Investigation of appropriate grafting method and plant applications to increase grafting success in cucumber

In grafted seedling production, in addition to the compatibility and performance of the rootstock, the correct selection of the grafting method and the treatments to the rootstocks nd scion are effective on the success of the graft. A three-stage trial was conducted to determine the appropriate grafting method, the effect of root cutting, and some treatments on grafting success in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In Experiment I, it was aimed to determine the most appropriate grafting technique for cucumber by using single cotyledon, hole insertion, and tube grafting techniques. The effect of rooted and rootless grafting on grafting success and seedling growth in Experiment II was determined by using the most appropriate grafting technique determined in Experiment I. In experiment III, the effect of sucrose, IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and antitranspirant applications on rootstocks on the success of grafting was determined. The graft success rate of the grafted plants was evaluated 14 days after grafting. While the most appropriate grafting technique was the single cotyledon grafting method with a success rate of 76%, the grafting success rate was 67.8% and 55.6% in hole insertion and tube grafting methods, respectively. The effect of grafting with rooted or rootless rootstock on grafting success was found to be insignificant. The highest stem fresh and dry weight were recorded in rooted grafting with 28.00 and 2.30 g/plant, respectively. The highest root fresh and dry weights were found in rooted grafting with 19.30 and 1.93 g/plant, respectively. In Experiment III, the highest grafting success was obtained from sucrose+antitranspirant (98.82%) and sucrose+antitranspirant+IBA (97.65%) applications, respectively. The lowest grafting success was determined in antitranspirant (74.86%) and control (78.24%) applications. According to the results te highest grafting success was achieved by using rooted rootstocks and single cotyledon grafting method. In addition, the combined application of sucrose and antitranspirant and the triple combination of sucrose, antitranspirant, and IBA to rootstocks before grafting is recommended because they increase the success of grafting in cucumber.