Integrated use of grafting technology to improve disease resistance and fruit yield in specialty melon production

A demonstration trial of grafted specialty melon will be established for annual training workshops that emphasize hands-on and experiential learning. We plan to initiate the trial in the spring of 2012 to evaluate grafted melons for resistance to soilborne problems such as Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematode. Information gathered from this trial will be used, in conjunction with results from South Carolina and Florida, to develop a vegetable grafting workbook, newsletter, grower conference, and virtual farm tour; a melon grafting website will be employed by researchers to disseminate the project results. The University of Florida will take the lead in developing educational materials, with the participation of K. Seebold.