Determination of the effect of cucumber grafting on some morphological and physiological characteristics in hydroponic conditions

Abstract

Due to the benefits and importance of the use of grafted seedlings, the demand for high quality grafted seedlings is increasing. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of rootstocks on some morphological and physiological parameters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plant under hydroponic growing conditions. In this study, grafted on seven different rootstocks and non-grafted plant characteristics were compared. Non-grafted seedlings were used as control plants. The values measured in at least one grafting application in 9 different morphological and/or physiological parameters among the 12 parameters measured were higher than the non-grafted plants. In leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and root dry weight/fresh weight rate measurements, the values measured in non-grafted plants were not lower than grafted plants. It was determined that Cremna and Devrim rootstocks were effective in terms of shoot length and biomass values, but rootstock use did not have a significant effect in terms of photosynthetic activity. It was concluded that grafting of cucumber plants on different rootstocks may cause significant advantages in terms of some parameters, but the effects largely depend on the rootstock selection.