Effect of Low-Temperature Tolerant Rootstocks on the Growth and Fruit Quality of Watermelon in Semi-Forcing and Retarding Culture

Watermelon grafting is practiced in order to improve tolerance poor environments such as low temperature. This study was conducted investigate the effect of low-temperature tolerant bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) rootstocks on growth and fruit quality watermelon semi-forcing retarding culture where plants were exposed or high Five accessions (FR79, IT207112, BG702, BG703, FRD22) with temperature evaluated rootstock for scion ‘Sambokkul’. Non-grafted grafted onto commercial ‘Shintozwa’ (Cucurbita maxima D. × C. moschata D.) ‘Bullojangsaeng’ (L. used controls. Watermelons cultivated spring (April June, culture) autumn (August October, culture). The responses low-temperature, growth, yield, differed depending growing season. In culture, monthly averages daily minimum April were, respectively, 13.4 1.5 °C. Although early stage suppressed initial watermelons, mitigated stress. non-grafted watermelons greater, but mass lowest (4.8 kg). Grafting increased weight (7.0 kg) reduced quality. had affinity, good root temperature, little conditions late very low, respectively. not superior those watermelons. Accordingly, these results suggest that may increase tolerance, especially stage, marketable yield without a reduction most promising accession this purpose found be ‘FR79’.