Growth and yield response of cucumber to organic manures in Samaru Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

This research was carried out at Institute for Agricultural Research Farm, Zaria during the 2018 and 2019 rainy season to evaluate the effect of four application rates (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha^-1) of poultry manure and three application rates (0, 10 and 20 t ha^-1) of cow dung on cucumber production. This experiment was laid out in 4 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on number of leaves, leaf area index, vine length, fruit length and yield. Results obtained showed significant increase with poultry manure application on all parameters taken except leaf area index in 2019, fruit length in 2018 and fruit yield in 2019. While significant increase with cow dung application was recorded only in 2018 on yield at 20 t ha^-1 which was higher than the control but comparable to 10 t ha^-1. Combined analysis showed significant differences only with poultry manure application at 2 t ha^-1 beyond which non-significant differences were recorded. Correlation analysis showed fruit length and leaf area index to be significantly positively correlated with yield. Based on the result obtained in the trial, 2 t ha^-1 of poultry manure can be recommended for the production of cucumber in Samaru Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.