Reduction of Monosporascus wilt incidence using different Galia-type melons grafted onto Cucurbita rootstock

摘要

Galia-type melons 'Carrera', 'NUN-5554', '6003' and 'Arava' were evaluated for their horticultural performance and for their response to Monosporascus wilt in two field experiments. The experiments were carried out during autumn and spring growing seasons in infested soil in the 'Arava region of southern Israel. Significant differences in disease incidence were found among cultivars, between grafted and non-grafted plants, and between growing seasons. Disease reduction and the beneficial effect of grafting on yield were more pronounced in the spring. The results indicate that the performance of grafted Galia-type melons is markedly dependent on the scion, which should be selected for adaptation to a particular growing area and season.