Jason Hollick, a Ph.D. candidate in Kubota lab, presented his recent research update at ASHS Annual Conference this year in Orlando, FL. Jason’s research focuses on improving flower and fruit development of grafted watermelon plants. By conducting both greenhouse and field trials using various scions and rootstocks, Jason found that the delay of reproductive development could be attributed to unbalanced source:sink ratio or localized deficiencies of specific nutrients. His work lays foundation for future studies focusing on using environmental and nutritional adjustments to promote earlier flowering and fruit set. The outcome of Jason’s research can help promote the application of grafted plants, providing economic and environmental benefits to the industry.