Effects of rootstock on fruit yield and quality of hydroponically cultivated grafted cucumber under nacl stress

Summary

This hydroponic study evaluated two Cucurbita rootstock genotypes grafted to cucumber 'Jin-chun No.2' to assess salt tolerance and fruit quality under NaCl stress. The Cucurbita moschata hybrid '360-3×112-2' rootstock demonstrated substantially greater resilience to 80 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl stress than C. ficifolia or non-grafted plants, maintaining fruit quality parameters including vitamin C, amino acids and sugar content more effectively. The hybrid rootstock showed commercial potential for improving cucumber production in saline hydroponic systems.

Regional applicability

Findings are directly applicable to protected horticulture systems in the United Kingdom, particularly commercial greenhouse cucumber production where salt accumulation in recirculating hydroponic systems is a documented concern. The rootstock selection approach offers a practical agronomic tool for UK growers managing salinity challenges without chemical intervention, though cultivar adaptation and rootstock availability would require evaluation for UK conditions.

Key measures

Average fruit weight, plant yield, abnormal fruit rate, vitamin C content, free amino acids, soluble sugar, water content, cellulose content, titratable acids under 80 mmol·L⁻¹ NaCl stress and control conditions

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated fruit yield, fruit quality parameters (weight, flavour, taste, nutrient content), and physiological responses to NaCl stress in grafted versus non-grafted cucumber plants using different rootstock genotypes. Key measurements included average fruit weight, plant yield, abnormal fruit rate, vitamin C, free amino acids, soluble sugar, water content, cellulose and titratable acids.

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