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Abstract
Most information on effects of rootstocks on watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] quality is derived from studies on disease resistance. The current study was undertaken to determine effects on yield and fruit morphometric and physicochemical characteristics of large-fruited, diploid and small-fruited, triploid watermelon cultivars grafted to interspecific hybrid rootstocks. Two yearly field experiments were conducted between April and July at the Zygi Experimental Station in Cyprus. Grafting increased marketable yield by 43% on average over nongrafted controls. No cultivar–rootstock combination resulted in commercially unacceptable (<10%) soluble solids content (SSC); only triploid cv. Extazy exhibited a rootstock-dependent decrease in SSC. Flesh firmness was increased by grafting on all rootstocks by an average of 36% over the nongrafted control. Variability in rind thickness was derived mainly from the scion. Rootstocks did not affect lycopene content and their effect on flesh color was minimal. Though grafting enhanced yield and fruit quality, choice of rootstock may adversely affect SSC of certain cultivars.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We gratefully acknowledge Professor A.S. Siomos for helpful discussions and critical reading of the article. Thanks are also due to the staff of the Vegetable and Ornamental Crops Section and the Zygi Experimental Station of the Agricultural Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus, and to the Ammochostos Extension Office of the Dept. of Agriculture for technical support on cultivar–rootstock selection and cultural practices.
