Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to assess the effect of bio-stimulants of different composition (Asahi SL - based on three nitrophenol compounds, naturally occurring in plants, as active ingredients; Optisil – mineral growth stimulant containing 24 g L-1 of Fe and 200 g L-1 of SiO2; Kelpak SL – manufactured from Ecklonia maxima and containing auxins and cytokinins) on the content of macronutrients and micronutrients in cucumber fruits (Cucumis sativus L.) and on the fruit yield of the Akord F1 variety. With three replications, the field experiment was conducted in a completely randomised design on a private farm in Wólka LeÅ›na in Poland (N 52°11’59”, E 22°24’30”). The experiment was carried out in three growing seasons between 2015 and 2017. Three types of growth regulators and a cucumber variety were used as experimental factors. During the experiment, it was found that in response to bio-stimulants, fruit protein content and the yield significantly increased relative to control. The highest yield was noted after application of the bio-stimulant containing Fe and SiO2. Additionally, the above products applied to cucumber plants significantly increased magnesium content in the fruits but decreased the amount of sodium. Similarly, higher amounts of iron, manganese, and boron in relation to control were recorded, and in the case of Optysil the content of Zn and Co also increased.

Key words: Cucumis sativus L., growth stimulators, macronutrients, micronutrients, protein.