Inter-association of physio-pbenological traits in selected cucumber (Cucumis sativus) genotypes under field conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 1996-98 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the physio-phenological traits and their relationship with biological and economic yield in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. ). Eleven cucumber genotypes were tested in field condition in Typic Ustochrept soil of alluvail origin to correlate the effect of leaf net carbon assimilation rate on biological, economical yield and yield- attributing parameters. The pooled mean value of leaf net carbon assimilation rate was 8.01-14.21 u mol/m2/sec at flowering stage (40+-2 days after sowing) at an average photosnthetic active radiation of 1500 +- 50 u mol/m2/se. Significant differences (P<0.05) in leaf net carbon assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal resistance coupled with yield parameters were recorded among the 11 genotypes. Economic yield, harvest index and net yield/plant showed significant correlation with net carbon assimilation rate. Genetic variability was directly and positively correlated with yield -contributing factors with en cironmental interaction. Genotypes having high photosyntetic rates were found to have high harvest index. Variations of stomatal resistance form 0.05 to 1 cm/sec and transpiration rate from 8.1 to 11.5 u mol/m2/sec among the genotypes were noted.