The Effects of Inorganic Fertilizer on the Yield of Two Varieties of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L

Abstract

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted for three years during the rainy seasons of 2006 to 2008 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (Lat. 6 0 45 1 North and Long. 6 0 08' East and an altitude of 460 meters above sea level). Compound fertilizer (N.P.K.20:10:10) was applied at 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha to two varieties (Ashley and Palmetto) using a 2 x 5 factorial scheme replicated three times. Data were collected on vegetative traits, yield and yield components of cucumber and statistically analyzed. Results revealed significant differences (P<0.05) among the varieties in terms of vine length, number of branches and leaf area, The growth and yield attributes of cucumber including the vine length, number of leaves per plant, number of branches, leaf area, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight per plant, fruit number per plant and total yield per hectare increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in inorganic fertilizer application up to the highest level