BIOSTIMULATION OF CUCUMBER CROP PRODUCED IN SHELTERED CONDITIONS

Objective: To evaluate the physiological and productive response of cucumber crop to the induction of three commercial phytohormones (Cito Xplosión, Súper Hormonal, Vitaminum Forte) grown under protected conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment consisted of three treatments, T1 (Cito Xplosión), T2 (Súper Hormonal), and T3 (Vitaminum Forte). The evaluated variables were plant height, number of leaves, fresh biomass, fruit diameter and length, number and weight, total soluble solids, pH, and electrical conductivity. Results: In the physiological variables, values of plant heights were 225, 228, 220, and 238 cm for T1, T2, T3, and the control. 33 leaves for all treatments and 31 for the control, T1 and T2 produced higher fresh biomass in leaves, stems, roots, and flowers, while T3 produced higher biomass in fruits. For the fruit length, the values were 16.9, 17.6, 17.6, and 18.4 cm, and diameters of 5.2, 5.2, 5.1, and 5.1 cm for T1, T2, T3, and the control. The weight of fruits was 293.2, 297.3, 283.9, and 281.7 g with yields of 10.1, 10.9, 10.0, and 9.6 kg m-2 for T1, T2, T3, and the control. Limitations on study/implications: More varieties should be evaluated using different nutrient solution concentrations and management practices as a function of the number of stems to assess whether phytohormones influence physiological or productive variables. Findings/conclusions: From an economic point of view, T2 was the best treatment, achieving a higher yield and fruit quality