Aspirin to solve cucumber-growers headache?

11 November 1998

Aspirin to solve cucumber-growers’ headache?

DUTCH farmers have discovered that aspirin is just the tonic for slow-growing cucumbers.

Scientists at the Dutch research institute TNO have discovered that feeding aspirin to young cucumber plants helps to prevent thickening of the root walls.

Plants with thick root walls absorb water and minerals less easily, causing slower growth.

A Dutch farmers organisation is investigating whether the active ingredient in aspirin can be registered for use to protect their cucumbers.

• The Independent 11/11/98 page 14