This document summarizes a study that evaluated different grafting methods for watermelon seedlings and their impact on plant growth, yield, and fruit quality. Three grafting methods were compared: splice grafting, hole insertion grafting, and tongue approach grafting. Splice grafting resulted in the highest survival rates of grafted seedlings and led to significant increases in plant growth, early and total yield, and fruit characteristics compared to non-grafted plants and plants grafted using other methods. Histological analysis of the graft unions supported the findings that splice grafting was the most effective grafting technique.
Grafting: A multidimensional approach in vegetable crop production.
By: Sanmathi Ashihal: Dept.of Vegetable Science, College of horticulture,Bengaluru.
Grafting: A multidimensional approach in vegetable crop production.
By: Sanmathi Ashihal: Dept.of Vegetable Science, College of horticulture,Bengaluru.
Grafting is a method employed to improve crop production. Grafting of vegetable seedlings is a unique horticultural technology practiced for many years in East Asia to overcome issues associated with intensive cultivation using limited arable land.The first grafted vegetable seedlings used were for Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) plants grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria L. rootstock to overcome Fusarium wilt. Since then, the use of grafted solanaceous and cucurbitaceous seedlings has spread, with the practice mainly used in Asia, Europe, and North America. The expansion of grafting is likely due to its ability to provide tolerance to biotic stress, such as soilborne pathogens, and to abiotic stresses, such as cold, salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity, due to the resistance found in the rootstock. Many aspects related to rootstock/scion interactions are poorly understood, which can cause loss of fruit quality, reduced production, shorter postharvest time, and, most commonly, incompatibility between rootstock and scion. The rootstock and scion cultivars must be chosen with care to avoid loss.
Horticultural practices likes as pruning, training, staking, mulching, PGRs and pollination found effective for achieving significant higher yield with improved quality.
Foundation and certified seed production of MestaNSStudents
The Presentation is prepared by the N.S Institution of science, Markapur.
It consists of a basic introduction related to Foundation and certified seed production of Mesta
What is Rouging?
Rouging for quality seed production,
A major source of off-type plant,
Rouging in Certified Seed Production,
Rouging During rice seed production.
Foundation and certified seed production of castorNSStudents
The Presentation is prepared by the N.S Institution of science, Markapur.
It consists of a basic introduction related to Foundation and certified seed production of castor.
Grafting is a method employed to improve crop production. Grafting of vegetable seedlings is a unique horticultural technology practiced for many years in East Asia to overcome issues associated with intensive cultivation using limited arable land.The first grafted vegetable seedlings used were for Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) plants grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria L. rootstock to overcome Fusarium wilt. Since then, the use of grafted solanaceous and cucurbitaceous seedlings has spread, with the practice mainly used in Asia, Europe, and North America. The expansion of grafting is likely due to its ability to provide tolerance to biotic stress, such as soilborne pathogens, and to abiotic stresses, such as cold, salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity, due to the resistance found in the rootstock. Many aspects related to rootstock/scion interactions are poorly understood, which can cause loss of fruit quality, reduced production, shorter postharvest time, and, most commonly, incompatibility between rootstock and scion. The rootstock and scion cultivars must be chosen with care to avoid loss.
Horticultural practices likes as pruning, training, staking, mulching, PGRs and pollination found effective for achieving significant higher yield with improved quality.
Foundation and certified seed production of MestaNSStudents
The Presentation is prepared by the N.S Institution of science, Markapur.
It consists of a basic introduction related to Foundation and certified seed production of Mesta
What is Rouging?
Rouging for quality seed production,
A major source of off-type plant,
Rouging in Certified Seed Production,
Rouging During rice seed production.
Foundation and certified seed production of castorNSStudents
The Presentation is prepared by the N.S Institution of science, Markapur.
It consists of a basic introduction related to Foundation and certified seed production of castor.
Voice of the Customer: The Key to Winning In Tech Sales with N3, CallMiner an...n3marketing
Join CallMiner, N3, and special guest SiriusDecisions as we explore Voice-of-the-Customer technologies that help you understand and quickly adjust to the rapidly changing marketplace dynamics. Through this webinar, you will learn how to:
-Gain a scientific understanding of your customers to help drive and optimize future conversations
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Le linee di mandato della giunta guidata da Filippo Giovannini per la legislatura 2014-2019, approvate dal consiglio comunale di Savignano sul Rubicone nella seduta del 25 settembre 2014
Effect of Seedling Density on Growth Attributes of Cauliflower variety Kathma...AI Publications
Nursery management including optimum seedling density is an important factor for better crop performance. A study was carried out to examine the effect of seedling density on growth attributes of cauliflower seedlings cv. Kathmandu local in the field of Lamjung Campus in Oct., 2018. Experiment consists of four treatments which were replicated five times and laid out in RCBD. Seed spacing treatments viz. 0.5cm x 1.0cm, 1.0cm x 1.0cm, 1.5cm x 1.5cm and 2.0cm x 2.0cm were maintained in a raised nursery beds. Field germination percentage was recorded up to 60% at fourth day after sowing (DAS) whereas in lab it was up to 74%. Above and below ground seedling biomass, unfold leaves area, number of true leaves, plant height and root length were recorded at 23 DAS by destructive method. ImageJ package was used for leaf area measurement. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and analyzed by GenStat. Root length (4.85cm) was significantly higher in spacing of 2cm x 2cm which was at par with 1.5cm x 1.5cm whereas lower in 0.5cm x 1.0cm. Significantly maximum value for fresh weight of root (0.045gm), fresh weight of shoot (0.91gm), dry weight of shoot (0.11gm) and dry matter percentage (12%) was observed in 1.5cm x 1.5cm spacing. Seedlings greater than 1.5cm to 2cm spacing performed better than closer spacing in most of the variable of interests, however, there was no significant differences observed in number of true leaves, leaf area and plant height. A trial with wider spacing considering seedling health is recommended.
Application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi accelerates the growth of shoot r...UniversitasGadjahMada
Shoot roots are second type of root, which emerge from the base of the new shoots, 5-7 days after planting. The shoot roots growth on single bud chips seedling is critical for further growth in dry land. The objectives of this study were to examine shoot root growth using different doses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum on five clones of sugarcane and to ascertain their effect on seedling biomass weight. The highest and lowest temperatures on the research site were 32º and 18 ºC, in tropical monsoon climate. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD) in 4x5 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The treatments were: four doses of AMF inoculum (0, 1, 2, 3 g/bud chips) on five clones with single bud chips seedling (PS864, KK, PS881, BL, and VMC). The evaluated parameters were root colonization affected by doses of AMF inoculum, number of shoot roots, surface area of shoot and total roots, root length, biomass seedling, and P leaf concentration affected by doses of AMF inoculum. AMF inoculum doses of 2 and 3 g of inoculum/bud chips resulted in the speed and extent root colonization at 5 days after inoculation on all five sugarcane clones. The clones exhibited 57-100 % accelerated emergence of shoot roots (i.e. the second roots formed), increased total root length, total root surface area especially on BL, VMC, and P leaf concentration. Application of 2-3 inoculum/bud of AMF inoculum significantly increased shoot roots growth i.e. root length, root surface area, and number of shoot roots.
Influence of water stress and rhizobial inoculation on growth and yield of se...Innspub Net
Two season’s field experiment and single season screen house experiment were conducted to assess the effect of water stress periods and rhizobial inoculation in five P. vulgaris cultivars. The experiment consisted of two levels of rhizobia (with and without inoculation), two stress levels (with and without water stress) and five cultivars of P. vulgaris (KAT B9, KAT B1, F9 Kidney Selection, F8 Drought line and JESCA). Results showed that rhizobial inoculation significantly increased plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), shoot and root dry weight (g-1 plant) and seed yields (kg-1 ha) at vegetative and flowering in field experiment. Furthermore, water stress treatments significantly reduced plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), shoot and root dry weight (g-1 plant) and seed yields (kg-1 ha) in both growth stages at field experiment. For screen house experiment rhizobial inoculation significantly increased leaf area (cm2), number of leaves, stem girth (mm), shoot and root dry weight (g-1 plant) at both growth stages. Additionally, water stress treatments significantly reduced number of leaves, stem diameter (mm), shoot and root dry weight (g-1 plant) in both growth stages. Varieties F9 Kidney Selection, F8 Drought Line and JESCA had significantly superior measurements reflected in increased plant height (cm), shoot and root dry weight (g-1 plant) and seed yields (kg-1 ha) as compared with KAT B9 and KAT B1. Furthermore, significant interactive effects were also seen between rhizobial inoculation x stress level and tested bean cultivars on plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot dry weight and seed yields.
The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm and laboratory of Institute of
Sustainable Agrotechnology, University Malaysia Perlis, Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia, with the objective
toinvestigate the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of aqueous extract of mungbean on seed germination and
seedling growth of three crop species, mungbean, sweet corn and okra. Different treatments of mungbean
aqueousextracts (vegetative fresh, vegetative after 2 weeks drying, vegetative after 4 weeks drying, flowering
fresh, flowering after 2 weeks drying, flowering after 4 weeks drying, flowering fresh, flowering after 2 weeks
drying, flowering after 4 weeks drying, maturity fresh, maturity after 2 weeks drying, maturity after 4 weeks
drying and water as control) were used to test their effect on the test species. The experiment was randomly
distributed and according to Completely Randomized Design(CRD) with five replicates. The results showed the
fresh vegetative aqueous extract of mungbean had a significant effect (stimulatory) on germination percent and
growth parameters such as number of root, root length and shoot height, of the three crop species. The study
revealed that the aqueous extract of mungbean have different effects (inhibitory and stimulatory) on the
seedlings and the mode of action depends on the associated plant species.Our results suggest that the aqueous
extract of mungbean from the different growth stages and drying periods have an allelopathic effect.
The effect of seed coat removal on seed germination of Terminalia superba Eng...Innspub Net
The influence of four constant temperatures: 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C and three germination media: 1% water agar, heat sterilized river sand and seed testing paper (STP) on the germination of decoated seeds of Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels. were investigated. The germination media were placed in 90 mm diameter plastic Petri dishes with seventy five decoated seeds in 3 replicates of 25 seeds. The statistical design used in the investigation was a completely randomized design in a 3 x 4 factorial (germination media × incubation temperatures). Decoated seeds of T. superba germinated at all the four temperatures investigated. The optimum temperatures were determined as 25°C, 30°C and 35°C. All the three media can be considered ideal for the reason that these temperatures interacted with the germination media to record germination percentages ranging from 73 to 89% in the study. Mean germination time (MGT) was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter when agar was used as germination media compared to when germination was carried out on STP and soil. The shapes of germination curves describing the cumulative germination of decoated seeds of T. superba at all temperatures and on all the germination media investigated are S-shaped.
Methodological approach to indigenous fruit trees breeding: case of Dacryodes...Innspub Net
Very little work has been done forthe varietal improvement of indigenous fruit trees. Controlled cross pollination tests were
conducted on Dacryodes edulis to assess the influence of the origin of the male parent and the type of flower that produced
pollen used for fertilization on the fruiting efficiency of 14 well-known females’ accessions from three provenances. The
crossbreeding test was performed following a full nested mating design. The experimental design included provenance as a fixed factor, treatment as within-subject (i.e. repeated measures) fixed factor and plant individual as a random factor (subject).The results showed that the fruiting index that determines the species’ yield varies significantly (p = 0.010) with the combined actions of the three factors studied which were (i) the provenance of the male parent; (ii) the pollen type used for hand fertilization (pure male or hermaphrodite) and (iii) the female parent status. Six best combinations originated from Boumnyebel and Makenene provenances, characterized by high fruit-setting rate and the fruiting index (˃70% and ˃50% respectively), then by low fruit-dropping rate after fruit set (˂20%) were identified. Although we did not observe increasing in fruit size as compare to breeding in Citrus or Ziziphus species, the process of controlled cross-pollination investigated in this study significantly increased the fruit set. This could help in controlling the early fruit drop which negatively impacts the species’ yield. Thereafter, control-pollinated seedlings (F1) obtained from this study and established as progeny trials will be vulgarized within agro-ecological zones and/ormultiplied vegetatively for clonal and futurecultivars development trials. Get more articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-7-number-2-august-2015-ijaar/
4 ijfaf nov-2017-2-allelopathic effect of eucalyptusAI Publications
Laboratory and greenhouse experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan in season 2014/15 to study the allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh) leaf on seed germination and seedling growth of some poaceous crops. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effects of leaf aqueous extract of Eucalyptus on seed germination of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.), maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum vulgare L.). Six concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) of the leaf aqueous extract of Eucalyptus were prepared from the stock solution (50 g / l). Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. The seeds were examined for germination at three days after initial germination. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus leaf powder on seedling growth of the same crops. The leaf powder of Eucalyptus was incorporated into the soil at rate of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0% on w/w bases in pots. Treatments, for each crop, were arranged in completely randomized design with four replicates. The experiments were terminated at 30 days after sowing and the plant height, number of leaves and root length of crop seedlings were measured as well as plant fresh and dry weight. Data were subjected to analysis of variance procedure. Means were separated for significance using Duncan`s Multiple Range Test at p 0.5. The results showed that the leaf aqueous extract of Eucalyptus significantly reduced seed germination of the tested poaceous crops and there was direct negative relationship between concentration and germination. Also, the results showed that incorporating leaf powder of Eucalyptus into the soil significantly decreased plant height, number of leaves and root length of crop seedlings as well as seedling fresh and dry weight. In addition, the reduction in seedling growth was increased as the leaf powder increased in the soil. Based on results supported by different studies, it was concluded that Eucalyptus has allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of the poaceous crops.
Nodulation, Growth and Yield Response of Five Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Wa...Premier Publishers
The experiment was carried out in the screen house of the Department of Crop, Soil & Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. The experimental layout was a 5 x 3 x 2 factorial combination with 3 replications given a total of 90 treatments. Seeds of five cowpea varieties namely: IT98K-205-8, Ife Brown, Oloyin Brown, IT98K-573-2-1 and IT96D-610 were sown in Plastic buckets of 7-liter capacity and were perforated at the bottom to allow for drainage and filled with top soil. Watering regimes of (500ml, 700ml and 900ml) were imposed and water was applied twice a week while cowpea plants were inoculated with 5g each of Rhizobia strain (Mesorhizobia loti) at seedling stage. Control set was maintained without inoculation. The effect of watering regimes on legume species was significant on nodulation, growth and yield characters of cowpea varieties evaluated. The results revealed marked varietal differences in plant growth, nodulation, yield and yield components. IT98K-573-2-1 and Oloyin Brown generally expressed superior performance in most measured parameters. Mesorhizobia inoculation significantly (p≤0.05) increased plant growth, nodulation, yield and yield components of cowpea. The interaction effect of variety, Mesorhizobia loti and watering regimes caused significant variations in the number of nodules, leaf area, number of seeds/pod and seed yield. The nitrogen and crude protein content in the leaf differed among the cowpea varieties evaluated. Application of mesorhizobium strain significantly increased seed yield of cowpea and caused substantial increase in nodulation and this subsequently affected the Nitrogen fixation potential of cowpea under varying soil moisture regimes.
Effect of Seed Storage Period in Ambient Condition on Seed Quality of Common ...Premier Publishers
Common bean is used as one of the cheapest source of protein apart from being the major source of cash income in Ethiopia. Its reasonable protein content (22%) made it the poor man's meat securing more than 16.7 million rural people against hidden hunger. Despite the common bean significance contribution to Ethiopian people food and nutrition security and income generation, its production and productivity is low. Among many factors that contribute to the low yield of common bean, low access of seeds of improved varieties and the use of seeds stored for a longer period of time. The length of seeds stored under ambient conditions is a critical aspect of seed quality management. The longer seeds stored under ambient conditions, are the risks of losing the stored beans to storage pests and other seed quality deterioration factors. Therefore, generating information from research is required on effect of seeds stored under ambient conditions on different varieties of common bean. The analysis of variance showed that storage period and variety had significant influence on all seed quality parameters considered except no significant effect on number of hard seeds. No significant differences among varieties were observed on abnormal seedlings, number of hard, fresh ingeminated and dead seeds. However, storage period and variety interacted to influence significantly thousand seed weight, seedling shoot length, nd vigor index I and seedling fresh weight. Due to seeds stored for a long period of time in ambient conditions would make the seed deteriorate and loss its quality during storage. This indicates that, seed deterioration is the result of changes within the seed that decrease the ability to survive.
— A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of potting media on sprouting and seedling growth of grape cuttings. Three grape varieties viz. Red globe, Thomson seedless and Crimson seedless were planted in four different growth media: CS-Canal silt, CSFYM-Canal silt (75%) + FYM (25%), CSB-Canal silt (25%) + Bagasse (75%) and CSBCP-Canal silt (25%) + Bagasse (50%) + Coco peat (25%). The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) along with three replications. The results revealed that almost all observed parameters were significantly influenced by the potting media. However, grape varieties and their interaction with the potting media exhibited non-significant effect for sprouting percentage and most of the seedling related attributes of growth. Minimum days to sprouting (6.78),highest sprouting percentage (84.44), maximum rooting percentage (84.44) and maximum chlorophyll content of leaves (56.23) were observed from the cuttings planted in CSBCP. However, maximum number of sprouts (5.55), number of leaves (13.77), fresh weight of leaves (2.27g), fresh weight of the roots (2.16 g), were observed from CSB. No grape seedling mortality was also observed CSB and CSBCP growth media. On the basis of varietal comparison, Thompson seedless exhibited the best results for number of leaves per cutting (11.50), fresh weight of the roots (1.64 g) and number of roots per cutting (29.17 g) as compared to rest of the grape varieties. The research establishes the potential for locals to use available materials in potting media preparation for healthier and stronger grape seedlings for subsequent improved grape plantation.
Pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation to enhance growth, productio...Innspub Net
The research was aimed to enhance growth, production, and seed quality of Jack Bean through pruning, cropping pattern and spacing regulation. The research was carried out from Mei to October 2016 at Puwasari Village, Dramaga, Bogor – Indonesia and be countinued by seed testing (December 2016) at Seed Testing Laboratoty, Bogor Agricultural University. The research was arranged in a Completely Randomyzed Block Design (CRBD) with 6 treatments, consisted of: Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 100cm x 100cm, Without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Without pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm, Pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm, Pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm. The experiment was replicated by three replications. The result research showed spacing regulation and pruning has significantly effect to some variables observed. The wider spacing showed the better growth. The treatment of without pruning treatment using square spacing pattern and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P2) resulted better growth, while the treatment of pruning treatment using square spacing and spacing 70cm x 70cm (P5) resulted better seed quality, however the highest production was reached by pruning treatment using double row pattern and spacing 50cm x 50cm x 100cm (P6).
Castor is an important oil crop and its oil is used in many industrial products as well as lubricant. Since Ethiopia is center of origin, there is a high diversity of the crop present in this country. This study was undertaken to identify the castor genotypes which can mature earlier to overcome moisture stress at dry areas of the country. There is a wide range of variability in the characterized genotypes and there is also correlation both positively and negatively affected days to maturity which is the main objective of this research. The result from this experiment showed promising results as there are several early maturing and high yielding genotypes was identified. Therefore, further selection should be continued to get best and early maturing as well as high yielder varieties.
Similar to Impact of Different Grafting Methods on Yield and Quality of Watermelon (20)
Effect of BA, IBA and cutting type on transplants production from cuttings
Impact of Different Grafting Methods on Yield and Quality of Watermelon
1. 330
Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, 9(6): 330-340 2013
ISSN 1816-1561
This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Corresponding Author: Abd El-Wanis, Mona, Protected Cultivation Dept., Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture,
Research Center, Egypt
E-mail: mana_arc@yahoo.com
Impact of Different Grafting Methods on Yield and Quality of Watermelon
1
Abd El-Wanis, Mona, 1
El-Eslamboly A.A.S.A. and 2
Salama, M. Azza
1
Protected Cultivation Dept., Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture, Research Center, Egypt
2
Plant Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt
ABSTRACT
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important vegetable crop grown in Egypt. Grafting watermelon has
become much involved in the production area of watermelon. Many hand grafting methods were used for
producing the seedlings of grafted watermelon. The grafting method is the most influential factor in the success of
the grafting process and produce good seedlings. Both scion and rootstock material are determining factors for
selecting the grafting methods. Best method also depends on the availability of the possibilities in the process of
healing during a fusion between the scion and rootstocks and acclimatization stage. This study aims to define the
best grafting method for producing of grafted watermelon seedlings in survival ratio under low potential in both
healing and acclimatization chamber and to arrive to the commercial grafting technique. The studies were
conducted in two experiments in randomized complete blocks design with three replicates during the two seasons
of 2012and 2013 at Kaha Research Farm and private farm in Berkash Giza. Each experiment included different
three grafting treatments (grafting techniques) in addition to the control watermelon hybrids which were sown
without grafting. Watermelon cv. (Aswan F1 hybrid) was used as a scion and grafting it in bottle gourd rootstock
(Lagenaria siceraria) local variety. The obtained results showed that, the grafted plants especially when using splice
graft (one cotyledon grafting) showed significant increment in most studied characteristics such as vegetative
growth (plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, plant fresh and dry weight
and dry matter percentage), early and total yield in addition to fruit characters, as compared with non-grafted
watermelon (control). Tongue approach grafting was not requires careful control of humidity, light, and
temperature after grafting. Normal greenhouse environment is sufficient. Splice graft was the best grafting
technique in survival rate followed by hole insertion grafting. Splice grafting and tongue approach grafting were
not requires to remove the shoots grown from the rootstocks, whereas it doesn't give any shoots from the
rootstocks. Splice grafting gave highly significant increment in all characteristics under study compared with the
other methods and control in both seasons. The histological studies on union zone in the grafted watermelon
confirm that the results mentioned before that the splice graft was the best grafting method in most characters
under studies followed by hole then tongue.
Key words: Watermelon, Grafting methods, growth, yield, fruit quality.
Introduction
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important vegetable crop grown in Egypt. Grafting watermelon has
become much involved in the production area of watermelon. Among the grafting aims, (1) to enhance plant
growth, fruit yield and quality (2) to control wilt caused by pathogens; (3) to reduce viral, fungal and bacterial
infection; (4) to strengthen tolerance to thermal or saline stress; (5) to increase nutrient and mineral uptake to the
shoot (Rivero et al., 2003). In Egypt, In Egypt, Mounir (1965) produced grafted watermelon plants on many
rootstocks for protection from fusarium wilt. El-Eslamboly (2010) demonstrated that, grafting method can be
used for new goal such as multiplication in difficult propagation vegetable crops such as multiplication seedless
watermelon. Some rootstocks have the added advantage of being resistant to nematodes; especially the root-knot
nematode Meloidogyne spp. Additional benefits include the potential for increased yield, increased fruit quality,
especially flesh firmness, more vigorous plant growth and lower plant populations (Core, 2005). Disadvantages
included increased production cost and the possibility of altered horticultural characteristics of cultivars used as
scions.
Hole insertion grafting method is popular for watermelon and melon plants are mainly grafted by tongue
approach grafting (Oda, 1995 and 1999).
Different grafting types are adapted for different scions and rootstocks depending on grafting objectives,
farmers’ experience, and post-grafting management conditions. When scion and rootstock have hollow hypocotyls,
the hole insertion was described by Fujii in 1970and one cotyledon grafting methods are preferred (Hang et al.,
2. 331
Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
2005). In contrast, tongue approach and cleft techniques, which have high survival rates, are often chosen by no
experienced farmers who have plenty of space and adequate labor. In contrast, the one cotyledon and the hole
insertion grafts require experienced labor, specialized tools, and a healing chamber to obtain high survival rates.
Cleft, one cotyledon, and hole insertion methods, which have high grafting positions, increase separation of scion
from the ground. This decrease the opportunity of scion adventitious roots contracting soil borne diseases (Hang et
al., 2005). Methods continue to evolve to overcome existing and developing problems, to increase survival rate,
and decrease labor.
The survival rate of grafted plants depends on compatibility between scion and rootstock, quality and age of
seedlings, quality of the joined section, and post-grafting management i.e., acclimatization of grafted seedlings
(Davis, et al., (2008), Hassell et. al., (2008) and Oda (1999).
El-Eslamboly (2010) found that, grafting watermelon positively affected on plant vigor and plant height.
The same author reported that, yield of Aswan F1 hybrid was appeared to be significantly affected by grafting on
different rootstocks. Grafting Aswan hybrid on different rootstocks gave significant increases in fruit rind
thickness and firmness compared with ungrafted plants. Bletsos, (2005) recorded that, grafting positively affected
fruit yield and quality, as well as fruit size in early production. In Egypt Kapiel et al. (2005) observed that the
fruit size of watermelons grafted to rootstocks having vigorous root systems is often significantly increased
compared to fruits from intact plants.
This study aims to define the best grafting method for producing of grafting watermelon seedlings and its
effect on survival ratio under low potential in both healing and acclimatization chamber.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in two experiments in randomized complete blocks design with three replicates
during the two seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Kaha Horticultural Research Station and private farm in Berkash, Giza.
Each experiment included three grafting methods, i.e., as follows one cotyledon grafting method (Splice)(Fig 1)
Hole insertion (Top)(Fig 2) and Tongue approach grafting(Fig 3), as well as the watermelon plants which were
sown without grafting as a control.
The one cotyledon grafting method
Fig. 1: The one cotyledon grafting method. Step 1, preparing the scion; step 2, preparing the rootstock; step 3,
joining the plants and step 4, securing the joined region with a grafting clip. (Hassell et. al., 2008).
The hole insertion grafting method
Fig. 2: The hole insertion grafting method. Step 1, preparation of the scion; step 2, removing the growing tip of
the rootstock; step 3, drilling out the growing tip and creating a hole for the scion; step 4, joining the
scion and rootstock; step5, the joined plants (Hassell et al., 2008).
3. 332
Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
Tongue approach grafting method
Fig. 3: The tongue approach grafting method. Step 1, preparing the rootstock; step 2, preparing the scion; step 3,
joining the scion to the rootstock; step 4, securing the joining with a metal strip; and step 5, removing
the scion roots (Hassell et. al., 2008).
Plant material:
a. Sources of scion:
Seeded watermelon F1 hybrid, namely Aswan, from Sakata Seed Company, Japan was used in the present
study.
b. Sources of rootstock:
Rootstock (Lagenaria siceraria) local Variety.
c. Nursery of scion and rootstocks:
Bottle gourd seeds were sown in the nursery at Kaha on 2nd
February in 2012 and 5th
February in the second
season. The watermelon seeds were sown in 12nd
February in the first season and 14th
February in 2013.
Rootstocks and watermelon seeds were sown in foam speedling trays with 84 cells filled with a mixture of peat-
moss and vermiculite at the ratio of 1:1 (v/v). Three hundred grams of ammonium sulphate, 400 g calcium
superphosphate, 150 g potassium sulphate, 50 ml. nutrient solution and 50 gm of a fungicide were added for
each 50 kg of the peatmoss.
The grafting application began after 15 days from watermelon scion were sown by three grafting methods
after removing all growing points of rootstock by sharp stainless razor blades to prevent future shoot growth. A
specialized tool, such as a bamboo stick was used for piercing the center of the rootstock leaving a small hole
with a small splice along both sides. The sticks pierce entered the stock at a depth of 1cm. The chosen scion is
then slant cut in a similar shape as the piercing stick and placed within the hole. The used grafting methods were
shown as follows (Fig 1, 2, 3). Hold in place then the plastic grafting clip was kept the scion and rootstock
together during healing.
Grafted seedlings were removed immediately into the shaded plastic low tunnel for healing and hardening
that was key factors for the survival of grafted plants as mentioned by Lee (2007) and Oda (2007). A
polyethylene sheet was laid on the floor of low tunnels and covered with a shallow layer of water. Speedling
trays were placed on bricks to support the plants above the water layer. The plastic tunnel was closed to achieve
a temperature 25-32 ºC and (>85% RH) humidity. Four to five days after grafting, the hardening process began
by peeling away the top layer of shade net. The water was drained out of the floor pan. Meanwhile, the plastic
covered was gradually removed for four to five days.
Grafted plants were moved out of the tunnel and placed into a greenhouse, nine days after grafting. The plants
were stayed in the greenhouse for seven to eight days for further development and hardening. The entire process took 30
to 35 days from grafting.
Grafted watermelon seedlings were transplanted on April 4 and 8 in the open field in Experimental Farm of
Kaha in the first and second season and in a private farm in Berkash Giza governorate on 5, 9 April 2012 and
2013 respectively. Grafted plants were transplanted to a density of 2000 plants per feddan, in rows 5 meter
length and 2 meter width. The space between plants was 1m. The single treatment contained 10 plants in two
rows. The plot area was 10m2
.
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The graft union of grafted seedlings was kept above the soil line, to avoid development of adventitious roots
from the scion that penetrate the soil and cause disease by passing of resistant rootstock that may lead to
infection and death of the entire plant. The conventional agricultural practices i.e., irrigation, fertilization, and
weeding and pest control followed standard commercial practices, were done as recommended by the Ministry
of the Agriculture in Egypt, for watermelon production. Plots were first harvested after 90 days from planting
and the other harvesting, when the fruits were ripened. Three harvest times were conducted in the first and
second season.
Plant histological studies:
Samples of grafting-union were taken after 30 days of grafting date and cleaned with tap water then killed
and fixed in formaline-acetic acid-alcohol (F.A.A. 10:5:85) for at least 36 hours, then washed in 50% ethyl
alcohol and dehydrated in a normal butyl alcohol series before being embedded in paraffin wax (melting point
56C°). Transverse sections (20 µ thick) were cut using a rotary microtome, then double stained with crystal
violet and erythrosine, then mounted in Canada balsam and cover slips attached (Nassar and El-Sahhar, 1998).
Slides were analysed microscopically and photomicrographs of the permanent sections were taken.
Experimental design and statistical analysis:
The experimental design was randomized complete blocks design with three replications with combined the
first and second season. Data were statistically analyzed using analyses of variance according to Gomez and
Gomez (1984).
1. Studied characteristics:
a. Survival rates:
Survival raters were measured after 30 days from the grafting by account the success seedlings and dividing
it on the total number of the grafted seedlings.
b. Vegetative growth characteristics:
Vegetative growth characters, were recorded after 90 days from transplanting, in samples of four plants randomly
chosen from each plot as follows
1. Plant height (cm):
It was measured as the average length in centimeters of four random plants. The measurement started from
the surface of the ground to plant stem apex.
2. Stem diameter using a caliper:
3. Leaf area (cm2
):
It was expressed as the mean leaf area in cm2
using the dry weight method. The mature leaf was cleaned
from dust and then weight to nearest 0.001 g. Therefore 20 disks of known area were separated as weight.
Leaf area (cm2
) =
Where, the area of a disk is about 1.0 cm
4. Number of leaves per plant
5. Number of branches/plant
6. Plant fresh weight (kg)
7. Plant dry weight (g):- It was measured as the weight of the same plants used for plant fresh weight after
being dried out in an oven with driven hot air at 70 °
C until a constant weight.
8. Plant dry matter percentage
It was measured by this equation
Plant dry weight(g)
Plant dry matter% = 100
Plant fresh weight(g)
×
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Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
c. Yield and its components:
The fruits were harvested after 90 days from transplanting and the other harvested were implemented
whereas the fruits ripen.
The following traits were evaluated
1. Early yield (ton/ feddan):- It was estimated as the weight of fruits/feddan of first and second harvesting.
2. Total yield (ton/ feddan):- The yield of all fruits harvested throughout the entire season. This was
calculated by transferring the total yield per plant to ton per feddan.
3. Total weight of fruits /plant:- It represents the total weight of the harvested fruits throughout the entire
season in kg per plant.
4. Total number of fruits/plant:- It recorded as the total number of the harvested fruits per plant throughout
the entire season.
5. Total number of fruits/feddan: it was calculated by this equation total number of fruit per feddan = total
number of fruits per plant(mean)×2000(number of plant per feddan).
d. Marketable yield:
Determined by removing the abnormal fruits, fruit cracked, smitten fruits with any diseases and misshapen
fruits.
e. Fruit characteristics:
Fruit characteristics were determined by measuring the following measurements.
1. Fruit length (cm)
2. Fruit diameter (cm)
3. Fruit rind thickness (mm): Using a caliper.
4. Average fruit weight (kg):- It was calculated all over the harvesting season by dividing weight on number
of fruits.
f. Chemical determinations:
1. Panel test:- Panel test was determined by panel testing (flavor) by 3 persons per replication with 3
replication based on the Scale(score system), where 5= Excellent,4= Good, 3= Medium, 2=Fair and 1= Poor
2. Total soluble solids (T.S.S. %):- They were measured in fruit juice by using a hand refractometer. Five
fruits were taken at random from each treatment for this test. This was estimated according to the methods of
A.O.A.C. (1975).
Results and Discussion
Survival rates:
Data in Table(1) mentioned that, all types of grafting methods recorded maximum percentage of success,
the best grafting method was splice type which take a less time for its technique than other types. All grafting
methods recorded an excellent percentage of grafting success after 12 days in the incubation. The percentage of
survival ratios of all types of grafting was 97, 98 and 99% for splicing, top and tongue respectively. The survival
rate of grafted plants depends on compatibility between scion and rootstock, quality and age of seedlings,
quality of the joined section, and post-grafting management. Different grafting techniques are adapted for
different scions and rootstocks depending on grafting objectives, farmer’s experience, and post-grafting
management conditions (Hang et al., 2005).
One cotyledon splice grafting and tongue approach grafting were not given any shoots from the rootstocks.
Table 1: Effect of grafting methods of watermelon F1 hybrid on Bottle gourd rootstocks on survival rate percentage of seedlings as average
in 2012 and 2013 seasons.
%No. of plants which produced the lateral
growth*
Survival%No. of
survival plant
Total plant
0.0229797100Splice
0.74739898100Hole
0.009999100Tongue
0.00100100100CONTROL
*. Number of lateral plants which produced from rootstocks.
%. Percent of lateral plants which produced from rootstocks
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Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
Vegetative growth characteristics:
Data in Tables (2 and 3) indicated that, there were significant increments in plant vigor of the grafted plants
compared to non-grafted (control) in both locations under study. No significant differences were noticed
between the first and second season in both locations. The obtained data in the same Tables indicate that, there
was a significant increase by different grafting treatments as compared with the control on vegetative growth.
Data in the same Tables indicated also that, splice method gave highly significant increment in vegetative
growth characters especially plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of branch, number of leaves, plant
fresh and dry weight. These results may be due to the increasing in the area connection and the speedily
differentiation from callus or cambium to vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) in the union area in the scion and
rootstock as shown in and decreasing the lateral growth from rootstock as shown in table (1) as compared with
hole insertion method in addition to the hormonal effects from different rootstock. Lagenaria siceraria rootstock
that might induce more amounts from gibberellins and auxins. These results were in agreement with those
obtained by El-Eslamboly (2010), Bletsos (2005) and Alan et al., (2007) who found that, grafting watermelon
positively affected on plant vigor, height and disease control. The rootstocks vigorous root system is often
capable of absorbing water and nutrients more efficiently than scion roots, and may serve as a supplier of
additional endogenous plant hormones (Lee, 1994 and Pulgar et al., 2000). Salam et al. (2002) reported also,
that both the length of vine and number of lateral branches produced in the grafted plants were higher than those
of the non-grafts. It clears from data in both tables that, grafting gave significant decrease in dry matter
percentages.
Table 2: Effects of the grafting methods on the vegetative growth characters, plant fresh and dry weight and dry matter percentage on
watermelon (Aswan F1) after harvesting by combined analysis for two seasons in Kaha.
Plant
height
(cm)
Stem
diameter
(cm)
Leaf
area
(cm2
)
Number of
branches
Number
of
Leaves
Plant fresh
weight
(kg)
Plant dry
weight
(gm)
Dry
matter
%
Years 1 376.84 2.35 209.90 6.97 375.49 2.00 177.83 8.95
2 452.67 2.40 215.67 6.50 367.33 2.06 179.88 8.81
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 507.54 3.00 249.84 8.30 434.85 2.26 196.70 8.72
2. Hole 425.87 2.37 223.45 7.03 412.07 2.16 184.98 8.55
3. Tongue 426.69 2.67 228.57 6.98 391.92 2.22 191.90 8.65
4. Control 298.92 1.47 149.27 4.62 246.80 1.48 141.83 9.59
LSD t0.05 55.60 0.51 20.50 1.09 18.88 0.42 35.55 0.75
Table 3: Effects of the grafting methods on the vegetative growth characters, plant fresh and dry weight and dry matter percentage on
watermelon (Aswan F1 hybrid) after harvesting by combined analysis for two seasons in Berkash.
Plant
height
(cm)
Stem
diameter
(cm)
Leaf
area
(cm2
)
Number of
branches
Number
of
Leaves
Plant fresh
weight
(kg)
Plant dry
weight
(gm)
Dry
matter
%
Years 1 445.42 2.20 237.76 6.89 362.72 1.95 173.60 8.98
2 437.63 2.65 235.98 6.3 357.35 1.99 175.71 8.91
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 517.17 3.07 276.53 8.03 424.08 2.33 201.80 8.67
2. Hole 474.17 2.40 249.25 6.98 386.68 2.20 193.73 8.81
3. Tongue 448.93 2.75 249.32 6.67 390.45 2.12 184.12 8.69
4. Control 325.83 1.48 172.37 4.70 238.92 1.24 118.97 9.60
LSD t0.05 31.55 0.53 18.45 0.89 26.21 0.67 52.54 0.65
Yield and its components:
Results in Tables (4 and 5) showed that, there were significant differences between the grafted and
ungrafted plants in early, total and marketable yield, in both locations. However in early and total yield, there
was a significant increase by different grafting treatments as compared with the control, especially when
grafting was applied by splice. The splice method gave a positive significant effect on early, total and
marketable yield may be due to the strong vegetative growth of the grafted plants in both locations. These
increases can be explained by an interaction of some or all of the following phenomena: increased water and
plant nutrient absorption (Kato and Lou, 1989), augmented endogenous hormone production (Zijlstra et al.,
1994), and enhanced scion vigor (Leoni et al., 1990), resistance to soil pathogens (Lee, 1994 and Edelstein et
al., 1999).
No significant differences were noticed in, total, marketable and early yield in addition to number of fruit
between the first and second season. Marketable yield was also influenced by rootstock. The watermelon plants
were grafted by splice approach produced higher marketable yield than control and the other methods. The
abnormal and un-marketable fruit yield in grafting treatments reached to (2.644 ton/feddan) when using splice
method while had (0.504ton/feddan) by using non-grafting (control) in Kaha location while in the Berkash
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Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
location these ratios had (1.688ton/feddan) by using splice technique while the control plant gave (0.554
ton/feddan).
The grafting watermelon by splice on bottle gourd produced 175% and 182.6% time higher in marketable
yield than non-grafts in Kaha and Berkash location respectively. These results were agreement with (El-
Eslamboly, 2010) who reported that, yield of Aswan F1 hybrid was appeared to be significantly affected by
grafting on different rootstocks. The obtained data agreed with those obtained by Salam et al. (2002) found that,
grafting also produced higher number of fruits per plant. Yield was increased by grafting in watermelon (Ruiz
and Romero, 1999 and Yetisir and Sari, 2003).
Table 4: Effects of the grafting methods on chlorophyll content and yield and its component characters of watermelon (Aswan F1 hybrid)
after harvesting by combined analysis for two seasons in Kaha.
Number of fruit Total Marketable Early
Plant Feddan Yield(ton/fed.)
Years 1 1.290 2579.55 19.343 17.697 3.068
2 1.294 2588.08 19.277 17.529 3.198
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 1.430 2860.50 24.123 21.479 4.121
2. Hole 1.355 2709.13 20.133 18.385 3.579
3. Tongue 1.384 2767.74 20.217 18.325 3.402
4. Control 0.999 1997.88 12.767 12.263 1.430
LSD t0.05 0.34 245.65 2.212 2.431 0.387
Table 5: Effects of the grafting methods on yield and its component characters of watermelon (Aswan F1 hybrid) after harvesting by
combined analysis for two seasons in Berkash.
Number of fruit Total Marketable Early
Plant Feddan Yield(ton/fed.)
Years 1 1.390 2780.81 20.493 19.162 3.218
2 1.270 2539.95 18.345 17.296 3.122
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 1.464 2928.76 24.258 22.570 4.314
2. Hole 1.412 2823.91 20.485 19.525 3.652
3. Tongue 1.411 2821.87 20.017 18.457 3.207
4. Control 1.033 2066.98 12.917 12.363 1.506
LSD t0.05 0.23 345.54 3.235 2.280 0.332
Fruit characteristics:
Fruit characteristics of Aswan watermelon F1 grafted onto Bottle gourd rootstocks by different methods are
presented in Table (6 and7). It's obvious that, no significant differences were noted in fruit quality in the both
seasons in Kaha and Berkash locations. The application of three grafting methods increased their fruits physical
quality expressed as average fruit weight, length and diameter. On the other hand, the lowest values of these
characters were resulted by non-grafted plants. However, grafted plants by splice method were the most
effective treatment in increasing these characters.
These results showed that grafted plants improved plant growth and yield without any harmful effects on fruit
quality. It is obvious from data that there was a significant increment in fruit weight, length and diameter without
any significant effect on fruit panel test flavor (taste) and total soluble solids in both locations by combined
analysis at the first and second season.
Table 6: Effects of grafting methods on fruit characters of watermelon (Aswan F1 hybrid) after harvesting by combined analysis for two
seasons in Kaha.
Fruit Rind
Thickness(mm)
Panel test
(Flavor) a
Weight
kg
Diameter
cm
Length
cm
T.S.S
%
Years 1 7.42 24.38 26.95 11.80 18.66 3.77
2 7.37 23.23 26.21 12.34 18.01 3.79
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 8.43 27.95 30.65 12.05 18.67 3.87
2. Hole 7.43 23.83 26.69 11.88 19.47 3.70
3. Tongue 7.32 24.04 26.44 12.35 19.27 3.75
4. Control 6.40 19.40 22.55 12.00 15.93 3.79
LSD t0.05 0.64 3.05 2.00 NS 2.02 NS
a
Determined by panel testing (flavor)by 3 persons per replication with 3 replication based on the criteria, where 5= Excellent,4= Good, 3=
Medium, 2=Fair and 1= Poor
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Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
Table 7: Effects of grafting methods on fruit characters of watermelon (Aswan F1 hybrid) after harvesting by combined analysis for two
seasons in Berkash.
Fruit T.S.S
%
Rind
thickness(mm)
Panel test
(Flavor) a
Weight
kg
Diameter
cm
Length
cm
Years 1 7.31 24.39 27.33 11.59 17.64 3.71
2 7.14 23.19 25.86 12.46 18.33 3.85
LSD t0.05 NS NS NS NS NS NS
Grafting
methods
1. Splice 8.28 27.11 29.92 11.92 18.67 3.75
2. Hole 7.28 24.46 28.39 11.88 18.87 3.83
3. Tongue 7.09 24.66 27.10 12.13 18.60 3.75
4. Control 6.25 18.93 20.97 12.17 15.80 3.79
LSD t0.05 0.84 2.21 1.21 NS 1.84 NS
a
Determined by panel testing (flavor)by 3 persons per replication with 3 replication based on the criteria, where 5= Excellent,4= Good, 3=
Medium, 2=Fair and 1= Poor
Grafting increased fruit size, and this causes higher yields than in the control. These results agree with that
of Miguel et al. (2004), who mentioned that grafting watermelon on Shintoza rootstock increased both fruit set
and fruit size compared to the non-grafted plants. Bletsos, (2005) recorded that, grafting due to positively
affected on fruit yield and quality, fruit size in early production. In Egypt Kapiel et al. (2005) who observed that
the fruit size of watermelons grafted to rootstocks having vigorous root systems is often significantly increased
compared to fruit from intact plants.
These results agree with that of El-Eslamboly (2010), who mentioned that grafted watermelon on gourd
rootstock produced larger fruits as shown from fruit size, length and diameter in both seasons without any
significant effect on fruit shape.
The results in the same Tables showed that, fruit rind thickness were significant increased by grafting
watermelon on bottle which was used as a rootstocks compared with non-grafted plant (control). This was true
when using the all grafting methods without any significant differences among the three methods of grafting in
both locations. Increasing rind thickness in grafting treatments gave the fruits high firmness compared with the
control, this increasing in rind thickness helps in transportation and exportation.
Increasing rind thickness of watermelons from grafted plants resulted in a relatively higher wastage at the
time of consumption but on the other hand provides the fruit with greater resistance to mechanical damage
during post-harvest handling. These results agreement with El-Eslamboly (2010) who reported that grafting
Aswan hybrid on different rootstocks gave significant increasing in fruit rind thickness and firmness compared
with ungrafted plants.
Total soluble solids:
Results detected in Tables (6and7) show that there were no significant differences between the watermelon
fruits produced from grafted and non-grafted plants in total soluble solids in the first and second seasons in both
location. The TSS % ranged from (11.88 to 12.13) for the grafted treatments while the non-grafted plants were
(12.17) in the first location. In the second location the TSS in the fruits were gave from the grafted plant ranged
from (11.88 to 12.35) and 12 in the fruit were gave from control plants. In this respect, several investigators
showed similar results e.g., Salam et al. (2002), Yetısır et al. (2003) Yetisir and Sari (2003) and Alan et al.
(2007) in watermelon. Miguel et al. (2004) found no difference in TSS of watermelon fruit from scions grafted
onto Cucurbita interspecific hybrid versus than in self-rooted watermelons control, but Salam et al. (2002)
showed a marked increase in watermelon TSS content when grafted onto bottle gourd. In all samplings, total
sugar concentrations and soluble solids contents were smaller (P≤0.01) in fruit from grafted than from non -
grafted plants.
Histological studies:
As mentioned before that splicing methods allow to increase the area connect between the scion and
rootstock for many points which reflect the amount of callus and that considered the first stage for distinguish
many tissues, the amount of callus tissues in rootstock was more vigorous than that of scion. moreover the
distinguish of cambium was pronounced in splicing graft more than other types of grafting, which clear by
strongly and rapidly connect between vascular tissues in addition, the presence of parenchyma cell (callus)
between them of the splice type and rootstock and that verified at Fig (4) compared with other types Fig. (5) and
Fig. (6).
9. 338
Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
Fig. 4: Transverse section between scion (splicing grafting method) and rootstock showing strongly union of
vessels. r.st, rootstock; sci, scion; cal, callus; n.ph, new phloem elements (X40).
The rapidly and strongly connect between splicing and rootstock reflect the enhancement in most characters
under studies. In addition splicing scions are in contact, the cambial region capable of meristematic activity
produced paranchymatic cells and callus tissue that fill the space between the two components. These possible
alterations may result in a better vascular activity and in an increase in root production because the occurrence
of larger vessels would improve water supply, since larger cross- sectional area of vessels may facilitate the
transport of greater volumes of water per unit time, and that reflect on the vigor of growth and fruit size than
other types which prove the importance of choice the type of grafting according to the simple methods and
promising results which done at splice type. These results agree with Wang and Kollmann (1996), Hartmann, et
al., (2002) and Fassio et al., (2009), which confirmed these results. In addition plant growth in the grafted plants
can be explained by the interaction of some or all of the following phenomena: increased water and plant
nutrient uptake, due to stronger and more extensive root growth of the rootstock (bottle gourd), augmented and
ogemous hormone production, enhanced scion vigor. These results agree with Pulgar, et al., (2000), Zijlstra, et
al., 1994, and Leoni, et al., 1990. So that compatible between type of scions and rootstock and continuous
vascular tissues between them lead to increased in most characters under studies.
Fig. 5: Transverse section between scion (top grafting method) and rootstock showing union of vessels between
them. r.st, rootstock; sci, scion; cal, callus; n.ph, new phloem elements (X40).
cal
cal
n.ph
sci
r.st
cal
cal
n.ph
sci
r.st
10. 339
Res. J. Agric. & Biol. Sci., 9(6): 330-340, 2013
Fig. 6: Transverse section between scion (tongue grafting method) and rootstock show begging union of vessels
between them. r.st, rootstock; sci, scion; cal, callus; n.ph, new phloem elements (X40).
Conclusion:
The results from our study indicated that, using splice (one cotyledon) grafting method was the best method
for grafting watermelon on Lagenaria siceraria rootstock, which improved vegetative growth of the watermelon
plants, yield components and fruit quality. Splice grafting and tongue approach grafting were not requires any
removed the shoots were grown from the rootstocks, whereas were not given any shoots from the rootstocks.
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