CUCUMBERS

Harvesting

Generally fruit are harvested at a slightly immature stage, near full size but before seeds fully enlarge and harden. Firmness and external glossiness are also indicators of a pre-maturity condition. At proper harvest maturity, a jellylike material has begun to form in the seed cavity. Harvesting should be done by cutting free of the vine rather than by tearing. Bruising and compression injury are very common.

Postharvest storage temperature

The optimum storage for cucumber is 10–12.5°C for generally less than 14 days, as visual and sensory quality deteriorate rapidly. Shrivelling, yellowing and decay are likely to increase following storage beyond that. Cucumbers are chilling sensitive at temperatures below 10°C and short term storage or transit temperatures below this range will result in chilling injury. Consequences include water-soaked areas, pitting and accelerated decay. Cucumber varieties vary considerably in their susceptibility to chilling injury. Freezing injury will be initiated at -0.5°C. Symptoms include a water-soaked pulp becoming brown and gelatinous in appearance over time.

Controlled atmosphere storage

Controlled or modified atmosphere storage or shipping offer moderate to little benefit to cucumber quality maintenance. Low O2 levels (3–5%) delay yellowing and the onset of decay by a few days. Cucumber tolerates elevated CO2 up to 10% but storage life is not extended beyond the benefit of reduced levels of O2.

Ethylene sensitivity

Cucumbers are highly sensitive to exogenous ethylene. Accelerated yellowing and decay will result from low levels (1–5ppm) of ethylene during distribution and short-term storage. Do not mix commodities such as bananas, melons and tomatoes with cucumber.

Humidity storage

Cucumbers are often treated with approved waxes or oils to reduce water loss, reduce abrasion injury and enhance appearance. Packaging also reduces water loss. Cucumbers should be held at 95% relative humidity.

Disease & infection

Diseases are an important source of postharvest loss, particularly in combination with chilling stress. A number of bacterial and fungal pathogens cause postharvest losses in transit and storage, and with the consumer.Cucumbers are an easy to grow and prolific crop. Ensure the reservoir is kept full, otherwise they may end up being bitter if they don't receive enough moisture. Always wait to plant your cucumber plants until the weather is consistently warm, since they are highly sensitive to cold. You can use frost covers to speed warming and protect plants from pests at the same time. Remove the covers before temperatures get too hot in midsummer, and to allow for pollination. Cucumber beetles are the largest problem with this crop. Cucumbers are best when they are picked at a small to moderate size, otherwise larger ones become woody and tasteless. Consume your harvest within a few days, or pickle them to enjoy at a later time.

COMMON PESTS: Cucumber Beetle, Whiteflies

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Lack of Pollination, Bacterial Wilt, Anthracnose, Mosaic Virus