The 'Ferro' rootstock – an inter-specific hybrid from Rijk Zwaan, specifically developed for grafting cucumbers, melons, and watermelons. It ensures strong vegetative growth and increases the yield of grafted plants thanks to its resistance to major diseases: Fusarium, Pythium, and Verticillium.
To successfully grow rootstocks, a number of conditions must be met. Seeds undergo pre-sowing treatment (priming), after which they should be stored at 15 °C with about 30% humidity. The shelf life of seed properties is approximately six months. Sowing is carried out in trays or flats; the substrate can be peat mixture or rock wool. After sowing, watering with plain water is performed, then pallets are formed with gaps for air circulation and chamber germination is conducted at 25 °C and 80–90% humidity for 72 hours.
The key factor for successful grafting is the same stem thickness of the rootstock and scion. At the same time, scions for solanaceous crops are sown 3–4 days later, and for cucurbits – 7–8 days earlier. The 'Ferro' rootstock helps prevent waxy bloom on fruits and ensures a high-quality commercial appearance of fruits, making it a valuable tool in commercial cultivation of cucumbers, melons, and watermelons.
