A field trial was conducted during the wet season of 2020 at the research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; located at Samaru in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Treatments consisted of trellising; trellised and non-trellised and fertilization; control (0 t ha-1), Biochar (2 t ha-1) and NPK Fertilizer (100:50:50 ha-1). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The plots were marked out into 3 x 4 m in size with a spacing of 1.5 m and 2 m between plots and replicates respectively. Stand count, weed dry weight and leaf Area Index were not affected by trellising and fertilization at both sampling periods. Application of NPK at 100:50:50 kg ha-1 and biochar at 2 t ha-1 showed significant increase in number of branches and vine length with better results when influenced by trellising than control and non-trellised plants. There was no significant difference in the number of days to 50% flowering in cucumber with control showing the lowest days. Furthermore, Application of NPK at 100:50:50 kg ha-1 and biochar at 2 t ha-1 demonstrated significantly higher number of fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and fruit yield with the best results as influenced by trellising. Data was collected on weed count, weed dry weight, vine length, number of leaves of plant, number of flowers, number of days to 50% flowering, plant length and plant weight. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test.

Cucumber, biochar and trellising.

agronomy

Presentation: poster