Comparative analysis of three rootstock sources on cucumber growth and yield performance under soil-borne disease conditions

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of grafting cucumber scions '189′ and 'Jad' onto three rootstocks: 'Shintoza,' 'Shintoza Suprem,' and 'Strongtoza' with a focus on yield, yield components, fruit quality, physiological performance, vigor, and disease tolerance. Grafting significantly enhanced overall yield and yield components, including fruit number, size, and weight, compared to self-rooted plants. Fruit quality, in terms of texture, firmness, and taste, improved with grafting, and grafted plants exhibited greater uniformity in fruit size and shape. Physiologically, grafted plants demonstrated higher photosynthetic rates, improved stomatal conductance, and better water use efficiency, contributing to increased plant vigor. Among the rootstocks, 'Shintoza Suprem' often led to the most robust growth. Furthermore, grafting conferred enhanced tolerance to soil-borne diseases such as nematodes and Fusarium wilt. Despite a general increase in infection rates during the second growing season, grafted plants maintained superior disease tolerance compared to self-rooted plants. These findings underscore the benefits of grafting in cucumber cultivation, recommending its practice for improved productivity and disease management.