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2 Two tomato scions (cvs. 'Raf' and 'Gorety') were grafted on three different rootstocks: S. torvum, 'Beaufort' (Lycopersicum esculentum × Lycopersicum hirsutum) and intermediate grafting of eggplant 'Cristal' between tomato and S. torvum (double graft). Plants were grown in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. The response to grafting was measured through growth parameters, F v /F m and leaf macronutrients analysis, and it was compared with non-grafted plants. The scions grafted on S. torvum in simple and double graft showed lower fresh and dry weight of leaves, number of commercial fruits, plant height, F v /F m and decreased their capacity to absorb several nutrients resulting in a lower mineral concentration in scions leaves, as a result of a thickened graft union. On the other hand, both scions showed a good response when grafted on the rootstock 'Beaufort', with which growth parameters, yield and photosynthetic capacity were similar to non-grafted plants.

The localized application of the synthetic cytokinin CPPU ((2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenyl urea) to ovaries at flower opening was as effective as free pollination in setting parthenocarpic fruit in the triploid watermelon cultivar 'Reina de Corazones', and increased yield per unit land area by at least 50%, simply due to the lack of requirement for diploid pollen producing plants within the orchard. The application of the synthetic auxin 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) as a full coverage spray, was also effective in setting fruit; total yield was however 10% smaller than in the CPPU-treated plots, but the cost of application was much less expensive. These applications had no adverse effect on fruit quality, and their effectiveness in commercial watermelon production was evaluated over 4 years. Localized applications of 2,4-D to ovaries were less effective in setting fruit, and increased hollow fruit.

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