ABSTRACT
The cucumber, a crop that is thought to have originated in India or Southeast Asia, is grown throughout the world. Cucumbers can be grown widely due to their short growing season. Fruit are produced by many cultivars in 40 to 60 days after seeding. Cucumbers grow well in most well-drained, non-saline soils. Proper fertility maintenance programs could benefit cucumber producers in less developed countries. Vegetative vigor of cucumber plants and good fruit development are largely dependent on an adequate N supply, which may be provided through organic or inorganic sources. Symptoms of Ca deficiency in cucumbers are pale young leaves and a reduced growth rate. Proper fertility is essential for cucumber production. The crop requires large inputs of money and labor, as compared to agronomic crops such as maize, wheat, or sorghum. Cucumber may produce acceptable yields but poor quality fruit under nutrient stress. Therefore, fertility is probably as important in determining quality as yield.
