EFFECT OF ROOTSTOCK ON YIELD AND FRUIT SIZE IN GRAFTED CUCUMBER

Abstract

This study tested if growth and fruit yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) could be improved by grafting, since the grafting technique has been successful in reducing soil-borne diseases, increasing drought resistance, and improving water and nutrient uptake. Plants were grown in a greenhouse and the following treatments applied, 1) Normal cucumber (not grafted); 2) Cucumber grafted on ‘pipian’ pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma K. Koch var. stenosperma); 3) Cucumber grafted on figleaf gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché); and 4) Cucumber grafted on luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.). Treatments were distributed in a completely randomized design with 20 replications. The experimental unit was a potted plant. Differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05) in leaf area, fruit weight per plant, and total biomass accumulation were found. Positive and significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlations between fruit yield and some variables were found as well. Pumpkin and figleaf gourd rootstocks favored a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in cucumber yield, while the luffa rootstock showed a negative effect on all growth variables and fruit yield.