Soilless culture of cucumber in glasshouses: I. A comparison of open and closed systems on growth, yield and quality

International Symposium on Greenhouse Management for Better Yield and Quality in Mild Winter Climates -- NOV 03-05, 1997 -- ANTALYA, TURKEYWOS: 000081941300060In substrate culture, nutrient solution can be applied in two different systems viz. open and closed systems. In an open system, nutrient solution is drained out after being used only once, while in closed systems the drained nutrient solution is recirculated. Closed systems are important as water and nutrient requirements are reduced and less environmental pollution created. This experiment was planned according to a split-split plot design with three replicates. Three different varieties of cucumbers were grown in vertical and horizontal bags containing 8 l of perlite per plant utilizing open and closed systems. Vertical and horizontal bags contained one and two plants per bag, respectively. Results obtained indicated that there was no difference in plant growth, yield and quality of fruits in open or closed systems. Growth and yield were significantly higher in bags placed horizontally. Differences in plant growth, total yield and quality parameters were noted between the different varieties.Int Soc Horticultural Sci, Commiss Protected Cultiva