Evaluation of Low Temperature Tolerance in Grafted Cucumber Seedlings with Interspecific Hybrid Cucurbita Rootstocks (C. maxima × C. moschata) Using Morphological and Biochemical Indicators

Abstract

The use of grafted seedlings enhances water and nutrient uptake under abiotic stress conditions, such as high or low temperatures and drought, by promoting a stronger root system. Additionally, grafting improves tolerance to diseases and pests, thereby positively affecting both yield and quality. Hybrids of C. moschata × C. moschata and C. maxima × C. moschata are currently the most commonly used rootstocks for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedling production. In this study, the cucumber cultivar PTK40 F1 was used as the scion, while non-grafted PTK40 F1 seedlings served as the control group. In this study, 11 promising interspecific hybrid Cucurbita rootstocks tolerant of low temperatures were used. The performance of the promising rootstock candidates was compared with that of commercial rootstocks such as Shintoza F 1, Nun 9075 F1, Cobalt F1, Cremna F1, and Max Crom F1. Grafted and non-grafted seedlings were acclimated at 15°C/10°C (day/night) after reaching the 3-4 true-leaf stage. Subsequently, they were subjected to a low-temperature treatment at 5°C (day and night) for two days. Plant damage was evaluated visually using a scale ranging from 0 (no damage) to 5 (dead plant). The results showed that the rootstock/scion combinations KB20/PTK40 F 1, KB17/PTK40 F1, KB19/PTK40 F1, and KB22/PTK40 F1 exhibited high visual tolerance to low temperatures with low damage scores (0-1). However, biochemical analyses revealed significant physiological differences. Under lowtemperature stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels generally increased. Contrary to visual observations, KB22 exhibited high lipid peroxidation (MDA: 20.39 nmol g-1 FW). The physiologically most tolerant genotypes were identified as KB5/PTK40 F1 (MDA: 9.99 nmol g-1 FW) and KB4/PTK40 F1 (MDA: 10.73 nmol g-1 FW), which maintained the lowest oxidative damage and did not require excessive proline accumulation. KB20/PTK40 F 1 also demonstrated a balanced tolerance mechanism. Based on these findings, the combinations KB20, KB4, and KB5, identified as tolerant, will be further evaluated for plant growth and yield performance under coldseason greenhouse conditions in future studies.

Keywords

• Cucurbita rootstock
• Grafted seedling
• Low-temperature stress
• Oxidative stress
• MDA
• Proline

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