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Rootstock effects on seed yield and quality in watermelon

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A Correction to this article was published on 24 January 2020

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Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate rootstock effects on seed yield and quality in watermelon. The work was conducted in the experimental fields and laboratories of the Department of Horticulture of the University of Cukurova in the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Watermelon cv. Crimson sweet (CS) scion was grafted onto three different rootstocks (Cucurbita ‘NUN-9075’, Lagenaria ‘Argentario’, and citron watermelon ‘PI296341’). Plants were assessed according to their main stem length, main stem diameter, number of nodes, biomass, pollen production and development, fruit yield and quality, and seed yield and quality. NUN-9075/CS and Argentario/CS graft combinations resulted in higher average stem length, plant biomass, fruit yield and quality, seed yield, seed emergence, and germination percentage. There was no significant difference observed between graft combinations in pollen viability, pollen germination, and normal pollen production. No significant difference was observed between graft combinations in accelerated ageing (AA), and the seed germination decreased after AA of 192 h. In the second year (2017), there was higher main stem length, main stem diameter, total fruit yield, seed yield, and number of seeds per fruit compared to the first year (2016). Based on the results of this study, NUN-9075 rootstock performed better than other rootstocks; hence, it is recommended as the best rootstock.

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Change history

  • 24 January 2020

    The original version of the acknowledgement unfortunately contained a mistake.

  • 24 January 2020

    The original version of the acknowledgement unfortunately contained a mistake.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Cukurova University Scientific Research Project Unit (Grant No. FDK-2016-6465) (Bilimsel Araştırma Projesi—BAP). We also thank Antalya seedling Company for providing seeds and seedlings production. Indebted thanks to Ph.D. and M.Sc. students who helped during field and laboratory work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zanzibar Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 159, Miwani Rd, Kizimbani, Zanzibar, Tanzania

    Mohamed Dhamir Kombo

  2. Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey

    Mohamed Dhamir Kombo & Nebahat Sari

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  1. Mohamed Dhamir Kombo
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  2. Nebahat Sari
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Correspondence to Nebahat Sari.

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Kombo, M.D., Sari, N. Rootstock effects on seed yield and quality in watermelon. Hortic. Environ. Biotechnol. 60, 303–312 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-019-00131-x

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