DOI : 10.26480/aedc.01.2024.64.71

ABSTRACT

Evaluating Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) hybrids in a specific environment is a key task for increase in production and productivity in cucumber and for the hybrid cucumber program. The objective of this study was to identify a promising cucumber hybrid for summer planting in hilly regions. Eight cucumber hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with the three replications during summer season of 2021 at the research field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung, Nepal. The cucumber hybrids show a significant difference in yield and other parameters except days of first flowering, days of 50% flowering, average fruit length and average fruit girth in an open field condition. The Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) values were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), revealing influence of environment in character expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance and high GCV were observed for leaf area, number of female flowers and fruit weight. The hybrids NS404 and NINJA were promising due to higher yield, days of first flowering, greater number of female flowers, more branches number and short vine length than others hybrids. Correlation studies suggested that leaf number, leaf area, average fruit length and number of female flowers shows a positive significant correlation with fruit weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of female flowers had maximum direct effect followed by number of male flowers, branch number, fruit length, days of first flowering and vine length. These traits can be utilized effectively through selection in varietal development.