, flavonoids, soluble protein, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the fruits, along with a relatively low nitrite content (Ding et al., 2022). These results indicate that optimizing plant density can enhance fruit quality while maintaining or even increasing yield. 9.3 Influence of pollination and companion planting Pollination and companion planting are also important factors that can influence cucumber yield and quality. The interaction between cucumber plants and their surrounding environment, including the presence of pollinators and companion plants, can significantly impact plant growth and fruit production. For example, intercropping cucumbers with garlic has been shown to affect the rhizosphere microbial community, which in turn can influence plant growth and yield. This practice, along with grafting techniques, has been found to induce significant shifts in microbial community structure, enhancing plant growth parameters and potentially improving yield (Ezazi et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of grafting techniques with compatible rootstocks has been shown to enhance plant survival rates, vegetative growth, and fruit yield, providing an effective strategy for improving cucumber production (Noor et al., 2019). 10 Conclusion Remarks This systematic review has highlighted several innovative cultivation techniques that have shown promise in enhancing cucumber production. The integration of poultry manure and mineral fertilizers significantly improved cucumber growth and productivity under greenhouse conditions, with the T2 treatment (30 kg PM+3 kg MF) showing a 74.6% yield increase. Moderately-reduced water supply was found to enhance the chemical composition of pickling cucumbers, increasing levels of malic acid, calcium, and magnesium, which are beneficial for nutritional quality. The application of nano-selenium, silicon, and hydrogen peroxide as foliar treatments under combined salinity and heat stress conditions improved cucumber growth and productivity, with silicon showing the greatest impact on enzymatic antioxidant capacities and marketable fruit yield. Additionally, the use of the nutrient film technique hydroponic system with lowering training methods resulted in higher yields and more efficient nutrient use. Optimal irrigation scheduling and the integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources were also found to enhance cucumber yield and soil health. Based on the findings, several recommendations can be made for adopting innovative techniques in cucumber cultivation. Integrated nutrient management: Combining poultry manure with mineral fertilizers can significantly enhance cucumber productivity and should be considered for greenhouse cultivation. Water management: Implementing moderately-reduced water supply strategies can improve the nutritional quality of cucumbers and should be adopted in regions facing water scarcity. Foliar applications: The use of nano-selenium, silicon, and hydrogen peroxide as foliar treatments can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and heat stress, thus improving yield and quality. Hydroponic systems: Utilizing nutrient film technique hydroponic systems with appropriate
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