Agro-morphological characterization of four varieties of cucumber from Cucumis sativus L. and Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex Naudin in Senegal

Purpose: Cucumbers are an important fruit vegetable consumed as a salad or cooked in the world. Among the most used and consumed cucumbers, there are domestic cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) and wild cucumbers (Cucumis metuliferus E.). Despite their importance, the agro-morphological characteristics of cucumbers were not well known. The objective of this research was to assess the agro-morphological characteristics of four varieties of cucumber (green and white C. sativus, bitter and non-bitter C. metuliferus). Research method: A cultivation trial of these cucumber varieties was carried out in Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications at the application farm of the Agroforestry Department Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor, Senegal. Different parameters of growth leave chlorophyll content, 50% flowering days, and yield were studied. Findings: The analysis of variance of growth parameters, chlorophyll content, 50% flowering days, and yield parameters between varieties showed significant variation. The variety green C. sativus was distinguished from the other varieties by better vegetative growth and leaves chlorophyll content (46.91±10.04 SPAD value) and early flowering (29.75±0.5 days). In terms of germination rate, weight, and circumference of fruits, the variety white C. metuliferus recorded higher values with 96±2%, 468.25±99.28 g, and 23.85±2.98cm respectively. Thus, the two wild cucumber varieties (bitter and non-bitter) showed relatively low values on most of the parameters except in terms of the number of ramifications and leaves. Leaves chlorophyll content varied significantly according to the period of the day and the status of leaf development. The higher chlorophyll content was recorded in the noon (44.76±9.45 SPAD value) and old leaves (44.49±7.09 SPAD value). Research limitations: Further genotypic and nutritional characterizations were required for a better understanding of the difference between cucumbers. Originality/Value: The results showed great variability between the varieties studied for all the morphological, phenological, physiological, and yield characteristics.