Project Number: 6618-22000-036-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Nov 07, 2007
End Date: Jun 30, 2010

Objective:
The specific aims are 1) To evaluate muskmelon and tomato rootstock varieties for resistance to root-knot nematode and other soil-borne diseases and overall horticultural performance under controlled experimental settings in Arizona and Florida; 2) To evaluate both agronomic field performance and economic viability of grafted muskmelon and tomato seedlings in commercial fields in Arizona and Florida; 3) To develop short term storage technique for grafted muskmelon seedlings; and 4) To develop an information website on grafted seedling technology and use.

Approach:
Re-evaluate rootstock varieties available from seed companies and as well as new potential rootstock species using a pest nursery field and greenhouse in Florida and greenhouses in Arizona; local growers will collaborate on a contract basis to provide field trials with sufficient land and all aspects of crop production, including tillage, planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and harvest; commercial field trials will be conducted to collect data and demonstrate the value of grafted seedlings, including such benefits as pests and disease resistances, increased yield and quality improvement of muskmelon and tomato; to develop techniques for storing grafted muskmelon seedlings, varied temperatures and light intensities will be tested using growth chamber based experiments, based on the previous results of storing tomato seedlings; some rootstocks for cucurbits are known to add the chilling tolerance to the scions, which may contribute to extended storability of the grafted muskmelon seedlings.