Growth Performance and Yield Potential of Turkish Cucumber under Greenhouse Conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Abstract
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops due to its nutritional value, short growth cycle, and high market demand. In Pakistan, cucumber productivity is often constrained by climatic variability, limited adoption of improved cultivation practices, and dependence on traditional open-field production systems. Controlled greenhouse cultivation offers an effective approach for improving vegetable productivity by providing stable environmental conditions and enabling efficient nutrient and water management. This study investigated the growth performance and yield potential of Turkish cucumber under greenhouse conditions in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during the 2024–2025 growing season. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using sandy loam soil amended with farmyard manure and balanced fertilization consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Turkish cucumber seeds were initially germinated in seedling trays and later transplanted into prepared soil beds within the greenhouse. Key growth parameters, including germination rate, plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and fruit yield per plant, were recorded weekly over a ten-week period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods to assess plant growth trends and yield performance.The results indicated a high germination rate of 94%, demonstrating the adaptability of the Turkish cucumber variety to the local soil and climatic conditions. Vegetative growth was vigorous throughout the experimental period, with plants reaching an average height of 130 cm, producing approximately 46 leaves per plant, and achieving a stem diameter of 7.8 mm by the tenth week. Fruit yield averaged approximately 4 kg per plant, resulting in a total yield of 188 kg per Marla and an estimated production of approximately 74.5 tons per hectare. The harvested cucumbers exhibited desirable quality characteristics, including uniform size, green color, firm texture, and good market acceptability. The findings indicate that Turkish cucumber performs effectively under greenhouse cultivation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has significant potential for improving off-season vegetable production. Adoption of greenhouse technology, combined with proper nutrient management and irrigation practices, can substantially enhance cucumber productivity and contribute to sustainable vegetable farming in Pakistan.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18983571
