STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF HARVEST AGE ON PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, REDUCING SUGAR CONTENT, AND VITAMIN C CONTENT OF CUCUMBER FRUITS (Cucumis sativus L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the physiological maturity stage of the F1 hybrid cucumber cultivar Amata 765 cultivated at An Huu commune, Dong Thap province, thereby providing a scientific basis for harvesting to ensure optimal fruit quality. Physiological and biochemical methods were employed to analyze changes in selected parameters—including fruit length, diameter, reducing sugar content, and vitamin C content—during fruit growth and development from fruit set to maturity. Results revealed that day c post-pollination represents the ideal stage for cucumber fruit development and quality, at which fruit dimensions approached maximum values (length a cm, diameter b cm), while vitamin C and reducing sugar contents reached peak levels before exhibiting a slight decline thereafter. Consequently, harvesting at this precise timing is essential to maximize both yield and nutritional value of the fruit.