EVAPOTRANSPIRATION RATE AND GRAFT-TAKING OF GRAFTED SEEDLINGS UNDER ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

This paper represents the characteristics of evapotranspiration rate (EVTR) and graft-taking of watermelon grafted seedlings in a graft-taking enhancement system using fluorescent lamps as artificial lighting source. Four air temperature levels of 23, 25, 27 and 29C, three humidity levels of 85, 90 and 95%R.H. and two photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) levels of 30 and 50 ${\mu}$mol m$\^$-2/ S$\^$-1/ were provided to investigate the effects of air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity on EVTR and graft-taking of grafted seedlings. EVTR of grafted seedlings increased with increasing air temperature and the passage of time after grafting. Also EVTR increased with decreasing relative humidity. As relative humidity decreased and air temperature increased, vapor pressure deficit increased and thus EVTR increased. It is required to maintain a low level vapor pressure deficit for suppressing EVTR of grafted seedlings during first 1-2 days after grafting. Therefore, less EVTR at initial stage after grafting would be adequate for smooth joining of the scion and rootstock.