RESPONSE OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMISSATIVUS L.) TO VINE PRUNING AND N.P.K FERTILIZER RATES IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY, JOS,PLATEAU STATE.

ABSTRACT Cucumber is an important cash crop with high demand, particularly in urban markets. However, issues like nutrient mismanagement and excessive vine growth pose obstacles to achieving high-quality yields.The study was carried out at the Experimental Field of Federal College of Forestry Jos, to determine the effects of vine pruning and N.P.K fertilizer rates on the growth and yield of cucumber.The experiment was laid out in a 3 x 4 factorial pattern fixed in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with pruning methods (P0, P10, P20 and P30) in a main plot and fertilizer rates (0, 120 and 160 kg/ha) in a sub plot. Data were collected on vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and fruit yield. The result showed that there is significant difference in pruning cucumber plant at P30 having the highest vine length (104.44 cm), leaf area (469.77 cm2), number of flowers (57.77), number of fruits (15.22), leaf diameter (8.66 cm), fruit length (17.88 cm), fruit weight (653.22 g) and fruit yield (1931.55 kg/ha). Similarly, there was significant difference in fertilizer application on cucumber plant at 160kg/ha having the highest vine length (102.75 cm), number of leaves (50.50), number of fruits (12.66), fruit length (16.75 cm), fruit weight (610.83 g) and fruit yield (1868.43 kg/ha).The result showed that there is significant difference in fertilizer application on cucumber plant at 160kg/ha having the highest vine length (102.75 cm), number of leaves (50.50), number of fruits (12.66), fruit length (16.75 cm), fruit weight (610.83 g) and fruit yield (1868.43 kg/ha). However, there was no significant effect on interactions between pruning and fertilizer application rates was observed throughout the period of research. Based on the findings of this research, there is significant effect of vine length pruning on the growth and yield of cucumber. there is significant effect N.P.K fertilizer rates on the Growth and yield of cucumber. it is therefore suggested that farmers should prune (P30) and use NPK fertilizer at the rate of 160 kg/ha for optimum productivity in the study area.