Greenhouse cucumber production demands precision, planning, and up-to-date knowledge.
Local Land Services offer practical advice tailored to Australian conditions and greenhouse systems - useful whether you're refining your current setup or exploring new approaches.
Local Land Services' Greenhouse Cucumber Production Manual (PDF 10.5MB) offers a complete overview of greenhouse cucumber production. Topics include:
- greenhouse design and hydroponic systems
- crop nutrition, irrigation, and pest control
- postharvest handling and economic comparisons
It’s a practical reference for both new and experienced growers looking to improve efficiency and crop quality.
Grafted rootstocks
Greenhouse grown cucumbers are susceptible to fungal root rot, stem and wilt disease complex. Root rots are caused by various species of Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Pythium. These diseases can cause up to 95 percent plant losses.
There are no effective fungicides registered or with permits for greenhouse cucumbers to manage this disease.
Grafting cucumbers to tolerant rootstocks is one way of protecting plants against root disease, producing a more robust crop with a higher marketable yield. Selected cucumber varieties are grafted onto a pathogen-tolerant cucurbit rootstocks like pumpkins.
Grafted plants cost more upfront, but the benefits of a higher yield quickly outweighs the cost. Under high disease pressure, grafted plants can double yields compared to non-grafted ones.
Grafting offers a reliable strategy for growers facing persistent disease pressure.
Registered pesticides - diseases
This guide lists pesticides approved for use in NSW against major cucumber diseases. It includes:
- active ingredients and trade names
- application rates and withholding periods
- resistance management notes and chemical group rotation advice
Growers can use this document to plan effective, compliant disease control programs.
Registered pesticides - insect pests
This resource covers insecticide options for pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mites. It provides:
- chemical and biological control options
- bee safety ratings and IPM suitability
- notes on timing, crop safety, and resistance
It helps growers choose targeted solutions while supporting integrated pest management.
