ISHS Acta Horticulturae 648: South Pacific Soilless Culture Conference - SPSCC
SUBSTRATE EFFECTS ON GREENHOUSE CUCUMBER GROWTH AND FRUIT QUALITY IN AUSTRALIA |
| Authors: | S. Parks, S. Newman, J. Golding |
| Keywords: | Cucumis sativus, hydroponics, production, growing media, storage |
| Abstract:
The yield and fruit quality of mini cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Tandora), grown using different substrates in a run-to-waste system, was examined during a 17 week greenhouse experiment. The substrates included coir (Cocos nucifera), sawdust (Pinus radiata), rockwool, perlite and cucumber mix (a commercial soil conditioner). The management of the crop, including the nutrient and irrigation regime, was the same for each medium. At each harvest, cucumber fruit number and fresh weight were recorded for each experimental plant. Additionally, quality and storability was assessed using fruits harvested at 7 weeks (early), 11 weeks (mid) and 16 weeks (late season) after planting. Fruit was stored for two weeks at 10°C. After an additional day at 20°C, the cucumbers were assessed for weight loss, colour change and textural quality (crush strength and firmness). There was no significant effect of substrate on plant dry weight, cucumber number, cucumber weight or average weight per cucumber, or on the fruit quality measurements. However there were differences in colour, deformation, crush strength and dry matter between harvests. There was no significant linear trend of yield over time for any media treatment. These results demonstrate that a range of growth media can be successfully used for hydroponic cucumber production. However, to maximise yields and fruit quality, further work is needed to tailor crop management for each substrate. | |
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