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Chemical Control Of Rootstock Regrowth In Grafted Watermelon And Its Effects On Plant Growth And Development, Shawna Daley

All Theses

High, year-round demand, increased production intensity without crop rotation, and the loss of Methyl Bromide as a soil fumigant, results in unfavorable soil conditions with increased soil pathogen populations for growing watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb) Matsum and Nakai]. Grafting watermelon onto resistant rootstocks provides successful control of soil-borne pathogens, and could increase yield and fruit quality; however, the high production costs, especially from labor, involved in grafted transplant production, has prevented the adoption of grafted watermelon use in the United States. Much of the labor is required for meristematic regrowth control, which can cause abortion of the scion and competition …