Effect of Grafting Compatibility on Fruit Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe in a Mediterranean-Type Climate

Grafting is effectively used worldwide to overcome abiotic and biotic factors impacting yield, including soil temperature. Field studies were conducted in 2020 2021 a cool Mediterranean climate (average daily air temperature range of 12.8–17.1 °C) identify suitable rootstock combinations for grafted cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) evaluate fruit yield quality. Cantaloupe cultivars Sugar Rush (SR), Goddess (G), Athena (A) compatible with interspecific hybrid squash (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) Super Shintosa (SS) Carnivor (CN) but incompatible ‘Carolina Strongback (CS)’ (Citrullus amarus) ‘Pelop (P)’ (Lagenaria siceraria) rootstocks. Nongrafted exhibited vine decline at harvest not 2021, grafting tended delay by 15–18 days. Overall, while rootstocks may have delayed harvest, quality was compromised. Further, increased ‘Goddess’ ‘Athena’, ‘Sugar Rush’. ‘A/CN’ had the highest yield/ha number per plant. The treatments each cultivar met U.S. fancy grade criteria.