Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Water Stress in Shade Net Conditions through Kaolin and Chitosan Applications

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of kaolin and chitosan as agronomic tools for mitigating water stress on the growth and yield of Persian cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation conditions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The Persian cucumber variety was cultivated under shade netting, and five treatments were established using different doses of kaolin (30 and 50 g L^-1 of water) and chitosan (3.5- and 5-mL L^-1 of water), along with a control treatment (without application). These treatments were assessed under two periods of water stress, defined as the point at which 80% of the total available water in the soil had been depleted. A randomized complete block design was employed, with four replicates and five plants per experimental unit. Results: With regard to growth, the treatments had no significant effect on plant height or stem diameter. However, a marked effect was observed on crop yield, with the control treatment recording the lowest value at 12.9 t ha^-1, whereas the most effective treatment corresponded to the application of chitosan at a dose of 3.5 mL L^-1 of water, achieving a yield of 25.2 t ha^-1. Limitations of the Study/Implications: No limitations were identified in the present study. Findings/Conclusions: Chitosan and kaolin exert a positive influence on the growth and development of cucumber fruit under shade net conditions, thereby enhancing yield under water stress conditions.