Cucumber hybrids growth and yield accordingly to grafting.

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of grafting on yield and visual fruit quality of cucumber hybrids ('Nikkey' and 'Ancor 8') grafted on squash hybrids ('Ikky' and 'Tetsukabuto'). The trial was carried out in the "FCA - UNESP - Botucatu" experimental area, from March 29 1996 to August 30 1996, under vinyl house, with parcial environmental control. Cleft grafting was applied. Six treatments (four combinations of scion and rootstock, and two cucumber hybrids without grafting) were set out in a randomized block design, with four replications each of three plants. Plants were grown in ten liter plastic pots using corrected soil. Plant height, number of intemodes, root dry matter weight, number of total and commercial fruits per m², and fruit shine were evaluated. Grafted plants had higher growth, development, yield and fruit quality than non-grafted plants. Grafting increased plant height, number of intemodes per plant, root dry weigth and number of total and commercial fruits. Fruits of cucumber plants grafted on "Ikky" were shine.

: Cucumis sativus L; Cucurbitaceae.