Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-21-2025

Keywords

watermelon, grafting, biotic stress, abiotic stress, quality

Abstract

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes infections, and abiotic stresses, including drought, temperature extremes, and salinity. Furthermore, it discusses the changes in fruit quality and explores the underlying mechanisms associated with graft-induced resistance. By synthesizing recent research advances, this review aims to offer valuable insights and practical references for improving resistance and promoting sustainable production in cucurbit and other vegetable crops through grafting. As a sustainable cultivation strategy, grafting demonstrates considerable potential for enhancing watermelon resilience and yield; however, optimizing fruit quality remains a critical focus for future research.

Comments

Web of Science

MDPI

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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