<span lang="EN-GB">Grafting Hybrid and Monoecious Cucumbers onto Cucurbit Rootstocks Enhances Growth and Yield under Net House Conditions

This study evaluated suitable cucurbitaceous rootstocks for improving cucumber yield and quality under net house conditions. Two cucumber cultivars, namely, Green Long (GL an OPV: Open Pollinated Variety) and Namdhari Seeds (NS) ۴۰۸ (a F۱ hybrid), were grafted onto five rootstocks: Cucurbita ficifolia, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima, Lagenaria siceraria, and Luffa cylindrica. Results showed that NS ۴۰۸ outperformed GL in both grafted and non-grafted conditions. Among the rootstocks, NS ۴۰۸ grafted onto C. maxima (winter squash) had the highest graft survival (۷۹±۱.۸%), most extended vine length (۷۰۰±۱۶ cm), and maximum fruit yield (۸.۳±۰.۰۲ kg per plant, ۱۱۸.۴% increase over non-grafted NS ۴۰۸). Grafting GL onto winter squash improved yield by ۴۲.۱۱% over non-grafted NS ۴۰۸ and by ۸۶.۲۱% over GL control. Fruit quality parameters such as total soluble solids, palatability, ascorbic acid, and soluble protein were unaffected or improved, confirming that grafting did not negatively influence market quality. Economic analysis revealed the highest benefit-cost ratio (> ۲.۵) in NS ۴۰۸/Winter Squash (WS), indicating that grafting is a cost-effective alternative to expensive hybrid seeds. These findings highlight the potential of grafting to optimize cucumber production, reduce reliance on pesticides, and improve profitability in protected cultivation.

کلیدواژه ها:

Early flowering ، fruit quality ، Fruit yield and rootstock