Potential Impact of Insect Pollinators on the yield and quality of different cultivars of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a cross-pollinated crop of significant agricultural importance, we investigated the factors influencing cucumber fruit size, emphasizing the role of proper pollination. Four distinct cultivars, namely Quice, Dynasty, Mailini, and Full Moon cucumber, were employed in a comprehensive experimental setup. The study followed a split-plot design, comparing caged and un-caged conditions. Our results, based on data collected on fruit weight, length, the number of fruits per plant, and overall cucumber yield, unveiled critical insights into the pivotal role of insect pollinators in cucumber cultivation. Notably, six different species of insect pollinators, representing two orders within Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, were identified as frequent visitors to cucumber blooms. The findings conclusively demonstrated that cucumber plants grown under un-caged conditions, with unrestricted access to insect pollinators, exhibited substantial improvements in various key parameters. This encompassed a significant increase in fruit weight, fruit length, the number of fruits per plant, and ultimately, the overall yield of the cucumber crop. Additionally, we observed that among the insect pollinators, honey bees displayed the highest mean foraging and population activities during the evening hours, emphasizing their particular importance in the pollination process. In light of these findings, we draw the important conclusion that cucumber is a crop highly dependent on pollinators, with insect pollinators playing an indispensable role in influencing both the quantity and quality of the cucumber yield. As a practical recommendation, we suggest that the strategic placement of honeybee colonies in close proximity to cucumber fields, specifically initiated 2 to 3 days after the commencement of flowering, can significantly enhance cucumber yields, thereby benefiting both growers and the agricultural industry as a whole. This study underscores the critical importance of pollinators in modern agriculture and highlights the potential for improved crop management strategies to maximize yield and quality.