Comparative suitability of various growth media for producing cucumber transplants

Peat is generally used as a medium for growing cucumber,which is highly expensive.many wastes which are useless by-products of vegetables production process can be useful as organic materials with potential applications. these wastes can be used as alternatives to peat. the study was conducted in a plastic house at directorate of vegetable,department of horticultural research &development,national agricultural research centre,islamabad. peat,compost and farmyard manure alone and in combination were compared for producing cucumber seedlings. maximum germination (96.33%),seedlings shoot length (28.33 cm),seedling height (38.67 cm),seedling vigor index (38.67) and minimum days to emergence (16.33) were found in t9 (peat,compost and traditional practicing media in 1:1:1 ratio). maximum dry matter accumulation (38.50 %) was recorded in t4 (peat and compost,in 1:1/2 ratio) and maximum benefit cost ratio (1.87) was recorded in t2 (compost). © pakistan academy of sciences.