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The need for a regular crop of cucumbers is increasing every year, it should be noted that breeders have time to breed new varieties in accordance with market demands. Increasingly, hybrids are facing healthy competition from new cucumber species, most of which are parthenocarpic hybrids. And perhaps it is difficult to find such a summer resident who has not met with parthenocarpic cucumbers, at least indirectly. Not all of them, of course, decide to plant them in their backyard, but those who are engaged in gardening at a higher level have already seen all the advantages of parthenocarpic cucumbers over self-pollinating or ordinary hybrids, to say nothing of insect-pollinated ones. And the benefits are really significant, take at least the absence of bitterness in all types of parthenocarpic cucumbers.
The main advantages of parthenocarpic cucumbers
Although the disadvantages of the parthenocarpic type of cucumbers are also inherent, which is only the impossibility of planting them on open ground. Indeed, it would seem that this factor makes them completely uncompetitive in front of self-pollinating hybrids, but the positive qualities overshadow this, at first glance, a significant drawback.
- Breeders conduct many tests before sending a hybrid to the market, including varieties tested for resistance to various diseases, so all cucumber hybrids show high resistance;
- Harvest from one square meter of parthenocarpic hybrids can be an order of magnitude higher than from ordinary hybrid and varietal cucumbers, this is accompanied by a powerful growth of bushes;
- The fruiting period is also generally longer than varietal and bee-pollinated counterparts, this is precisely what causes the increased yield of such hybrids;
- Sharp temperature fluctuations on parthenocarpic cucumbers affect much less than on other varieties and hybrids;
- Breeders also took care of removing bitterness, even after a long maturation, such hybrids have excellent taste.
For the layman, most often the parthenocarpic hybrid is seen as a self-pollinating variety of a varietal cucumber, but in fact these are just the arguments of amateurs, there is a difference and it is significant. Self-pollinated cucumbers have both female and male characteristics in their flower, so pollination occurs, but no one other than the plant itself takes part in this process. In the parthenocarpic hybrid of cucumbers, there is no pollination process, it is not necessary for the formation of an ovary, which is why such hybrids always have no seeds. By the way, it is this process that ensures long-term storage of cucumbers, since there is no seed in the fruit, ripening processes do not occur in it, which lead to yellowing.
Mostly parthenocarpic hybrids of cucumbers are used for planting in greenhouses, in fact, they are bred for closed ground. If you decide to plant them in an area open to insects, the results of such an experiment will be deplorable, a tendency for poor fruit formation of parthenocarpic hybrids has been noticed in the conditions of their color being available to insects. This is manifested in the curvature and external unattractiveness of cucumbers. If you do not have the opportunity to plant seeds in a greenhouse or greenhouse, then it would be better to choose bee-pollinated varieties of cucumbers, since there are enough insects even in inclement weather.
Disadvantages of parthenocarpic cucumbers
- Side shoots that give abundant growth must be removed for the speedy setting of cucumbers;
- The structure of the branches is ampelous, in this regard, it is necessary to further strengthen them by tying them up. One peg stuck next to the cucumber stem will not be enough;
- The main part of the varieties is unsuitable for conservation, this is a side effect of their relative precocity, a dense peel does not have time to form.
Here are some of the most popular parthenocarpic hybrids
Ajax F1
The amazing yield of this specimen can be envied even by the richest insect-pollinated varieties, most often it is planted in greenhouses or greenhouses, it is also suitable for open ground, but you should be aware that such an action can lead to a deterioration of part of the crop by changing the shape of the fruit. It should be noted that Ajax is not suitable for landing in an apartment, even if you have a large balcony. The titanic growth of the bushes only emphasizes the name of this hybrid. Cucumbers grow small, only 10 – 12 cm long, but the ovaries form several in one node. The appearance of the cucumber is decorated with pimples with white spikes, and the color is emerald green. It is used in food both fresh and pickled.
Advance F1
The early and generous fruiting of this hybrid makes it a favorite among summer residents with greenhouses and greenhouses. Like most of its counterparts, Advance is not suitable for open ground. In addition to the highest yield, these cucumbers show high resistance to common diseases, which means that breeders pretty sweat over it. The fruiting of this hybrid is quite early and quite generous. On average, the first ovaries appear already on the 46th – 52nd day from the moment of disembarkation. Cucumbers 10 – 12 cm long, abundantly stick around the entire bush, they have a beautiful bright green color and are decorated with white spikes. This, in turn, means that they belong to a salad species; they should not be salted.
Angel F1
This variety can also be attributed to the family of early ripening, its entry into the fruiting phase can be limited to 40 – 44 days from the moment the first shoots appear. It is believed that this hybrid can be used for open ground, but a summer resident can perform such an action only at his own responsibility. Basically, it is used for planting in greenhouses and greenhouses. Its fruits are on average about 11 cm gherkin type. They are suitable for fresh consumption, but in canned form they have a peculiar taste that many people like. It has impeccable taste, without signs of bitterness. Cucumbers have been shown to be resistant to the following common diseases:
- Cladosporiosis;
- Peronosporosis;
- Root rot.
Form F1
This is a subspecies of gherkins, it is grown mainly in closed ground. On open ground it shows slightly worse results. Its fruits are distinguished by excellent juiciness, and their abundance on an overgrown bush guarantees a high overall yield. In total, cucumbers grow no more than 7 cm long; their distinguishing feature is the unique aroma inherent only in this hybrid. It can be eaten in different forms, but it shows the best taste characteristics in a fresh and lightly salted form. In addition to these advantages, cucumbers are highly resistant to diseases.
German F1
This parthenocarpic type of cucumber has proven itself among summer residents who put up the fruits of their labor for sale, it retains the freshness of the species for a long time after being picked, and even after 10 days it does not acquire the bitterness characteristic of other cucumbers. All cucumbers are equal as a selection and are great in any form for eating.
Christina F1
This is the development of Dutch breeders, it is characterized by early yield and is practically resistant to most known diseases. The Dutch managed to breed a hybrid with sustainable fruits on any soil, but it is still better to eat fresh fruits. In the piggy bank of the positive qualities of this hybrid, one can add disregard for temperature changes.
Conclusion
All of the listed types of parthenocarpic cucumbers are more suitable for growing on sheltered grounds, but among them there are several hybrids that have been pretty worked on in agricultural farms, and they can please seasonal gardeners with virtually no loss in yield.
