Grafting effects on morphological development, yield performance, and fruit quality of melon (Cucumis melo L)
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of grafting on yield and fruit quality parameters of melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivated under arid environmental conditions. The need to enhance productivity while maintaining fruit quality is particularly relevant in water-limited regions, where melon production faces considerable challenges. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a randomized block design. Melon scions (cv. MERBOUH) were grafted onto the interspecific rootstock Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata (‘FERRO RZ’) and compared with ungrafted controls. Agronomic traits, yield components, and fruit quality attributes were measured to assess the influence of grafting under controlled arid conditions. Grafting significantly affected most measured parameters. Grafted plants showed enhanced vegetative growth, with plant height being 53.85%, 38.10%, and 29.93% greater at 40, 60, and 90 days after planting, respectively. Yield components also improved, as average fruit weight increased by 55.38%, yield per plant by 61.54%, and total yield per hectare by 57.54%. Fruit size improved, with diameter and length increasing by 13.2% and 19.9%, respectively. In contrast, no significant differences were detected for pH, water content, or ash content. However, grafting reduced sweetness-related traits, with decreases of 11.2% in total sugars, 22.9% in reducing sugars, and 5.3% in sucrose content, highlighting a yield–quality trade-off. The study was successfully conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions in an arid environment, with no major constraints or unforeseen issues encountered throughout the growing season. The experimental setup allowed for consistent monitoring and reliable assessment of grafting effects on melon growth, yield, and fruit quality. This research provides new evidence that grafting melon onto the vigorous ‘FERRO RZ’ rootstock enhances productivity and fruit size in arid zones, although at the expense of sugar content. It offers practical insights into sustainable melon production strategies under water scarcity.
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