Growth, flowering, and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as influenced by a plant growth regulator and pruning method

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) holds significant agricultural importance in Nepal, particularly in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. However, issues such as heavy male flowering and imbalanced male:female flower ratios can hinder its productivity. To address these challenges, this research aimed to enhance cucumber production and productivity through the application of ethephon and/or 3G-cutting pruning. The experiment, carried out in Kushma municipality from March to June, employed a two-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments deriving from the combination of four concentrations of ethephon and two pruning methods. Results indicated that the application of 300 ppm ethephon spray coupled with 3G-cutting pruning yielded the highest production (30.56 Mg/ha). Furthermore, this treatment exhibited the highest number of female flowers. Both 300 ppm ethephon and 3G-cutting pruning were effective in reducing the male:female flower ratio and increasing the number of fruits per vine compared to the control. Notably, the combination of 300 ppm ethephon spray with 3G-cutting pruning resulted in the highest fruit weight recorded at 784.6 g. Our findings suggest that the application of 300 ppm ethephon spray in combination with the pruning according to the 3G-cutting method holds promise for enhancing cucumber productivity in the studied agricultural conditions. This study provides insights into cucumber cultivation practices, potentially contributing to sustainable agricultural production in Nepal’s tropical and subtropical regions.