The Effect of three different fertilizers (biofertilizer, organic and inorganic fertilizer) on some post-harvest quality attributes of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivar "Nagin"

Application of biofertilizers is one of the most important tools to increase yield and improving the quality of horticultural products. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers as alternatives to chemical fertilizers, especially in greenhouse cultivation with sustainable agriculture potential and maintaining the consumer health. The effects of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers on yield and quality of cucumber as a highly growing greenhouse crop with considerable performance were detailed objectives of present study. 

In order to investigate the effect of biofertilizers and organic fertilizers on the quality and quantity of cucumber fruit in greenhouse conditions, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three types of fertilizers Essential plus, Fertigofol and Stimplex at three levels(Control. Foliar application of watrer, 2 and 4 g/litr ). 

The results revealed that the used fertilizers could improved most of measured parameters including fresh and dry weight of leaf, root and fruit organs. Furthermore, tested fertilizers significantly (p≤0.01) improved all measured postharvest parameters such as TA, TSS and chlorophyll content ( a and b) and vitamin C of cucumber fruit compared to untreated plants. Potassium and iron levels were also positively affected by fertilizers. 

Overalls,  based on the results from the present study, using all three fertilizers were beneficial considering the yields and quality attributes. However, Fertigofol was even more noticeable taking into account the expand shelf life and postharvest quality of fruits comparing other two biofertilizers. All in all, biofertilizers of diverse source would be advisable to test and practice instead or integrated with other chemical compounds.