Cultivation

Grafting and Budding of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.

Lagenaria is used exclusively as a rootstock for watermelon and cucumber via stem grafting methods. It provides protection against Fusarium wilt and ensures root system resistance to low soil temperatures.

In the reference 13 varieties crop Calabash, where this is mentioned in the description.

In Lagenaria cultivation, budding methods are not employed; the crop serves as a specialized base for scion grafting. Standard methods include side grafting and hole insertion grafting; however, the hollow stem structure of Lagenaria requires particular caution when securing the scion in the growth point area.

Successful tissue union is achieved when both the rootstock and scion are at the stage of the first true leaf opening. Once the union process is complete, the Lagenaria growth point must be removed to prevent competition for nutrients.

As a rootstock, Lagenaria has the capacity to maintain root system vitality at soil temperatures as low as +6–8°C and provides protection for the scion against Fusarium wilt. Compared to other cucurbit rootstocks, it is characterized by moderate growth vigor and acceleration of the scion's entry into the fruiting phase.

General information about the subject — on the page Grafting and budding.

Sources8

Varieties of Calabash mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.