Cucumber

Cucumbers originated in India where they have been cultivated for 3000 years. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) as are melons, squash and pumpkins. Cucumbers grown for pickling (picklers) and those grown for fresh market (slicers) are the same species. Fruit of fresh market cucumbers are longer, smooth rather than bumpy, have a more uniform green skin color and a tougher, glossier skin than fruit of picklers.

The flavor and texture of both types of cucumbers are similar. Pickling cucumbers are sometimes sold fresh as 'Kirby' or 'Liberty' cucumbers. Another type of cucumber seen in the supermarket is the greenhouse cucumber. These are much longer than slicing cucumbers grown outdoors but smaller in diameter. Fruit set without pollination (parthenocarpically) and so contain no seeds.

Location of Production

Imported cucumbers accounted for 38 percent of United States consumption in 1989. In 1992, states that harvested the most acres of cucumbers and pickles were Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Colorado.

BOTANY

PRODUCTION PRACTICES

HARVEST AND POST-HARVEST

In 1992, 48.6 percent the total United States acreage was located in the Southern Region. The top five states in 1992 (based on harvested acreage) were: Florida, 27,716 acres; North Carolina, 17,656; Texas, 9,575; Georgia, 8,055; and South Carolina, 6,15 7.

Per Capita Consumption in Pounds

Nutrition

Cucumbers contain 5 calories per ounce and only very small amounts of nutrients. Some cultivars have significantly higher levels of vitamins A and C, but levels do not approach those of more nutrient-dense vegetables such as carrots and spinach. Pickles are more nutritious than fresh cucumbers because dill is added to the brine.

Integrated Pest Management

Life cycles and monitoring and control practices for some of the common insect pests in the southern states are described in Insect Management. Some of the important diseases of vegetables in the South and their control are described in Disease Management. Cultivar resistances to the more common insects and diseases in the South are listed below. It may be useful to select cultivars with multiple resistances. New resistant cultivars are constantly being developed, and this list is not inclusive.

References

• Harlan, J.R. 1975. Crops and man. American Society of Agronomy. Madison, WI. 295p.

• Vegetables and specialties: Situation and outlook report (1987-1003). USDA Economic Research Service, quarterly.

• U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 1992 Census of Agriculture. Table 29. Vegetables, Sweet corn and melons harvested for sale: 1992 and 1987. p. 396-421.

• Poleman, C.M., and N.J. Peckenpaugh. 1991. Nutrition essentials and diet therapy. W. B. Saunders Co.

• Boudreaux, J.E., D.K. Pollet, H.K. Whitam and J.M. Cannon. 1990. Fresh market cucumber production. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2372.

• Parnes, R. 1990. Fertile soil, a grower's guide to organic and inorganic fertilizers. AgAccess, Davis, CA.
• Wehner, T. 1993. Personal communication.

• Rutgers Univ. 1984. Commercial vegetable production recommendations. Bulletin E001. Rutgers Univ., Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ.

• Swaider, J.M., G.W. Ware, and J.P. McCollum. 1992. Producing vegetable crops. The Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc., Danville, IL.

• Asgrow Seed Company. 1984. Modern cucumber technology. 13 p.

• Sanders, D.C. and J.M. Davis. 1990. Trellised cucumbers. Horticulture Information Leaflet 14-B, NCSU, Raleigh, NC.

• Boudreaux, J.E. and W.A. Hadden. 1989. Trellis cucumber production. Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service Pub. 2371.

• Hanna, H.Y. 1993. Producing trellised cucumbers double-cropped with tomatoes. HortScience 28(2):96-98.

• Seed catalogs such as Johnny's, Petoseed and Asgrow, NC Extension publications, including the 1991 Suggested Vegetable Varieties for the North Carolina Commercial Grower.

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Last Modified: Thursday, October 4, 2001