Vegetable Grafting

Grafting is a process that involves the choice of rootstock and scion species; creation of a graft union by physical manipulation; healing of the union; and acclimation of the grafted plant. Grafting a susceptible scion onto a resistant rootstock can provide a resistant cultivar without the prolonged screening and selection required to breed resistance into a cultivar. Furthermore grafting allows rapid response to new pathogen races and in the short-term provides a less expensive and more flexible solution for controlling soilborne diseases than breeding new resistant cultivars. In addition grafting may enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses increase yield and result in more efficient water and nutrient use; extend harvest periods and improve fruit yield and quality.