Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that significantly enhances disease resistance and stress tolerance in watermelon. This review systematically summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and analyzes the effects of grafting on plant responses to biotic stresses, such as viral and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes infections, and abiotic stresses, including drought, temperature extremes, and salinity. Furthermore, it discusses the changes in fruit quality and explores the underlying mechanisms associated with graft-induced resistance. By synthesizing recent research advances, this review aims to offer valuable insights and practical references for improving resistance and promoting sustainable production in cucurbit and other vegetable crops through grafting. As a sustainable cultivation strategy, grafting demonstrates considerable potential for enhancing watermelon resilience and yield; however, optimizing fruit quality remains a critical focus for future research.

Grafting is an effective horticultural technique that can significantly enhance the disease resistance and stress resistance of watermelon. This review summarizes the types of rootstocks used in watermelon grafting and investigates the responses of graft-cucurbits to viral/fungal pathogens, root-knot nematodes, and stresses (such as drought, temperature, and salinity). The reviews also summarize the changes in fruit quality and underlying mechanisms induced by graft resistance. With recent research advances summarizing and analyzing, this review will provide valuable insight and reference for promoting resistance improvement and sustainable production in cucurbit and other vegetable crops by grafting. In summary, grafting can effectively improve the stress resistance and yield of watermelon, but optimizing fruit quality is still the focus of future research.

To investigate the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on tomato fruit quality and flavor, a study was conducted using the tomato cultivar 'Gaotang No. 1' under three irrigation treatments: CK (conventional irrigation, 16 m³/mu per session), T1 (50% reduction, 8 m³/mu), and T2 (25% reduction, 12 m³/mu). The impact on plant growth, yield, fruit quality, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was evaluated. Results showed that the T2 treatment significantly reduced yield (−26.55%) but enhanced fruit firmness (35.57% increase in shoulder hardness), soluble solids (14.56%), vitamin C content (44.19%), and the sugar-to-acid ratio (2.25%). Volatile analysis revealed that T2 markedly increased the concentration of key aroma compounds with odor activity values (OAV) >10, including 2-pentyl furan (24.71%), (Z)-3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octadecatriene (128.49%) contributing to floral aroma, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine (204.10%) associated with fruity aroma, and 4- isopropyltoluene (125.79%) contributing to citrus aroma. These compounds significantly shaped the overall aroma profile, resulting in a richer flavor. The findings confirm that moderate RDI (25% reduction) effectively balances yield and fruit quality by improving texture, nutritional value, and aroma complexity, offering a promising strategy for water-efficient, quality-focused tomato production.