Evaluation of ET\(_c\)-Based Irrigation Levels on Growth, Yield, and Yield Response of Cucumber under Red Shade Net Cultivation

Abstract

The experiment entitled “Evaluation of ETc-Based Irrigation Levels on Growth, Yield, and Yield Response of Cucumber under Red Shade Net Cultivation” was conducted at the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr. Annasaheb Shinde College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, during February–June 2025. The study evaluated the effect of five irrigation levels based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc) on the growth, yield, and water-use performance of cucumber cultivated under a red shade net house. Irrigation treatments comprised 120%, 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% ETc. Results indicated that increasing irrigation levels significantly improved vine growth, fruit characteristics, and yield. The 120% ETc treatment produced the highest crop growth and fruit yield, whereas the 40% ETc treatment resulted in the lowest performance. A strong positive relationship was observed between irrigation level and yield (R² = 0.8571). The estimated yield response factor (Ky = 0.4705) indicated moderate sensitivity of cucumber to water stress under protected cultivation. The findings suggest that adequate irrigation based on ETc is essential for maximizing cucumber productivity under red shade net conditions.