Cucumber Hybrid "Brother Ivanushka f1": Planting, Growing, and Care Guidelines

The Bratets Ivanushka variety is abbreviated as F1, indicating that the plant is a first-generation hybrid. It was developed with the help of breeders who improved its performance by combining the best qualities of its parent varieties. It was developed by scientists at the Vegetable Crop Breeding Research Institute. It was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation in 2006. The seeds gained the greatest popularity on the market in 2008.

General characteristics of the variety

Hybrid seeds are produced by Agrofirma Poisk LLC. This cucumber is a mid-early ripening variety. It is recommended for cultivation in the Central Black Earth Region. It is most common in the Voronezh and Tambov regions. It is also frequently cultivated in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

The bush is medium-sized, ranging in height from 70 cm to 1.5 m. The plant is a moderate climber, with a moderate number of vines and leaves. Slightly climber-like bushes are also found. This cultivar is indeterminate. Flowering is predominantly female, with white flowers splashed with yellow. The ovary forms in clusters. The stem is not rough, but rather smooth. It has a robust structure, up to 15 mm in diameter. The leaves are green, standard-sized, almost smooth, and approximately 10 cm in diameter. The leaf blade shape is rounded, typical of the cucumber family. This is a tall variety, with stems reaching 1.5 m.

Small fruits, like gherkins:

1. The average weight is 80-85 g, but can be from 70 to 96 g. In rare cases it reaches 100 g.
2. The length of cucumbers is 8-10 cm with a diameter of 30-35 mm.
3. The vegetable is neat, cylindrical in shape, slightly elongated.
4. The cucumbers are finely bumpy and covered with black pubescence.
5. The peel is of medium density and green in color.
6. A pattern in the form of longitudinal stripes of light or light yellow shades.

The flesh is firm and juicy. The fruit has a characteristic cucumber flavor and a sweet aftertaste. If picked on time, there is no bitterness. Due to its small size, it is used for pickling and canning. It is also suitable for salads and eaten fresh.

Almost every variety has its advantages and disadvantages. Brother Ivanushka F1 has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a hybrid:

1. An early harvest can be obtained 48 days after the emergence of sprouts.
2. Good yield
3. Wide range of applications.
4. Excellent commercial qualities.
5. Resistance to stress in relation to weather conditions and resistance to diseases.
6. If all requirements are met, it can be stored for a long time without spoiling.
7. Easy to transport.

Disadvantages of a hybrid:

1. The inability to independently prepare seeds for planting. Seeds must be purchased annually.
2. May become overgrown if not harvested regularly.

Many consider the presence of black pubescence a drawback. The variety requires insects for pollination, so when growing the hybrid, be sure to provide access to bees and bumblebees.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The hybrid has a good immune system, allowing it to resist the most common diseases.

Resistance is genetically determined and applies to:

• Cladosporiosis;
• downy mildew;
• downy mildew;
• root rot.

However, to maintain the plant's immunity, it must be given good care. If not cared for properly, the plant still runs the risk of infection.

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Brother Ivanushka can fall victim to aphids. As a preventative measure, the plant is treated with insecticides and fungicides (depending on the disease or pest). Many gardeners resort to folk remedies.

The culture tolerates temperature changes well, reacting to them less strongly than other varieties.

Agricultural technology

The hybrid is grown using both seedlings and direct-seeding methods. The soil must be prepared in advance. Preparation begins in the fall. Before wintering, the soil is dug over and loosened. Organic fertilizers can be added.

If the soil is highly acidic, it is treated with dolomite flour, potassium carbonate, ash, or limestone solution. After treatment, the soil acidity decreases, and the crop can then be planted.

Seeds are disinfected before planting. Pre-treatment:

• prevents the development of diseases;
• strengthens the plant's immunity.

A weak solution of potassium permanganate can be used for treatment. The seeds are disinfected for several hours. Soaking the seeds is not necessary, but the use of growth biostimulants is recommended. This will improve seed germination and produce higher-quality sprouts.

Seeds are planted in March-April or July, depending on the type of soil:

1. When planting in beds, it is necessary to wait until warm weather sets in and frosts have passed.
2. The seeds are placed into the soil at a depth of 25-40 mm, point down.
3. The soil should be warm and frost-free during planting. The optimal soil temperature is 12-13°C. ^OWITH.
4. At 1m² 3-4 bushes are planted.

Before planting seeds for seedlings, prepare suitable containers. Plastic or peat cups can be used. Biodegradable materials are advantageous because the plant's root system won't be disturbed during transplantation. If the container is airtight, drainage is essential to provide oxygen. Before planting, water the soil with a potassium permanganate solution. Plant the seeds 15-20 mm deep in the container. After planting, moisten the soil and cover the plant with a thick covering. Once the sprouts break through the soil, remove the covering. During this stage, until sprouts emerge, water the plant infrequently—once every 5-7 days.

Brother Ivanushka F1 requires regular watering. Plants should be watered at the roots or using drip irrigation. Cucumbers should not be watered from above. No moisture should remain on the leaves. Prepare the water in advance; it needs time to settle. Avoid watering the plant with cold water. Avoid drought or overwatering. Watering is best done in the morning or evening, every other day, or daily during dry periods.

Care instructions:

1. Loosen the soil regularly, preferably after watering. Loosening ensures drainage. The minimum amount is 1-2 times a week.
2. Weed as needed. The bed should be free of weeds, as they interfere with plant growth. The minimum amount is once every two weeks.
3. Feed At least 4-5 times per season. The plant is fed with organic and mineral fertilizers. They should be alternated. On average, they are fed once every 14-21 days. Of the mineral fertilizers, the plant needs potassium and phosphorus the most. Humus or compost is used as organic fertilizer.

When the vines have gained length, the plant is tied to trellisIt's best to secure the shoots horizontally. Shaping the bush is done as needed.

Reviews

Gardeners have their own opinion about the hybrid Bratets Ivanushka F1 and note it as a good, high-yielding variety.

Ekaterina, Nyazepetrovsk

I've been planting the Bratets Ivanushka hybrid for five years now. Over these years, not a single bush has ever become diseased or damaged by pests. Naturally, I treat the bushes as a preventative measure. There were fluctuating temperatures this summer, but I still got a good harvest. I even preserved the leftovers. I'm very happy with the seeds and will continue planting them.

Aglaya, Voronezh

I didn't have much luck with this variety—the small cucumbers weren't my thing. But a friend pickles them regularly and treats her with them. They're delicious and crispy. They're great for everything: salads and pickling. She says they're easy and low-maintenance, but you have to pick them early, otherwise they'll taste bitter.

Inna, Samara

The germination rate was 98% upon planting. They grow quickly, and I harvested my first crop 46 days after transplanting. They are neat and not bitter. The flesh is crisp and juicy, slightly sweet. We tied them to a trellis and they harvested easily. They stored well, and none of them spoiled. I recommend them.

This hybrid is very easy to grow, as in addition to excellent fruit characteristics, it requires little care and attention. However, it's important to know that the more effort you put into the plant, the greater the yield you'll get. Brother Ivanushka will delight you with delicious vegetables.