A comparison of novel grafting methods for watermelon in high-wind areas

Authors: KING, STEPHEN - TEXAS A&M; Davis, Angela

Submitted to: Cucurbitaceae Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2006
Publication Date: 9/15/2006
Citation: King, S.R., Davis, A.R. 2006. A comparison of novel grafting methods for watermelon in high-wind areas. In: Cucurbitaceae 2006, September 17-21, 2006, Asheville, North Carolina. p. 258-264.

Interpretive Summary: Watermelon transplants are often subject to harsh environmental conditions shortly after transplanting. The two major disadvantages of using transplanted watermelons are the potential for transplant losses, particularly under high wind conditions and dry or excessively wet conditions. We found that modifying the hardening off (time and temperature) and transplant techniques (wind breaks and plant support) resulted in no difference in transplant survivors one week after transplanting compared to a control. The effort required for the modifications was slightly increased. More study is needed to identify techniques that reduce costs and increase transplant survivability under high wind conditions.

Technical Abstract: Watermelon (Citrullus lantaus var. lanatus) transplants are often subject to harsh environmental conditions shortly after transplanting. Disadvantages of using transplanted watermelons are the potential for transplant losses, particularly under high wind conditions and excessively dry or wet conditions. We found that modifying hardening off (time and temperature) and transplant techniques (wind breaks and plant support) resulted in no difference in transplant survivors one week after transplanting compared to a control. The effort required for the modifications was slightly increased. More study is needed to identify techniques that reduce costs and increase transplant survivability under high wind conditions.