Gherkin is commonly known as Cackrey, Maroon Ccucumber, West Indian Gherkin and West Indian Gourd.

It is a thinly stemmed herbaceous vine, which is indigenous to Africa.

Major Gherkin growing countries in the world are Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, New York and United States.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class:  Magnoliopsida
• Order: Violales
• Family: Cucurbitaceae
• Genus:  Cucumis
• Species: anguria

Fruits are the most economically important part of Gherkin cultivation

Gherkins are cultivated mainly in the tropics and subtropics, though it can also succeed in regions of the temperate zone with long, hot summers.

It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 21°C - 28°C.

The plant cannot tolerate frost.

Gherkins prefer a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,000mm, but tolerates up to 300 - 1,700mm.

Gherkins require a rich, well-drained moisture retentive soil and a warm very sunny position and prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7.5, tolerating 5.5 - 8.3.

Warm, moderate humid conditions are preferable

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Leaf Miner, Aphid, Cabbage Lopper, Cut Worms and Flea Beetles.
    
  • Major Diseases: Downy Mildew, Belly Rot, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Anthracnose and Belly Rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Yellowing