Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary origin of cucumbers?
What is the primary origin of cucumbers?
Which ancient text mentions cucumbers as food?
Which ancient text mentions cucumbers as food?
Which of the following cucumber types produces only female flowers?
Which of the following cucumber types produces only female flowers?
What was one of the methods used in ancient Rome to protect cucumbers during winter?
What was one of the methods used in ancient Rome to protect cucumbers during winter?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the optimal temperature for cucumber seed germination?
What is the optimal temperature for cucumber seed germination?
Signup and view all the answers
Which is a significant trait to consider when selecting European/Dutch cucumber varieties?
Which is a significant trait to consider when selecting European/Dutch cucumber varieties?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of cucumber cultivation is most susceptible to powdery mildew?
What type of cucumber cultivation is most susceptible to powdery mildew?
Signup and view all the answers
Which production system is NOT commonly used for cucumbers?
Which production system is NOT commonly used for cucumbers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these cucumber types lends itself well to multi-fruit packaging?
Which of these cucumber types lends itself well to multi-fruit packaging?
Signup and view all the answers
How much does a cucumber seed typically cost?
How much does a cucumber seed typically cost?
Signup and view all the answers
What temperature range is optimal for day growth of cucumbers?
What temperature range is optimal for day growth of cucumbers?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended frequency for harvesting cucumbers?
What is the recommended frequency for harvesting cucumbers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which factor is critical for managing cucumber postharvest quality?
Which factor is critical for managing cucumber postharvest quality?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum night temperature cucumbers should be exposed to?
What is the maximum night temperature cucumbers should be exposed to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which practice is NOT mentioned as a form of pruning or training cucumbers?
Which practice is NOT mentioned as a form of pruning or training cucumbers?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the expected weight of cucumber production per plant during the harvesting period?
What is the expected weight of cucumber production per plant during the harvesting period?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the critical temperature to avoid chilling injury in cucumbers?
What is the critical temperature to avoid chilling injury in cucumbers?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of light is particularly beneficial for keeping cucumber seedlings compact?
What type of light is particularly beneficial for keeping cucumber seedlings compact?
Signup and view all the answers
Which disease is the biggest issue for cucumber crops?
Which disease is the biggest issue for cucumber crops?
Signup and view all the answers
At what length are Dutch cucumbers typically harvested?
At what length are Dutch cucumbers typically harvested?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cucumber Botany and Production
- Scientific name: Cucumis sativus
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Latin origins: "cucumis" = cucumber, "sativus" = cultivated
- Originates in India, cultivated for over 3,000 years
- Introduced to Europe by Greeks or Romans.
- Mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh (2100-1800 BC)
- Also mentioned in the Bible as a food of the Egyptians
Controlled-Environment Production
- Roman Emperor Tiberius had cucumbers year-round.
- Historical methods included raised beds on wheels, mica coverings, and oil-covered cloths
- Modern greenhouses differ from field-grown cucumbers, generally milder flavor.
- Most modern cultivars are seedless (gynecious, parthenocarpic).
- European/Dutch cultivars are popular for disease resistance, fruit size, and plant habit.
- Beit Alpha cucumbers are smaller, better for multi-fruit packaging, less prone to bruising.
Production Systems
- Primary systems: bags/slabs and Dutch/BATO buckets.
- NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) used to a limited extent.
Propagation
- Propagated by seed (expensive, ~$1/seed).
- Optimal germination temperature: 84°F (first 2-3 days), lower to mid-70s°F after radicle emergence.
- Supplemental light is useful (red LEDs for compact seedlings, HPS more economical).
- Transplant with 3-4 true leaves.
Cultivation Practices
- Sucker removal, tendril removal, fruit thinning, canopy management.
Environmental Needs
- Warm-growing crop (day temps 75-80°F, max 85-90°F, night temps not below 65°F).
- High-light plant, supplemental light often beneficial.
Mineral Nutrition
- Cucumbers are heavy feeders.
CO2 Enrichment
- Supplemental CO2 helpful, best management practices to be determined.
Harvesting
- 12-week harvest period expected, 1-3 lbs/plant weekly, 20-25 lbs total.
- Frequent harvesting (3-4 times/week).
- Dutch cucumbers harvested at 12-14 inches, USDA Grade mandates 11 inches min.
Postharvest Handling
- Thin skin is good for eating, bad for postharvest quality.
- Shrink-wrap to maintain quality.
- Sensitive to ethylene, yellowing can occur.
- Chilling injury below 50°F.
Key Issues
- Second most popular greenhouse vine crop.
- Powdery mildew is a major disease concern.
- Postharvest management crucial for retaining fruit quality.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fascinating world of cucumber botany, including its scientific classification and historical cultivation. Learn about controlled-environment production techniques and modern systems such as Dutch/BATO buckets and NFT. This quiz covers important aspects of both ancient and contemporary cucumber farming practices.
