Effects of rootstocks on storage and shelf life of grafted watermelons

• Published in: Journal of applied botany and food quality Vol. 89
• Main Authors: Ahmet Erhan Özdemir, Elif Çandır, Halit Yetişir, Veysel Aras, Ömer Arslan, Özay Baltaer, Durmuş Üstün, Mustafa Ünlü
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Julius Kühn-Institut 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Crimson Tide; Crisby; grafting; rootstock; storage; Watermelon
• ISSN: 1613-9216; 1439-040X
• DOI: 10.5073/JABFQ.2016.089.024

Watermelon fruits from non-grafted or grafted ‘Crimson Tide’ (CT) and ‘Crisby’ (CR) onto Ferro, RS841, Argentario and Macis rootstocks were compared for their postharvest quality during storage at 7 °C for 21 days and additional 7 days at 21 °C. Non-grafted and grafted CT and CR fruits did not exhibit chilling injury (CI) symptoms, but the 1-2% of fungal decay occurred after shelf life period following storage. Watermelons grafted on Ferro and RS841 rootstocks had higher flesh firmness thicker rind, lower ripening rating, more intense (higher C*) brighter red (lower h° value) color and higher lycopene content after shelf life period following storage, compared to non-grafted fruits. All of the fruit tested by the panelists received high taste scores of >7.9 out of 8.5 at the beginning, but the scores decreased to >6.8 out of 7.7 at the end of shelf life period. Watermelons could successfully be kept for 21 days at 7 °C and additional 7 days at 21 °C. Watermelons grafted on Ferro and RS841 rootstocks had higher postharvest quality, compared to the non-grafted fruits for both cultivars.