Evaluación de métodos de injerto en sandía (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) sobre diferentes patrones de calabaza

Abstract

A trial was carried out in a commercial greenhouse to evaluate two grafting methods on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai), hybrid Tri-X Brand 313 grafted onto squash (Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moschata), interespecific hybrids RS1330, RS841, RS888 and RS1313. This technique is now being expanded greatly in order to reduce infections caused by soil pathogens, to increase resistance to drought and to enhance water and nutrient uptake. Plants were grafted by tongue approach and cleft grafting, and compared with watermelon plants without grafting. Survival rate, leaf number, plant height and stem diameter relation were evaluated. The trial was carried out in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. Grafting methods had no influence on survival rate. Leaf number and plant height were greater in tongue approach grafted plants. Stem diameter relation was lower in tongue approach grafted plants.