Abstract: Effects of 18 different luffa stocks on main agronomic traits, yield and quality of balsam pears were studied. The results showed that luffa stocks affected the survival rate, first female flower position and elongating rate of the main plant, as well as the female flower’s section rate and the basal stem diameter. They also significantly impacted the yield of balsam pears. Other than that, no significant variations were found on the main agronomic characteristics and fruit appearance of the 6 selected luffa stocks. However, the basal stem diameter was found to be significantly larger than that on the self-rooted balsam pears. The quality evaluation indicated that the grafted balsam pears were higher in protein content and lower in vitamin C than the self-rooted balsam pears, but no significant difference among different stocks. Overall, the Stock-6 (Silver Stock 1) and Stock-14 (Silver Stock 2) were recommended for the balsam pear rootstock.

Key words: Stock, balsam pear, luffa, agronomic trait, yield, quality