ABSTRACT

 Four field experiments were conducted in Owerri, Imo State in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. Number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant, vine length, leaf area index(LAI), number of female flowers, number of male flowers, days to 50 % flowering, number of days to first harvest, Number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit yield were the evaluated parameters. Experiment one was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Experiments two, three and four were factorial arranged in RCBD replicated three times. Experiment one was the evaluation of five varieties of cucumber (Amata, Ashley, Bende Local, Market More and THAI 999). Experiment two assessed the effect of time of planting on the growth and yield of five cucumber varieties. The planting dates were April, May and June, while the varieties were those used in experiment one. It was laid out in split plot RCBD with planting date as main plot factor and varieties as subplot factor. Experiment three studied the effects of staking and poultry manure (PM) on the performance of cucumber varieties. The staking treatments were non-staking and staking, while the PM rates were 0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha. Experiment four was on the effects of NPK fertilizer and PM on the performance of cucumber varieties. The NPK fertilizer rates were 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg/ha, while the PM rates were 0, 5, and 10 t/ha. The result from experiment one showed that the varieties Amata and THAI 999 performed significantly better both in the growth and yield parameters when compared to Ashley, Bende Local and Market More varieties. Experiment two showed that the months of April and May were most favourable for cucumber cultivation while June was not and that Amata and THAI 999 varieties consistently had higher yields than the other varieties. Experiment three indicated that staked plants performed better with higher values than the unstacked ones with the application of 15 t/ha PM. Experiment four showed that combining NPK at 300 kg/ha and PM at 10 t/ha yielded better than sole applications. For optimum growth and yield of cucumber, planting in April and May, staking as well as application of 150 kg/ha NPK plus 10- 15 t/ha PM and planting of Amata or THAI 999 are recommended.