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Abstract
The UVI Aquaponics System is an integrated production system of fish
culture and vegetable hydroponics which conserves land and water resources by
concentrating production, reusing and recycling water, uses fish waste (both metabolic
and digestive) as nutrient sources for plant growth, reduces waste discharged into the
environment. Two trials were conducted to evaluate production of 10 varieties of
cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in the aquaponic system from June - December, 2011.
Cucumber seedlings were transplanted at a density of 8/m2, which is the density
recommended for field production by the seed company. In the first trial, five varieties
were transplanted in complete randomized block design in one-third of the system.
Transplanted seedlings were two-weeks old and harvests began on day 21 and
continued for an additional 21 days when the crops were removed. These five varieties
were transplanted again at week 2 and 4. Fruits harvested three times a week for total
seven harvests for each crop. The same transplanting and harvest procedure was
repeated for a second trial with five additional varieties in season and year. Cucumber
var. "Speedway", "Fanfare" and "Sweeter Yet" yielded 24 fruits per m2 per planting.
"Palace King" produced the greatest mass (6.2 kg/m2/crop). Varietal differences will
influence the mass produced for each crop. Market preference in the USVI for smaller
varieties must be met by a farmer choosing the cucumber type to produce.