How Does Watermelon Grafting Impact Fruit Yield and Quality? A Systematic Review

Globally, there has been an increase in stringent regulations governing the use of chemical soil fumigants for controlling diseases, pests, and weeds. Grafting identified as effective alternative to fumigation managing soilborne diseases pests intensive vegetable cropping systems. The majority watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) grafting research confirms that selected rootstocks play a role improving plant resistance or tolerance common diseases. Currently, is lack evidence-based literature on effects fruit quality attributes yield components. Previous reviews report wide variation impact production, depending rootstock–scion combinations environmental conditions. This review employed synthesis methods comprehensively methodically summarize results watermelon, with focus yield. In this systematic review, 548 citations (studies published during 2011–21) were screened against strict inclusion criteria, data extracted from 47 studies. Meta-analysis percent differences between grafted treatment nongrafted self-grafted control was performed using components range attributes. variance measures also conducted based rather limited number Our findings showed higher levels total yield, average weight, length width, lycopene soluble solids content, rind thickness, flesh firmness, lightness, chroma, nitrogen (N) content treatments compared control. particular, firmness exhibited significant increases more than 10% difference. contrast, plants demonstrated decreases pH, hue angle, calcium although reduction not greater relative further confirmed significantly N addition, meta-analysis benefits presence known disease pressure contrast production scenarios without problems.