Effect of Zinc Nanoparticles on Seed Priming, Growth and Production of Cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable and its demand remains around the year. High quality and yield are desired quality for both grower and consumers. Therefore, influence of seed priming and foliar application of zinc nanoparticles was checked on yield and quality of cucumber. Results indicate that zinc nanoparticles at 20 ppm concentration increased seed germination as well as physical parameters plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, yield, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, average single fruit weight, fruit firmness and fruit color was increased. Furthermore, chemical parameters like total soluble solids 3.875, ascorbic acid 3.070 and titratable acidity 0.662 was increased at 20 ppm zinc nanoparticles as compared to control and other treatments. Present research proves that seed priming and foliar application of zinc nanoparticles are effective for improving fruit physical and chemical characteristics.