Determination of the Effects of Pumpkin Rootstock on Yield and Fruit Quality in Mini Watermelon Cultivation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the pumpkin rootstocks developed throughhybridization breeding technique on the yield and fruit quality in grafted mini watermelon cultivation. Inthis research, seven rootstock candidates obtained from intraspecific pumpkin hybrids developed byrootstock breeding program and RS 841 commercial rootstock cultivar were used. These rootstocks weregrafted with Bonanza mini watermelon cultivar. Non-grafted Bonanza seedlings were planted as thecontrol. Total yield (kg/da), average fruit weight, fruit number/plant, fruit dimensions, fruit dry mattercontent, total soluble solids (TTS), fruit flesh color, fruit firmness and vitamin C values were determinedto examine the effect of rootstocks on the yield and quality components of mini watermelon. Mean TTSvalue was found 11.1% in grafted mini watermelons. This value was 8.9% in non-grafted Bonanza fruits(control). Fruit flesh color, vitamin C and fruit dry matter contents were changed depending on therootstock. At the end of this study; the 15/B, 26/B and 35/B rootstock/scion combinations had higher valuesfor yield and quality compared to those of the non-grafted and other rootstock/scion combinations.