Effect of different training systems on growth, yield and fruit quality of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Gohar)

In order to evaluate the effect of different training systems on growth, yield and fruit quality of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Gohar) this experiment was set out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of four training systems including twin-stem system (V-shape), modified twin-system, high-wire system and horizontal system (single-stem). Results showed that the highest height vine, number of nodes and leaf area were observed in high-wire and horizontal systems. But, different treatments had no significant effect on internode length. The shortest time from flowering to harvesting (14 days) was obtained in V-system. Effects of the training systems on number of fruits and marketable yield per plant in different months were evaluated. The highest number of fruits (25.73) and marketable yield (2626 gr/plant) was observed in high-wire system in April. The highest non-marketable fruit was obtained in modified-twin system. Fruits of high-wire system had the highest length (17.23 cm). Effect of different training systems on dry weight of fruits and chlorophyll content of fruit skin was not significant. Fruits harvested in V-shape system had the highest total soluble solids and potassium content. According to the results and also the importance of yield in greenhouse culture, high-wire system is recommended for low-light intensity conditions and V-shape system for high-light intensity.