Rootstock resistance to fusarium wilt and effect on fruit yield and quality of two muskmelon cultivars

Abstract

Pending the release of new genetic material with satisfactory resistance, grafting techniques may represent a quick, though expensive method for controlling race 1,2 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis in Italian growing regions of melon ( Cucumis melo L.). We evaluated the potential of grafting for resistance to this pathogen in 13 commercial melon rootstocks and various Cucurbitaceae spp. and determined productivity and fruit quality characteristics of grafting on resistant rootstocks. Following inoculation, P360 and PGM 96-05 commercial rootstocks, as well as Benincasa hispida, Cucumis metuliferus, Cucumis ficifolius, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, and Lagenaria siceraria were resistant to the race 1,2 of Fusarium. Yield and quality attributes of scion cultivars (Supermarket and Proteo) grafted on P360 and PGM 96-05 rootstocks were not improved relative to ungrafted controls. Grafts onto B. hispida negatively influenced both yield and fruit quality, while C. metuliferus, and C. zeyheri had negative impacts on productivity and fruit quality, respectively. These results indicate that rootstock influences on disease resistance as well as productivity and quality of scion fruit are important in determining the potential utility of grafting applications.