Compatibility of Certain Grafts in the Genus Ipomoea

Abstract

Experiments with interspecific grafts in Ipomoea demonstrate that I. violacea as a stock invigorates the growth of I. nil as scion. By contrast, I. nil as a stock, when left intact, rejects I. violacea as a scion. The substances responsible for the rejection are probably produced in the aerial parts of the plant, especially the leaves and growing points, since rejection is not observed when the stock I. nil is decapitated above the graft and defoliated below it. Possible causes of this non-reciprocal behavior, including the possible participation of indole alkaloids, are being studied.