Cucumbers 'Estafeta f1': yield and disease resistance

The hybrid cucumber variety "Estafeta" was developed by experienced Soviet breeders at the Edelstein Vegetable Station. The plant was added to the Russian state register in 1983. Cultivation is recommended in the South, Northwest, Central, and Central Black Earth regions, the Far East, and Western and Eastern Siberia. The authors developed the variety for industrial cultivation, but the crop is also widely used in home gardens.

Characteristics and description

The hybrid cucumber variety "Estafeta" is a salad variety. It can be grown indoors or outdoors. The first fruits ripen 53-66 days after germination. The bushes are medium-branched. The flowering type is female. Bees or other nectar-feeding insects are necessary for pollination. The leaves are large, rounded-heart-shaped, and emerald-colored. Fruiting is prolonged, and the fruits ripen until the first frost.

The cucumbers grow smooth, spindle-shaped, with an elongated neck near the attachment to the stem. They reach 15-22 cm in length and weigh 180-220 g. Their surface is covered with large tubercles with barely noticeable white spines. The fruit is dark green halfway up, becoming light green with white stripes towards the tip. The flesh is light green with a slight yellow tint. When bitten, it has a sweet, crunchy texture and a lingering cucumber aroma. Greenhouse yields range from 25-44 kg per square meter. In the garden, yields decrease to 15-20 kg. These vegetables are intended for fresh consumption.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Despite the fact that the selection is old, the plant continues to be popular among gardeners. Advantages of the Estafeta variety:

• short period of fruit ripening;
• high yield, both in open and closed ground;
• commercial qualities are preserved for up to 1 week of storage;
• vegetables tolerate transportation over long distances well;
• excellent taste of cucumbers;
• the plant is tolerant to root rot and cucumber mosaic virus;
• shade-tolerant culture;
• Fruiting of plants planted in open beds in spring lasts until late autumn.

Flaws:

• As the average outdoor temperature rises, male flowers begin to form on the bushes. This leads to a decrease in yield;
• If there is insufficient watering and during prolonged heat, the fruits begin to taste bitter.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The hybrid is resistant to most diseases, but is often attacked by the May beetle larvae and spider mites.

1. Fighting spider mites On cucumbers. To control them, use Actofit or a decoction made from tomato tops. To use Actofit, dissolve 4 ml in 1 liter of water. The recommended dosage is 1-2 liters per 10 m², depending on the spider mite infestation.

A folk remedy for pest control is a decoction of green tomato tops. Collect 2 kg of tops, chop them, pour them into a bucket, and cover with warm water. Then, pour the contents into a saucepan, place on the stove, and boil for 30 minutes. After cooling, add 8 liters of water and 50 g of liquid laundry soap.

2. Control of cockchafer larvaeThe pest gnaws at the root system, causing the plant to first wilt and then completely dry out. To ensure the safety of the vegetable crop and the environment, use the biological product Nemabakt. Directions for use and dosage are indicated on the packaging.

Among the folk remedies in the fight against larvae, the following are distinguished: ammonia-based solutionTake 10 liters of water and dissolve 10 ml of ammonia. Water the beds with the resulting mixture until the liquid soaks into the soil to a depth of at least 10 cm.

Agricultural technology and care

Plant seeds at a depth of 2-3 cm. The optimal soil and growing temperature is 18-20°C. You can sow cucumbers in a greenhouse in late February or early March, so you can harvest your first crop by late April or early May. Before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds for 1 hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Water the plants at the roots with warm water. In a greenhouse, water the cucumbers once every two days. Avoid overwatering, but don't leave the plants without water either, as this will cause the fruit to become bitter. Feed the cucumbers Twice. The first time, when the first two leaves appear. Use a general-purpose fertilizer. The second time, during fruit set, fertilize with a nutrient mixture based on one teaspoon of sulfate, half a liter of liquid mullein infusion, and 10 liters of water. Pour 1 liter per bush.

Reviews

Vasilisa Petrovna, 52 years old, Penza region

I grow the Estafeta variety in a greenhouse complex for sale. The hybrid produces high yields. I'm grateful to the breeders for such a highly productive variety with excellent flavor. The plants require minimal care. I fertilize and water them twice. As soon as a crust appears, I loosen the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Fruiting is abundant and long-lasting. Before the vegetables have even had time to mature, another wave of cucumbers is forming nearby. I recommend Estafeta to all vegetable growers.

Roman Grigorievich, 40 years old, Arkhangelsk region

I planted the Estafeta cucumber hybrid in a greenhouse. It's not a fussy crop. The seeds germinated quickly and almost completely. We had a good harvest. We enjoyed fresh cucumber salads all spring and even managed to pickle a 50-liter barrel. To stimulate growth and increase yield, I used a yeast-based fertilizer. It's easy to prepare. Take a liter of warm water and add 100 grams of dry baker's yeast. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved. Then dilute the mixture with 9 liters of room-temperature water. One liter is used per plant.