Plasticulture as a means of vine management method in cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) production a mini review

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an annual, crawling fruit vegetable grown in the temperate and sub-tropical zones of the world. Cucumber is a very good source of vitamins A, C, K, B6, potassium and also provides dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese. In spite of the good attributes, cucumber production is still mainly done by very few farmers in Nigeria especially in urban and peri-urban areas due to lack of technical know-how on the cultural practices to produce marketable fruits with good quality. Also, production is low due to poor vine management. Inappropriate vine management has been noted to result in vines trailing on ground which promotes overcrowding, disease infestation and poor fruits quality. Premise to above, modern technology of Plasticulture is therefore advocate for better yield production. Plasticulture defined as the use of plastics as a means of mulching materials in crop/vegetable production. The use of Plasticulture in the production of crops helps to mitigate the extreme fluctuations in weather, especially temperature, rainfall and wind. Agriculture is known for its multi-functionalities of providing employment, livelihood, food, nutritional and ecological securities. So the adoption of modern technology to overcome natural constraints to successful agriculture with limited water resources is essential in this context, mulching may prove beneficial for crop growth because of complex change in soil environment through modifying soil temperature, reduction in evaporation, weed competition, soil compaction and erosion. Plastic mulch is a product used, in a similar fashion to mulch, to suppress weeds and conserve water in crop production.