In grafted seedling production, in addition to the compatibility and performance of the rootstock, the correct selection of the grafting method and the treatments to the rootstocks nd scion are effective on the success of the graft. A three-stage trial was conducted to determine the appropriate grafting method, the effect of root cutting, and some treatments on grafting success in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In Experiment I, it was aimed to determine the most appropriate grafting technique for cucumber by using single cotyledon, hole insertion, and tube grafting techniques. The effect of rooted and rootless grafting on grafting success and seedling growth in Experiment II was determined by using the most appropriate grafting technique determined in Experiment I. In experiment III, the effect of sucrose, IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and antitranspirant applications on rootstocks on the success of grafting was determined. The graft success rate of the grafted plants was evaluated 14 days after grafting. While the most appropriate grafting technique was the single cotyledon grafting method with a success rate of 76%, the grafting success rate was 67.8% and 55.6% in hole insertion and tube grafting methods, respectively. The effect of grafting with rooted or rootless rootstock on grafting success was found to be insignificant. The highest stem fresh and dry weight were recorded in rooted grafting with 28.00 and 2.30 g/plant, respectively. The highest root fresh and dry weights were found in rooted grafting with 19.30 and 1.93 g/plant, respectively. In Experiment III, the highest grafting success was obtained from sucrose+antitranspirant (98.82%) and sucrose+antitranspirant+IBA (97.65%) applications, respectively. The lowest grafting success was determined in antitranspirant (74.86%) and control (78.24%) applications. According to the results te highest grafting success was achieved by using rooted rootstocks and single cotyledon grafting method. In addition, the combined application of sucrose and antitranspirant and the triple combination of sucrose, antitranspirant, and IBA to rootstocks before grafting is recommended because they increase the success of grafting in cucumber.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of four pruning methods (Non-pruned, two, three and four stem pruning) on some growth parameters, yield and fruit quality in California Wonder Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The experiment was carried out between April and September 2020 in a climate controlled venlo type glass research greenhouse with automation system. In this study, two commercial pepper Rapido and Roxy California Wonder type (Rapido: red color Roxy: yellow color) varieties were used. Seedlings transplanted in cocopeat slabs were grown in soilless culture. The experiment was designed according to randomized plots with three replicates each including eight plants. Pruning applications-leaving two, three and four branches in pepper varieties significantly increased plant height, plant fresh weight and stem diameter as compared to the non-pruned plants. Pruning methods significantly increased fruit weight, fruit length and fruit diameter. Leaf chlorophyll index (SPAD), fruit flesh thickness, fruit firmness, fruit Brix and fruit EC values were positively affected by pruning methods. However, there was no significant differences observed regarding pruning methods on fruit color and pH. Total yield per plant was reduced as compared to non-pruned plants, except for four branch pruning. However, the reduction in the number of branches left with pruning significantly increased the rate of marketable fruit. To conclude, it was determined that the decrease in the number of branches left in California Wonder pepper varieties significantly decreased the number of non-marketable fruits, especially three and four branch pruning increased fruit quality as well as marketable yield.

Fresh bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop in Turkey used as a major source of protein in the human diet. The total fresh bean production of Turkey is estimated at 651,094 tons. Bean production shows a decreasing factor due to various abiotic and biotic factors in Turkey. Among the viruses that infect beans, Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) are the most widespread destructive agents. The main objective of this study was to carry out a diagnostic survey for Bean common mosaic disease (BCMD) in beans, characterize its causal agent, and evaluate host resistance to BCMV and BCMNV. In addition to this, genotypes were tested for the levels of genetic diversity by 58 SSR markers. A total of 123 alleles with a PIC value of ≥0.2 were obtained from 75 bean genotypes. The unweighted NJ dendrogram was created using the scoring data, which demonstrated the molecular genetic relationships among the bean genotypes. SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) markers were used to determine the resistant genotypes to BCMV and BCMNV. According to the result, 21 out of 75 genotypes have resistance alleles to both pathogens.