Vegetable marrow for grafting "Sprinter" F1

Vegetable marrow for grafting "Sprinter" F1 is a special hybrid pumpkin designed for use as a rootstock for grafting cucumber, melon or watermelon.
Cucumber has a weak root system and is more demanding for warmth, sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and is more easily affected by root infections than pumpkin. However, since these crops are related, cucumber can be grafted onto pumpkin to strengthen its “health”.

* Grafting melon onto pumpkin.
Pumpkin is a hardy and vigorous plant, and such grafting helps melon adapt to unfavourable environmental conditions: it becomes less sensitive to cold, excess moisture and diseases. Yield increases and the ripening period becomes shorter. The best time for grafting is when the seedling is at the first true leaf stage. Melon seeds (scion) and pumpkin seeds (rootstock) are usually sown in the second half of April to early May. Grafting is started on the 10th–11th day after emergence, after watering the plants thoroughly.
Required tools:
- grafting knife or blade
- non-woven tape for tying
- glass jar.
Step 1: place the pot so that the first true leaf of the pumpkin is facing away from you. Remove the growing point (the small second leaf).
Step 2: using a grafting knife or razor blade, make a longitudinal cut on the rootstock stem at the hypocotyl, between the cotyledons, on the side opposite the first true leaf. The cut must be straight and go through the full thickness of the stem tissue to the hollow centre, but no longer than 2 cm.
Step 3: cut the scion off from its root and scrape a very thin layer from the side of the cotyledons to the same length as the cut on the pumpkin.
Step 4: before inserting the scion, gently open the cut on the rootstock. Slightly bend the pumpkin stem: press below the cut with the left thumb away from you, and above the cut with the index finger towards you—the wound opens easily. Insert the scion from above so the cut surfaces touch.
Step 5: ensure the tip of the melon reaches the end of the cut and does not slip into the hollow stem cavity. Melon cotyledons must be above the pumpkin cotyledons and parallel to them.
Step 6: for tying the wound, narrow strips of non-woven material are suitable; in an emergency, cotton can also be used. Wrap the entire cut from top to bottom, leaving no open gaps. The band must fit tightly but must not press into the stem. If needed, loosen the tie and remove it fully only after transplanting to the ground.
Step 7: for better fusion, create a humid atmosphere by covering the plant with a glass jar or a plastic bag. During the first days, protect from direct sunlight by covering with paper and ventilate ежедневно, removing the jar for a few seconds. If fusion is successful, growth begins on day 6–8.
! Using the same method, watermelon and cucumber can also be grafted onto pumpkin—ensuring an early and abundant harvest. Choose more cold-tolerant hard-rind pumpkin types for grafting. Butternut and large-fruited pumpkins are not suitable for this purpose.

Bot.: Cucurbita maxima x Moschata.