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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209186
Title: Grafting effects on vegetable quality

Author
item Davis, Angela
item KING, STEPHEN - TEXAS A&M
item Perkins Veazie, Penelope
item Levi, Amnon

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2007
Publication Date: 7/1/2007
Citation: Davis, A.R., King, S.R., Perkins Veazie, P.M., Levi, A. 2007. Grafting effects on vegetable quality [abstract]. HortScience. 42(4):802.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In the United States, vegetable grafting is rare and few experiments have been done to determine optimal grafting procedures and production practices for different geographical and climatic regions in America. Grafting vegetables to control soilborne disease is a common practice in Asia, parts of Europe, and the Middle East. Cucurbit and tomato grafting has been practiced for 60 years in Japan and Korea and in some countries most of the cucurbits and tomatoes grown are grafted. The U.S. cucurbit and tomato industries are looking at grafting as a viable option for disease control and quality improvements. Some seed companies in the U.S. now offer watermelon transplants that are grafted onto squash or gourd rootstocks. There are reports that indicate the type of rootstock alters the resulting yield and quality attributes of the scion fruit. It has been reported that pH, flavor, sugar, color, carotenoid content, and texture can sometimes be affected, by grafting and the type of rootstock used. However, some reports show grafting negatively affecting quality on vegetables and others show positive effects of grafting on these traits. Because of this, it is important to study the effect of various rootstock scion combinations in multiple climatic and geographic conditions. Data indicate that rootstock influences plant growth, yield, and quality of scion fruit showing that rootstock scion combinations are an important consideration in quality effects of grafting.