Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
Vamsi B, Ravindra Babu M, Aparna D and Peda Babu B

Abstract:
The present investigation entitled “Studies on effect of different growing media combinations on growth, yield and quality of parthenocarpic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) In soilless cultivation under naturally ventilated polyhouse” was carried out during 2020-21 at Centre of Excellence for Protected Cultivation (CEPC), Horticultural Research Station, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications comprising 14 treatment combinations. Among different combinations of growing media, Cocopeat with EC 0.50 + 0.10 dS m^-1 @ 75% + Vermicompost @ 10% + FYM @ 10% + Neem Cake @ 5% (v/v) recorded maximum vine length (217.86 cm), internodal length (15.10 cm), leaf chlorophyll content (37.90 SPAD units) at final harvest, minimum days to first female flower appearance (17.16 days), days to first harvest (32.13 days), highest fruit length (18.40 cm), fruit diameter (4.60 cm), fruit mesocarp thickness (1.37 cm), fruit yield per plot (24.68 kg), estimated fruit yield (49.36 t ha^-1) and highest ascorbic acid content (3.79 mg/100 g).No significant difference was observed among different growing media combinations in days to final harvest. whereas, Cocopeat with EC 1.00 + 0.10 dS m^-1 showed least performance in all the parameters.