This paper will focus on cucumbers. It will discuss their relationship to other plants, the region of its origin and the plant part used by humans. The way cucumbers are harvested and the value of the harvest will also be touched on. Diseases and insects that threaten cucumbers will briefly be discussed. IntroductionFrom the times of the bible through Henry VIII reign and into the modern era, cucumbers have survived through the ages. Cucumbers have many uses such as providing food, lotion, perfume, and can be made into an emetic, to name a few. There are many different species of cucumbers and there are many ways to prepare them. Harvesting can be a tedious or quick process depending on the type of cucumber. Cucumbers are one of the most produced vegetables, or should it be fruits, in the world.Name and ClassificationThe cucumbers scientific name is Cucumis sativus (Linn). The genus name is Cucumis and the species name is sativus. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. The common name is cucumber and is sometimes shortened to cukes.Relationship to any other economically important plant species or familiesThe cucumber is in the same family as pumpkins, gourds, squash, watermelon and cantaloupe. Cucumber is the second most cultivated vegetable in greenhouses, contested only by tomatoes. Country/Region of OriginThere is a considerable amount of conflicting views on where cucumbers originated. Some claim it is native to India, while others claim Asia, and still others claim it is native to Greece. The largest cultivation of it is in Asia. Where- ever the cucumber is native it is now cultivated all over the world.Plant Part Used by HumansThe part of the cucumber that is used by humans is the fruit. The ovary at the base of the female flower develops into the fruit. The male flowers purpose is to fertilize the female. Description of harvesting techniquesCucumbers are a warm season crop. The most favorable growing temp...
