Exploring suitable plant density for hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in greenhouse conditions.
Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh - 262 501, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2005.v07i01.16
Key words: crop yield, cucumbers, fruits, hydroponics, leaf area index, photosynthesis, plant density, protected cultivation, soilless culture, transpiration
A greenhouse experiment was conducted to identify the suitable plant density (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 plants per m2) for growing cucumber (cv. Green Long) in recirculating hydroponic system of cultivation. An increase in plant density from 2 to 6 plants per m2 significantly increased yield. A declining trend in yield and fruit number was observed at more than 6 plants per m2. The leaf area index and photosynthetic rate in different treatments were also recorded. The photosynthetic and transpiration rates were maximum when plant density was maintained at 6 plants per m2.
