The Effect of Salinity and Different Rootstocks on Fruit and Photosynthetic Parameters in Grafted Cucumber

Salinity is an important factor in reduced cucumber yield and quality. Grafting on the resistant rootstock could keep growth near to optimum condition. The aim of the present research is to investigate the characteristics of different rootstocks on physiology and fruit characteristics of cucumber. Treatments were rootstocks [Rn: Nongrafted (Cucumis sativus v. DAVOSII), Rt: Tanbal (Cucurbita maxima), Rg: Ghalyani (Lagenaria siceraria), Rk: Karela (Momordica charantia), Rkh: Khoreshi (Cucurbita pepo)] and salinity concentration included 0 (S1), 30 (S2) and 60 (S3) mM with three replications. Most of the fruit characteristics and physiology parameters like fruit weight and firmness, fruit length/diameter, photosynthesis rate, transpiration decreased with salinity. When grafted plants were used physiological parameters improved in Rkh, Rk at salinity compare with Rn. Fruit quality is mostly improved at Rg in salinity. Generally, using rootstocks like Rk, Rkh, and Rg improved fruit quality and physiological aspect of grafted cucumber in saline soil.