The effect of NPK on the growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation

Abstract

The experiment was carried out in vegetable Research Farm, during November- 2011 to April-2012 with following combination of NPK which was T1 (control), T2 (100:60:60), T3 (100:60:120), T4 (100:120:60), T5 (100:120:120), T6 (150:60:60), T7 (150:60:120), T8 (150:120:60) and T9 (150:120:120) kg ha-1. The cultivar of cucumber was F1 Hybrid Nice Slice from Known-you seed (India) Pvt. Ltd. this was a partherocarpic cucumber cultivar. The highest plant height (256.67 cm), appearance of first male flower 28 days, appearance of first female flower 30 days, number of male flowers per plant (13), number of female flowers per plant (19.08), number of fruits per plant (13), fruit weight (179.67 gm), fruit yield (56.76), chlorophyll content (11.98 mg/g), T.S.S (6.63 0Brix) and highest organoleptical score was obtained in T9(150:120:120 kg ha-1). The maximum benefit cost ratio (3.74) was also obtained in T9 treatment.