Performance of Galia-type melons grafted on toCucurbitarootstock inMonosporascus cannonballus-infested and non-infested soils.

Galia-type melons grafted on to theCucurbitarootstock‘TZ 148’and non-grafted controls were evaluated for vegetative development under greenhouse conditions. In general, the development of grafted and non-grafted plants was similar within a cultivar. The horticultural and pathological performances of the Galia-type melons‘Carrera’,‘NUN-5554’,‘6003’ and‘Arava’ were evaluated in experiments conducted in non-infested andMonosporascus-infestedsoils. In non-infested soil, grafted and non-grafted‘Carrera’,‘NUN-5554’ and‘Arava’ had the same yields. The yield of grafted‘6003’ was significantly higher than that of its non-grafted control. Responses of grafted and non-grafted Galia-type melons toMonosporascus cannonballuswere evaluated and compared in the spring and autumn growing seasons. Significant differences in disease incidence were found among cultivars, between grafted and non-grafted plants, and between growing seasons. Disease reduction and the beneficial effect of grafting on yield were more pronounced in the spring. The results indicate that Galia-type melons can be grafted successfully, but the cultivation of the grafted plants should be adapted to each growing area and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]