The objective of this research was to evaluate the production and phytochemical quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruits, in response to the foliar application of different seaweed extracts. This study was carried out under shadow mesh conditions in the autumn–winter agricultural cycle at the Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico. The experimental design was completely random, using six treatments with six repetitions each. The treatments evaluated were: Macrocystis pyrifera, Bryothamnion triquetrum, Ascophyllum nodosum, Grammatophora spp., Macrocystis integrifolia, and a control treatment with inorganic fertilization. The substrate used was a mixture of sand and vermicompost. The yield, commercial size, and phytochemical compounds of the fruit were evaluated. Results showed that the yield using Steiner solution (6.75 kg m−2) was higher than that obtained with Bryothamnion triquetrum algae (6.07 kg m−2). Regarding the phenolic content, the extracts surpassed the control treatment, with Macrocystis pyrifera and Macrocystis integrifolia being statistically equal, with values of 47.37 and 43.73 mg equiv. of Ac. Gallic 100 g fresh weight, respectively. The antioxidant capacity by ABTS+ and DPPH+ methods was higher using the treatment with Macrocystis pyrifera algae with 149.4 and 454.1 μM equiv Trolox/100 g fresh base, respectively. This treatment also presented the highest value of vitamin C with 5.07 mg/100 g fresh base, being 27% greater than the control treatment. Algae extracts increased the quality of the fruits by obtaining the highest antioxidant capacity, making their use a viable option to minimize the application of conventional fertilizers, thereby attenuating the effects on the environment and improving the health of the population.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) on the yield and phytochemical content in hydroponically grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). (1) Background: The importance of Mexico’s cucumber production is based on its cultivation in recent decades as one of the major winter crops; in addition, the production of vegetables under hydroponic systems has increased significantly during the last few years, with cucumber being one of the vegetables with a high economic potential. (2) Methods: A completely randomized experimental design with 15 repetitions was used. SA at five doses (0.075, 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) and one control (distilled water) was sprinkled weekly on cucumber plants. The evaluated variables were yield (total fruit weight per plant), fruit parameters (length, size and firmness), and nutraceutical quality of cucumber. (3) Results: Low concentrations of SA improve the yield and high concentrations decrease it, but the nutraceutical quality of fruits is improved, as compared to the control treatment. (4) Conclusions: In order to obtain a higher content of bioactive compounds without affecting the yield and commercial quality of cucumber fruits, it is advisable to use the average concentration (0.15 mM) of SA.

El presente trabajo pretende aportar información sobre el uso de sustratos orgánicos elaborados a partir de estiércol bovino tratado para la producción de pepino. El trabajo se realizó en Invernadero durante el año 2011 en el Instituto Tecnológico de Torreón (ITT), Torreón, Coahuila. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar; considerando cuatro tratamientos con cuatro repeticiones: vermicompost + arena (20:80 v/v); estiércol solarizado + arena (20:80); vermicompost + estiércol solarizado + arena (10:10:80) y un tratamiento testigo (solución steiner). Las mezclas de sustratos se formularon en base a volumen (v/v), utilizando bolsas de polietileno negro de 15 kg de peso. El material genético fue el híbrido Hisham 1110-EZ. Las variables evaluadas en planta fueron altura, peso fresco y seco, rendimiento, calidad de fruto, sólidos solubles y análisis químico foliar; en el sustrato se evaluaron parámetros físicos, químicos y microbiológicos. Los resultados indicaron respuesta significativa en altura, rendimiento y en el análisis del tejido vegetal, así como en CE y pH. El rendimiento de pepino fue mayor con la utilización de la solución Steiner (9.87 kg m-2); la mezcla de arena más vermicompost (80:20) obtuvo el mayor rendimiento de los sustratos orgánicos con un rendimiento de 8.45 kg m-2. Éstos resultados permiten suponer que la utilización del sustrato de arena con vermicompost, como medio de crecimiento y nutrición, podría permitir reducir la fertilización tradicional, lo cual se considera una mejora en los sistemas de producción orgánica bajo invernadero.

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