Crop management alternatives for machine-harvested cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Reduced tillage and stale-seedbeds were investigated as alternatives to conventional seedbed preparation for cucumbers. The hypothesis was that growth, development and yield would not differ between conventional, disked, zone or no tillage or between seedbeds prepared at different intervals before planting, compared to a seedbed prepared at planting. Emergence and yield, were unaffected by a reduction in tillage, while leaf number, leaf area index, vine growth and dry matter, were reduced by no-tillage and flowering was delayed (P > 0.05). Disked and zone tillage are viable tillage alternatives for cucumbers. Weed control was improved in a seedbed prepared 40 days before planting. Plant population, leaf number, vine growth and yield, were reduced in a seedbed prepared 40 days before planting and flowering was delayed. A stale-seedbed in combination with herbicides is a superior weed management tool to conventional practices. Overall, reduced tillage and stale-seedbeds will provide flexibility with land preparation and improve weed control.