The technique of using grafted seedlings!
The production of vegetables in a monoculture system has a negative effect on the cultivation environment, the quality of the product and the productivity of the vegetable species. Several specialists signal the increase in the degree of aggressiveness of diseases caused by a series of pathogens, which are preserved in the soil (Pythium sp., Phytophthora sp., Rhizoctonia sp. Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Verticilium), as a result of the cultivation of one and the same species on same land.
Manual Grafting of Seedlings
Despite advancements in grafting technology and the availability of grafting machines, manual grafting remains popular due to its low cost, flexibility in selecting suitable rootstocks and scions, and ability to match seedling diameters precisely.
Steps in the Grafting Process:
- Select rootstock and scion plants with matching diameters.
- Make a precise cut on both the rootstock and scion using a blade. For optimal results, use the copulation method by cutting the rootstock at the cotyledon leaf level at a 45° angle, starting just below a cotyledon leaf and angling toward the opposite side of the stem. This leaves a single cotyledon on the rootstock.
- Cut the scion 2.0-2.5 cm below its cotyledon leaves at the same 45° angle.
- Align the cut surfaces of the scion and rootstock so they connect seamlessly.
- Secure the graft with a band or clip. Since the grafted plants are initially fragile and clips can slip off, support sticks or plastic tables are sometimes added to keep the clip in place. Polymer tubes, commonly used in recent years, can also stabilize the graft. When using tubes, place one on the rootstock, leaving half its length exposed above the cut, then insert the scion until it aligns perfectly. These tubes, which have a slit to allow for stem growth, will naturally fall off as the plant matures, especially useful for tomato seedlings grown in cell trays.
- Transfer the grafted plant to a specially controlled environment to facilitate recovery.
For best results, join the scion and rootstock immediately after cutting to maintain tissue health. After securing with a band or clip, place the seedling in a high-humidity area to aid healing. Maintain a temperature around +30°C with relative humidity at 95% for the first 2-3 days. Shield seedlings from direct sunlight by placing them in shaded greenhouses or special tunnels with independent heating and humidity control systems.
