Relationships between Fruit Mineral Nutrients Concentrations and Some Fruit Quality Attributes in Greenhouse Cucumber

ABSTRACT

The objective of this investigation was to determine nutritional and performance quality indices of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) in relationship with fruit nutrient concentrations. Fruit firmness showed a positive correlation with fruit calcium (Ca) concentration (r = 0.66; P < 0.01). Ascorbic acid and citric acid concentrations in the fruit were positively influenced by potassium (K) concentration. There was a negative correlation between the fruit pH and phosphorus (P) concentration (r = ?0.54; P < 0.01). The greenish color intensity (?a) of the fruit skin was positively correlated (r = 0.58; P < 0.01) to the magnesium (Mg) concentration. On the other hand, the basic tint of color (H) was lower in the fruits with higher K concentration. The mean nitrate concentration in the greenhouse cucumber was about 2.5 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard limit that shows high potential health risks. Potassium was the most important effective element on cucumber quality.