Advancing Vegetable Grafting: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges, and the Future of Automated Solutions

Abstract

Vegetable grafting, a practice that combines two plant parts rootstock and scion into a single, superior plant, is an increasingly important technique in modern agriculture. By enhancing yields, stress resistance, and disease tolerance, grafting plays a crucial role in addressing challenges such as soil borne pathogens, extreme environmental conditions, and crop vulnerability to nematodes. Despite its benefits, vegetable grafting faces several challenges, including the need for compatible plant material, labour-intensive nursery production, high seed costs, and the potential for pathogen spread. Effective grafting requires meticulous selection of rootstock and scion, precise grafting techniques, and optimal post-grafting care to ensure survival and success. Looking toward the future, significant advancements in grafting technologies and nursery practices are required to overcome these challenges and improve efficiency. The development of grafting robots, capable of mechanizing the grafting process, holds promise for increasing productivity while reducing labor costs. Additionally, the establishment of specialized plug plantlet nurseries, equipped with advanced seeders, growth chambers, and acclimatization facilities, offers a pathway to enhance seedling vigour and uniformity in developing countries. Future research should also focus on refining seed-priming methods, improving seedling storage technologies, and exploring digital tools such as databases, crop models, and mobile applications to optimize grafting practices. These innovations could provide valuable insights for growers, helping them select the best rootstock-scion combinations and manage crops more efficiently. With continued research and technological advancements, vegetable grafting is poised to become a global solution, offering sustainable growth and productivity improvements in agriculture.