Effect of sowing dates and harvesting on fruit setting, fruit traits, seed yield and profitability of cucumber

An experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design with three replications to determine the optimum date of sowing and best harvesting stage for getting the good seed yield of cucumber during winter season of 2007 and 2008. Sowing date of 1st March produced highest percentage of fruit set (46.05), fruits/plant (3.15), fruit length (20.35 cm), fruit diameter (7.17 cm) and fruit weight (398.45 g). Minimum percentage of fruit set and fruit weight was recorded with sowing on 30th April. However, fruits/plant, fruit length and fruit diameter was registered minimum under sowing on 15th January. Harvesting stage did not bring the significant influence on vine length, branches/vine, fruit set and fruit length of cucumber. However, fruit diameter and fruit weight was recorded maximum at harvesting stage 7 (40 DAA). The minimum fruit diameter and fruit weight was recorded with harvesting stage 1 (28 DAA). The seed yield and seed germination was also registered higher value with sowing date of 1st March. The sowing date of 30th April recorded minimum seed yield and seed germination. Harvesting stage 7 (40 DAA) recorded seed yield and seed germination. The minimum value of seed yield and seed germination was recorded with harvesting stage 1 (28 DAA). Economic analysis of data indicated that maximum net return of Rs 17059 and B:C ratio of 2.44 was recorded with sowing date 4 (1st March). However, minimum net return and B:C ratio with sowing date 1 (15th January). Harvesting stage of 7 (40 DAA) registered highest net return and B:C ratio.