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Improving survival of inter-generic grafts of nematode-susceptible watermelon cultivars and nematode-resistant Cucumis species

Abstract Inter-generic grafting of highly nematode susceptible watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars onto nematode-resistant wild watermelon (Cucumis africanus) and wild cucumber (Cucumis myricoarpus) had on average 36% graft survival ratios, which was attributed to unequal stem diameters at the graft union. Cucumis species had smaller stem diameters at the graft union, whereas Citrullus had bigger ones. The objective of the study was to improve inter-generic graft compatibility of Citrullus and Cucumis through optimizing the sizes of stem diameters during grafting. Cucumis species were raised in a 160-hole seedling tray and primed seeds of Citrullus were raised in a 200-hole seedling tray seven days after emergence of Cucumis in order to reduce the stem diameters. At grafting, stem diameter ratios in various treatments were equal to one, whereas at 66 days after grafting the ratios were grater than one, with the exception of those of intact plants. Survival of grafts from grafting to 66 days after grafting was 100%, translating into relative improvement of 186%. Improved survival of grafts would invariably promote the potential uses of inter-generic grafting among wild and cultivated watermelon in management of soil-borne pathogens.