The Effect of Delta Agri Liquid Potassium on Some Parameters of Growth, Yield, and Powdery Mildew Resistance of Greenhouse Cucumbers
Delta Agri Liquid Potassium: This product combines the two nutrients, Phosphorus and Potassium, as shown below:
Percentage of nutrient % (W/V): K2O: 45. / P2O5: 2
Each nutrient possesses important functions in plant development.
Potassium (K): Potassium is associated with the movement of water, nutrients and carbohydrates in plant tissue. It is involved with enzyme activation within the plant, which affects protein, starch and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. The production of ATP can regulate the rate of photosynthesis.
Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is an essential element that is classified as a macronutrient. One of its main roles in living organisms is to transfer energy. Organic compounds that contain P transfer energy from one reaction to another within cells. Adequate P availability in plants stimulates early plant growth and hastens maturity.
Beit Alpha Cucumber: A Middle Eastern cucumber that is smooth and blocky with dark green skin. The flesh is crunchy, and the skin is mild, removing the necessity of peeling. It is usually picked small at 5 to 6" long. It can be used for pickling or sliced in salads. It is one of the most important cultivations for greenhouse plants in Iran by more than 6300 Ha planted area in the country.
The largest provinces by area for greenhouse cucumbers in Iran respectively are: Tehran (2246.5 Ha), Kerman (1885.8 ha), and Yazd (1330.5 ha).
Powdery mildew: The first sign of powdery mildew is pale yellow spots on leaves.
White powdery spots can form on both upper and lower leaf surfaces, and quickly expand into large blotches (see Pic 01 below.) When powdery mildew infects the majority of the foliage, the plant weakens and the fruit ripens prematurely.
Trial Method: Used the treatment at the fruit setting stage as foliar and following up the results in two evaluations: the first stage at 7 days after the foliar, and the second stage 14 days following the foliar.
Our treatments were divided accordingly: POT = Delta Agri Liquid Potassium, NOB = Control, UNT = Untreated.
Our parameters were to see indications of mature fruit in the plant in addition to detecting resistance to powdery mildew within the designated timeframe.
Results: The number of mature fruits in each harvest in Delta Agri Liquid Potassium was significantly higher than those of the Untreated and Control. In addition, the POT showcased higher stability than the Control group, as displayed in Chart 1.
Chart 2 portrays the powdery mildew (PM) resistance for each group, indicating a significantly higher resistance in the treated group (POT) than that of the Untreated (POT, Control, and Untreated, respectively).