Response of two cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) to poultry manure

Between April and July 2013 a field trial was conducted at the Organic Research plot of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, to evaluate the growth and yield response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. 'MarketmoreRSQUO and 'Pointsett') in response to poultry manure rates. The experiment was a split-plot fitted into a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The main plot was cucumber cultivars while the sub-plot was the poultry manure rate. Data were collected on vine length, leaf area, fruit yield and dry matter yield. Both cucumber cultivars did not differ significantly in vine length and dry matter accumulation but 'Pointsett' produced significantly higher fruit yield than 'Marketmore'. Poultry manure applied at 5-15 t ha^-1, produced significantly longer vines and more total dry matter than control. Poultry manure applied at 5 t ha^-1 significantly (p<0.05) increased leaf area and fruit yield of cucumber. Consequently, the 5 t ha^-1 poultry manure combined with 'Pointsett' is recommended for optimizing cucumber production in urban gardens of south-west Nigeria.