Influence of soil conditioner rate on seed germination and growth of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L)

The effect of five levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% on dry matter basis) of gel-forming conditioner (Broad leaf P4) on seed germination and growth of cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. cv. Dina, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse with day and night temperature of 25 degrees and 18 degrees C. The gel forming conditioner was added to the top 10 cm of the pots. Increasing gel conditioner rate in the growth media has resulted in rapid germination. The addition of gel conditioner increased the early growth of the seedlings. Control plants had significantly lower leaf number than the treated plants but significantly higher average leaf area. At the end of the experiment. 75 days after sowing, no significant treatments effects were observed on plant height, or on shoot fresh and dry matter weights. Relative water content (RWC), Water use efficiency (WUE) and total yield were significantly increased with addition of gel conditioner.