The Effects of Local Pumpkin Rootstocks on Vegetative Growth in Grafted Cucumber Cultivation

This study aimed to determine the effects of the local pumpkin rootstock candidates on vegetative growth traits in grafted cucumber cultivation. The rootstocks were selected from the project namely of “Evaluation of winter squash and pumpkin genetic resources on rootstock breeding programme and development of local new hybrid rootstock”. In the study, 10 pumpkin rootstock candidates and RS-841 and TZ-148 commercial rootstocks were evaluated. These root-stocks were grafted with Gordion and Sardes cucumber cultivars. Also non grafted cucumber cultivars were cultivated as control. The quantitative analysis were carried out in two periods (planting time and 40 days after planting time). To evaluate the effects of pumpkin rootstocks on cucumber vegetative growth, leaf weight ratio (OYA), stem weight ratio (OGA), root weight ratio (OKA), leaf area (YA), net assimilation rate (NAO) and relative growth rate (NBA) parame-ters were examined. Depending on rootstock/scion combinations; OKA, OGA, OYA and YA values ranged between 0.03-0.30 g g^-1, 0.1-0.6 g g^-1, 0.4-1.0 g g^-1and 35.5-3063.2 cm² respectively. The results showed that pumpkin rootstock candidates had similar or better vegetative growth performance compared to commercial rootstocks. As a conclusion, selected new local pumpkin rootstocks had a significant potential for the grafted cucumber seedling production