Effect of mutual grafting on the growth and moisture content in post-grafting of two varieties cherry tomato seedlings

Abstract

The effects of mutual grafting on growth and moisture content in post-grafting generations of two varieties cherry tomato seedlings (yellow cherry tomato and red cherry tomato) under stress of Cd were studied in a pot experiment involving the following: un-grafted yellow cherry tomato and red cherry tomato (Yellow CK and Red CK), yellow cherry tomato as rootstock and red cherry tomato as scion (Yellow Rootstock, Red Scion), yellow cherry tomato as scion and red cherry tomato as rootstock (Yellow Scion, Red Rootstock). Mutual grafting increased plant height, stem weight of post-grafting of yellow cherry tomato; however, stem diameter, root and leaf weight and moisture content were no significantly effects compared with Yellow CK. As for red cherry tomato seedlings, mutual grafting increased root length of post-grafting; plant height and moisture content of post-grafting of Red Rootstock were increased, while in Red Scion, the these parameters decreased or showed no significant effects. These results imply that mutual grafting may improve or no effect in growth and moisture content of post-grafting generations.