COMPARISON OF CUCUMBER VARIETIES

FOR TRUCK FARMING POTENTIAL

Mark, Dawna, Kiel and Ameera Weinberg, Cooperator (2003)

Joe D. Janak, County Extension Agent - Ag/NR

Sam Womble, County Extension Agent - NR

Victoria County

SUMMARY:

One open pollinated and two hybrid cucumbers were planted to evaluate yield and quality potential for commercial truck farming cucumbers. Yields ranged from 275 - 365 bushels/acre with color and quality differences affecting cucumber value. With an unusual high cucumber price of $25.00 per bushel this season, a potential income of $8786.25 on a per acre basis, less expenses, could be realized with the reminder that all cucumbers need to be hand harvested - a labor intensive job.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the yield potential and potential profitability of three cucumber varieties for commercial truck farming production.

MATERIALS and METHODS:

One-third acre of each of three cucumber varieties, one open pollinated and two hybrids were planted May 29, 2003. The field was a sandy soil and soil test recommendations were followed recommending: Lime 2 tons/ac applied March 20, 2003; fertilizer 700 lbs/ac of 10-10-10 plus micro-mix liquid fertilizer applied June 21, 2003 plus an additional sidedressing of 200 lbs/ac of 28-0-0 on June 29, 2003 with cultivation. Herbicide included 2 pt/ac of Strategy applied with a cultivation at planting.

Planting rate was set at about 9170 seeds or about one-half pound seed per acre on 38 inch rows. The crop was furrow irrigated twice during the growing season. Harvest was by hand in 40 pound bushel increments.

RESULTS and DISCUSSIONS:

The growing season was good but irrigation was needed. Marketmore 76 cucumber was the most economical seed purchased due to it not being a hybrid. Stonewall matured seven days earlier and both it and Turbo had dark green cucumbers while Marketmore 76 had Anthracnose disease problems and had lighter green cucumbers resulting in 25 percent not grading # 1. (See Table 1)

Yields ranged from 275 to 365 bu/ac and cucumbers were sold for $25.00 per bushel (an unusual high price this season).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Appreciation is expressed to cooperators Mark, Dawna, Kiel and Ameera Weinberg.

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:

Trade names of commercial products used in this report are included only for better understanding and clarity. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas A&M University System is implied. Readers should realize that results from one experiment do not represent conclusive evidence that the same response would occur where conditions vary.

Table 1. Comparison of Cucumber Varieties for Truck Farming Potential, Mark, Dawna, Kiel and Ameera Weinberg, Cooperators, Victoria County, TX. 2003

Variety	Seed Expense $/1000	First Harvest Date	Comment	Yield Bu/A	% Grading # 1 Produce	Value $/A (1)
Marketmore 76	$0.76	July 24	Anthracnose disease present Light green fruit	275	75	$6008.66
Stonewall	$7.15	July 17	Dark green fruit	355	98	$8786.25
Turbo	$6.50	July 24	Dark green fruit	365	90	$8668.75

⁽¹⁾ Yield valued at $25.00/bushel for #1 produce, $12.50/bu for # 2's, less seed cost.