Research Progress on the Effect of Grafting Technology on Disease Resistance and Stress Resistance of Watermelon

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that can significantly enhance the disease resistance and stress resistance of watermelon. This review summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and investigates the responses of graft-cucurbits to viral/fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes, and stresses (such as drought, temperature, and salinity). The reviews also summarize the changes in fruit quality and underlying mechanisms induced by graft resistance. With recent research advances summarizing and analyzing, this review will provide valuable insight and reference for promoting resistance improvement and sustainable production in cucurbit and other vegetable crops by grafting. In summary, grafting can effectively improve the stress resistance and yield of watermelon, but optimizing fruit quality is still the focus of future research.