Effect of Different Rootstocks and Double Grafting on the Fruit Quality and Withering Occurrence of Greenhouse Watermelon

摘要

To investigate the effect of rootstocks and double grafting on the fruit quality and withering occurrence of greenhouse watermelon (Citmllus vulgaris S.), three rootstocks, Chambak (Lagenaria vulgaris), Shintozwa (C. maxima x C. moschata) Andongoi (Sicyos angulatus L.), and double grafting using Shintozwa as primary rootstock and Chambak as secondary rootstock, were evaluated. The parameters used were withering occurrence, plant growth and fruit quality during low temperature season at annually withering field of a major producing district, Haman. Remarkable withering symptoms were observed in plants grafted onto Chambak but very low occurrence showed in plants grafted onto Shintozwa and double grafted. Watermelon plants grafted onto rootstocks suchas Andongoi, Shintozwa, and double grafted showed comparable shoot growth and fruit development as compared to the those grafted onto popular rootstock, Chambak. However, the soluble solids contents, rind thickness, and flavour of watermelons grafted onto Chambak was superior as compared to the those grafted onto the other rootstocks. The results also showed that changes of rootstocks from popular rootstock, Chambak, to Shintozwa, double-grafted and Andongoi rootstock could be alternative method to reduce the withering occurrence under greenhouse cultivation during low temperature season.