Response of squash (Cucurbita spp.) as rootstock for melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The effects of different Cucurbita spp. rootstocks on melon cultivars belonging to different horticultural groups were studied by comparing grafted plants with non-grafted ones under greenhouse and open ®eld growing conditions. Winter melons (Cucumis melo L.) of the Inodorus group, cvs. `Thraki', `Peplo' and `Lefko Amynteou', and a summer melon of the Cantalupensis group, cv. `Kokkini Banana', were used as scions. The commercial hybrids of Cucurbita spp. `TZ148' and `Mamouth' and the landrace of winter squash (C. moschata L.) `Kalkabaki' were used as rootstocks. The commercial rootstocks were compatible with all scion cultivars tested, while the landrace was compatible with the three cultivars but with lower survival ratios. Generally, differences in stem diameter between Cucurbita and Cucumis reduced the survival ratio of grafts. Fruit yield was not affected by any rootstock. Descriptive and qualitative characteristics of the fruit of the grafted plants were similar to those of the intact ones, except for taste and texture, which showed a remarkable deterioration in some of the stock/scion combinations tried. The deterioration was more severe under protection. However, all Cucurbita spp. rootstocks were found acceptable for honeydew melons (cv. `Lefko Amynteou'), with C. moschata (cv. `Kalkabaki') being the best. The landrace of C. moschata is recommended as a source of breeding material for rootstocks of honeydew melons. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.