Effects of grafting on some phytochemical traits and elemental composition in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Abstract

Grafting method in vegetables has been used in common due to positive effects in agriculture. In this context, it is focused that the studies aimed at increasing yield and quality through grafting. This research was carried out to determine the effects of grafting bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) onto pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima). Effects of grafting on extract yield, dry matter ratio, ash, and macro and micro elemental content of the fruits and leaves of bitter gourd were determined in greenhouse conditions. Grafting significantly increased the dry matter ratio and extract yield in the bitter gourd fruits and the ash content in young, mature and old leaves. In the fruits, a positive correlation (R = 0.9264) was found only between extract yield and dry matter ratio. The main important effect of grafting in terms of macro and micro elements appeared on the fruits of bitter gourd. The accumulation of Ca2+ in the leaves increased during maturation. The positive effect of grafting in terms of Ca2+ increase in fruits was higher in unripe fruits compared to ripe fruits. In addition to obtaining more extracts from the fruits bitter gourd, the enrichment of its fruits in terms of Ca2+ and K+ and its leaves in terms of Ca2+ increases the importance of these parts in terms of human nutrition.