Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of grafting of watermelon
hybrids ‘Obla F1
’ and ‘Vanessa F1
’ on to Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata
rootstock TZ 148 and Lagenaria sp. rootstock ‘Dias F1
’, on the volatiles and yield of fruit
and the plant growth. Fruit volatiles analysis showed the presence of two aldehydes,
namely (E)-2-nonenal and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadien-1-al, with (E)-2-nonenal being present at
higher concentrations in grafted than in un-grafted plants. Grafted plants had also higher
growth rate, total yield, and fruit number than un-grafted plants, whereas the percent dry
matter of leaves and shoots was higher in ungrafted plants. No differences were observed
for mean fruit weight, fruit shape, and rind thickness. Fruit from grafted plants had more
compact flesh and less acid fruit juice than fruit from ungrafted plants. Fruit volatile
components differed between ungrafted and grafted plants. With regards to sugar
content, no significant differences between grafted and ungrafted plants were observed,
except in the case of ‘Obla F1
’
hybrids. Sodium concentration of plant tissues and fruit
was higher in ‘Obla F1
’
ungrafted plants, as well as carotenoid, lycopene, and vitamin C
content in fruit, but only in the second year. In conclusion, rootstock-scion combination
implemented in the present study affected plant growth and fruit yield and quality,
rendering the choice of rootstocks and scions of major importance in order to achieve the
highest yield and quality of watermelon fruit.
Keywords: Citrullus vulgaris L., Obla F1 hybrid, Vanessa F1
hybrid, Volatiles profile
