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Princeton Kentucky

1st season all in on grafted plants. Is it a given that you don't want any leaf node tap roots taking hold to bypass the rootstock potential hence weed barrier more so? I've always promoted tap roots growing traditional plants so assuming no tap roots on grafted plants. Thanks for any input!!

5/10/2023 7:06:16 AM

Bethlehem CT

HI Joe, If you are talking just about increased vigor for the plant and fruit growth there is nothing wrong with letting them root. The only reason you wouldn't want them to root down is because you would lose the fusarium resistance that the rootstock brings. My 206 pound melon back in 2020 had a big root growing off the vine not far from the melon. That root kept the melon growing after the grafted stump collapsed earlier in the summer. A grafted melon plant that is being grown on "new" soil that has rooted along the vines could have more potential for record growth than anything that has ever been grown. Just realize it does come with the increased risk of fusarium wilt disease. It might be worth a shot to try a grafted plant or two and encourage rooting. To the best of my knowledge it hasn't been done intentionally yet.

5/10/2023 8:02:11 AM

Bethlehem CT

Here is a picture of that 206 melon with the tap root on it.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=320574

5/10/2023 8:04:00 AM

Grittyville, WA

Maybe better nodal rooting could be encouraged or bred for? I bet that root helped that melon a lot!

5/10/2023 10:22:46 AM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks John. Seems to make sense about the Fusarium. I may grow a couple plants with tap roots also. Thanks for the input folks!

5/10/2023 5:15:00 PM