Soil physico-chemical properties and yield response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) To 2,4-Epibrasinolide under water stress

Dry season production of cucumber is often limited by water availability. Here, we explored the pleiotropic role of 2,4-epibrassinolide (BR) in ameliorating water stress based on changes in soil physico-chemical properties and fruit yield of cucumber under water stressed-conditions. The effects of four water stress levels-WL0, [No stress/control: 860 mL (100% daily irrigation)], WL1 [640 mL (75% daily irrigation)], WL2 [430 mL (50% daily irrigation)] and WL3 = [210 mL (25% daily irrigation)] in factorial combination with foliarly-applied two BR levels [with (BR1= 150 and 250 mL) and without (BR0= 0 mL)] were studied. The soil hydraulic conductivity (Ks) decreased substantially under the water-stressed condition. Soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, effective cation exchange capacity and base saturation were adversely (p <= 0.05) affected by water stress, but the exchangeable acidity (EA) was little changed. Water-stressed soil treated with BR showed a significant reduction in EA, increased Ks and nutrient availability. Although dry matter, biological yield, moisture content of the leaves and fruit yield were severely reduced by water stress, treatment with BR increased these by about 89, 27, 41 and 95%, respectively. Light interception was considerably improved under BR treatment as evidenced from the photosynthetically active radiation which increased by 42%. Over all, the increased fruit yield was a result of reduced soil acidity, increased nutrient availability and better use of light energy. Foliar application with BR could sustain growth and fruit yield of cucumber up to 50% of daily irrigation requirement.