The origin of cucumber goes back to India and West Asia. North India is the original home of the cucumber where the principal species is Cucumis Hardwicki , believed to be a form of wild cucumber. Cucumber has been known in in India for over 3000 years and was only introduced to Europe around 1000 years ago. Cucumbers were eaten by the people of Iraq and the ancient Babylonian city of Ur. and some say it spread from there to the countries of South Eastern Europe (Turkey and Bulgaria), then towards Greece and from Greece to the Romans, who loved it very much and then moved to China and spread it. The Romans used cucumbers not only as food, but to treat the bites of scorpions. The name "Cucumber" in English is a derivation of the words "Cow cumber" because in the 1600’s they were believed only fit for cows (Cow) and not for humans!

Taxonomy

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Occurrence & Agricultural Importance in this Country

Cultivation Areas

Potatoes are grown mainly in the northern uplands around Mosul and the central valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers near Baghdad. Some potatoes are also grown in the lower Tigris-Euphrates Valley, but production there is limited due to soil salinity.

Mosul receives an annual average of 390 millimetres of rain, mostly falling from November through May. Average annual rainfall at Baghdad is 140 mm, with a similar distribution

Main Varieties

Climatic conditions in Iraq demand early maturing varieties, the most widely grown being Bintje because it is preferred by consumers for its taste and texture. Ajax is also planted in some quantity. Other varieties under evaluation include Radosa, Desiree, Amigo, Marijke, Estima, Jaerla, Ostara, and Wilja.

Marketing Information and Uses

Use

Cucumbers can be eaten fresh or they can be pickled. Cucumbers that are eaten fresh are known as “slicing” varieties and Cucumbers that are pickled are known as “pickling” varieties.

Markets

Significant exports of cucumber are made from Jordan. Customers include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Russia, Syria, Sultanate of Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, UK, Russia and Sweden.

Crop Management(Cultivation conditions and methods)

Cultivation conditions and methods:

Soil Type

A well-drained soil is important for cucumbers and so they are often planted in raised beds. Cucumbers thrive in a sandy loam soils, but also the soil should contain a reasonable amount of organic matter; manure will give the plants the nutrients they require. A pH of 6 to 7 ideal and there should be adequate space because cucumbers grow large and do so rapidly.

Temperatures

Optimal temperature for seed germination is 22 – 24 C. The optimal temperature for the growth of new plants is 18-20 C. If the temperature drops below this range, growth is slower and low temperatures at harvest induce yellow striping on the fruits which reduces their value.

Water Requirements

When the cucumbers are flowering and fruiting. Plenty of water is needed because the more moisture the cucumbers absorb, the sweeter and juicier they become.

Nutrition Requirements

Fertilizers rich in nitrogen are best for the cucumber plants. Organic compost or well-rotted manure is also of advantage.

Harvesting Period

Cucumbers are harvested usually 50 to 60 days after planting, depending on size requirements. The ideal color of cucumbers is dark green. Late harvested, over ripe cucumbers have a bitter flavour.

Harvesting Methods

Hand picking

Cultivation conditions and methods:

Cucumber

Products

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Pests

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