Cucumber Prado

Prado F1 — early parthenocarpic hybrid of smooth cucumbers, intended for cultivation in plastic and glass greenhouses during winter-spring and summer-autumn cycles, as well as under light cultivation conditions. Plants are vigorous with moderate branching and good leafiness, dark green leaves of medium size. The hybrid forms 1–2 uniform cylindrical fruits per node, 16–18 cm long, dark green, free of bitterness, and with excellent taste qualities. Prado belongs to the mini cucumber group and is distinguished by high resistance to main diseases such as cucumber downy mildew, black mold, as well as moderate resistance to powdery mildew, downy mildew, mosaic, and cucumber yellowing virus. For successful cultivation of Prado F1, it is important to observe three main growth stages: seedling stage, stage of climbing the trellis, and fruiting stage. During the seedling stage, the maximum leaf apparatus is formed for rapid growth; during the trellis stage, intensive apical growth and fruit set are maintained. When the trellis height reaches about two meters, the hybrid forms 20–22 internodes, the length of which depends on the temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to maintain greenhouse air temperature at 22–25°C during sunny weather, 20–22°C on cloudy days, and 18–19°C at night, relative humidity 80–85%, and irrigation water temperature at 22–23°C. It is important to timely remove all lateral shoots and ‘suckers’ for optimal plant development. Recommended planting density is 1.8–2 plants per square meter. To maintain optimal growing conditions, control substrate electrical conductivity at 3.0–3.5 mS/cm and pH around 6.0. A temperature fluctuation of 3–4°C promotes internode elongation and reduces plant susceptibility to diseases. The first fruit should be left after 6–10 leaves, depending on plant condition and light intensity. Due to its characteristics and resistance, the Prado F1 hybrid is an excellent choice for obtaining high-quality cucumber yields under greenhouse conditions.