Water and nutrients are vital environmental factors affecting cucumber growth and productivity. This study, conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, during 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, examined the effects of water deficit and foliar anti-stress treatments on growth, chemical composition, and yield of cucumber (var. Bright VZ). Three irrigation levels (100%, 80%, 60% of water needs) were applied using the Class A evapotranspiration method. Foliar sprays included potassium silicate (2 mL/L), salicylic acid (0.5 g/L), calcium + boron (2 mL/L), and a control (tap water). Reduced irrigation negatively affected vegetative growth (plant height, leaves number, fresh and dry weights) and yield traits (total yield, fruit count, water use efficiency), especially at 60%. No significant differences appeared between 100% and 80% irrigation for leaf number, average fruit weight, diameter, or length. The 80% level yielded the highest N, P, K, Ca, and B in tissues. While fruit quality was mostly stable, TSS increased under 60% irrigation. Moderate deficit (80%) did not harm growth or yield and, combined with potassium silicate or salicylic acid, improved outcomes |
