Perspectives on morphology, physiology, genetic polymorphism and machine learning in cucumber grafting under zinc toxicity

These results demonstrate that grafting enhances cucumber tolerance to Zn stress by improving morphological, physiological, and biochemical performance while maintaining yield stability. ML analyses strengthened these conclusions by quantitatively ranking trait importance and providing a predictive framework for rootstock selection. Together, these findings highlight grafting as an effective strategy for reducing heavy metal accumulation in edible plant parts and sustaining crop productivity, thereby supporting sustainable practices in Zn-affected systems, including contaminated irrigation scenarios.