Improving the grafted-plant rate in triploid watermelons by optimizing the water moisture in substrates and the usage of scion

Abstract

The cost of growing triploid watermelon seedlings has increased due to their low-efficiency grafting. The first priority in growing seedless watermelon seedlings is increasing the grafted-plant and seed-utilization rates. This study aimed to improve the grafted-plant rate by screening the most suitable substrate formulation, optimizing water moisture in the substrate, and evaluating the effect of different scions to improve seed-utilization rate. Five combinations of substrate (S1 to S5) and seven relative humidity levels (45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75%) were used. Three types of scions (yellow bud, Ts-1; two cotyledons did not unfold, Ts-2; and first true leaf appeared, Ts-3) were tested. Results showed that the combination of S1 exhibited the best seed-utilization rate which was 71.6%. Moreover, the most suitable water moisture in the substrate ranged from 50% to 55%. The usage of the scion from Ts-3 significantly increased the grafting survival, grafted plant and seed-utilization rates by 13.7%, 10.1% and 22%, respectively, compared with the conventional method. Our study suggested that the best time to use the scion and the rootstock was during the seedling stage when the first true leaf unfolded. The proposed method decreased the production cost of seedlings and significantly improved the efficiency of grafting procedures. The results of this work are applicable to the technique of growing seedlings and can thus guide growers of high-quality grafted plants of triploid watermelon.

Esterification of oleic acid to biodiesel using biowaste‐based solid acid catalyst under microwave irradiation

“…Meanwhile, the peel of a watermelon contains the majority of its weight, which is often discarded. Researchers have therefore started using these watermelon peels as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel in order to consume bio waste 20 . Herein, with the motive for sustainability, a novel catalyst made of sulfonated waste‐watermelon peels was synthesized using a straightforward carbonaceous approach to produce biodiesel following the similar method, which was reported by the same authors 13 .…”

“…Researchers have therefore started using these watermelon peels as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel in order to consume bio waste. 20 Herein, with the motive for sustainability, a novel catalyst made of sulfonated waste-watermelon peels was synthesized using a straightforward carbonaceous approach to produce biodiesel following the similar method, which was reported by the same authors. 13 Microwave irradiation has been employed as a heating technique in this work owing to the various advantages over conventional method such as, quick and uniform heating; energy, time, and workspace savings; accurate and controlled operations, [21][22][23] enhanced selectivity and reduction in the quantity of by-product formed during chemical synthesis.…”

“…India is also producing a vast quantity of watermelon every year. 20 Meanwhile, the peel of a watermelon contains the majority of its weight, which is often discarded. Researchers have therefore started using these watermelon peels as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel in order to consume bio waste.…”

“…Unlike other fruit plant, watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) is largely grown all over the world and is considered as among the largest fruit market around the globe. India is also producing a vast quantity of watermelon every year 20 . Meanwhile, the peel of a watermelon contains the majority of its weight, which is often discarded.…”