Grafting as a strategy for disease and stress management in muskmelon production
Authors: Cohen Roni , Crosby Kevin , Edelstein Menahem , Jifon John , Aloni Beny , Katzir Nurit , Nerson Haim , Leskovar Daniel 
Published: January 2022

The overall objective of this research was to elucidate the horticultural, pathological, physiological and molecular factors impacting melon varieties (scion) grafted onto M. cannonballus resistant melon and squash rootstocks. Specific objectives were- to compare the performance of resistant melon germplasm (grafted and non-grafted) when exposed to M. cannoballus in the Lower Rio Grande valley and the Wintergarden, Texas, and in the Arava valley, Israel; to address inter-species relationships between a Monosporascus resistant melon rootstock and susceptible melon scions in terms of fruit-set, fruit quality and yield; to study the factors which determine the compatibility between the rootstock and the scion in melon; to compare the responses of graft unions of differing compatibilities under disease stress, high temperatures, deficit irrigation, and salinity stress; and to investigate the effect of rootstock on stress related gene expression in the scion. Some revisions were- to include watermelon in the Texas investigations since it is much more economically important to the state, and also to evaluate additional vine decline pathogens Didymella bryoniae and Macrophomina phaseolina. Current strategies for managing vine decline rely heavily on soil fumigation with methyl bromide, but restrictions on its use have increased the need for alternative management strategies. Grafting of commercial melon varieties onto resistant rootstocks with vigorous root systems is an alternative to methyl bromide for Monosporascus root rot/vine decline (MRR/VD) management in melon production. Extensive selection and breeding has already produced potential melon rootstock lines with vigorous root systems and disease resistance. Melons can also be grafted onto Cucurbita spp., providing nonspecific but efficient protection from a wide range of soil-borne diseases and against some abiotic stresses, but compatibility between the scion and the rootstock can be problematic. During the first year experiments to evaluate resistance to the vine decline pathogens Monosporascus cannonballus, Didymella bryoniae, and Macrophomina phaseolina in melon and squash rootstocks proved the efficacy of these grafted plants in improving yield and quality. Sugars and fruit size were better in grafted versus non-grafted plants in both Texas and Israel. Two melons (1207 and 124104) and one pumpkin, Tetsukabuto, were identified as the best candidate rootstocks in Texas field trials, while in Israel, the pumpkin rootstock RS59 performed best. Additionally, three hybrid melon rootstocks demonstrated excellent resistance to both M. cannonballus and D. bryoniae in inoculated tests, suggesting that further screening for fruit quality and yield should be conducted. Experiments with ABA in Uvalde demonstrated a significant increase in drought stress tolerance and concurrent reduction in transplant shock due to reduced transpiration for ‘Caravelle’ plants. In Israel, auxin was implicated in reducing root development and contributing to increased hydrogen peroxide, which may explain incompatibility reactions with some squash rootstocks. However, trellised plants responded favorably to auxin (NAA) application at the time of fruit development. Gene expression analyses in Israel identified several cDNAs which may code for phloem related proteins, cyclins or other factors which impact the graft compatibility. Manipulation of these genes by transformation or traditional breeding may lead to improved rootstock cultivars. Commercial applications of the new melon rootstocks as well as the ABA and TIBA growth regulators have potential to improve the success of grafted melons in both Israel and Texas. The disease resistance, fruit quality and yield data generated by the field trials will help producers in both locations to decide what rootstock/scion combinations will be best.