Influence of grafting on growth and yield performance of two tomato cultivars grown in open field in Nigeria

Abstract

Tomato production is limited in Nigeria by foliar and soil-borne diseases. Most cultivars that command a premium market are susceptible to bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Tomato growers need researches that support the advantages of market niches afforded by these tomatoes through the development of systems to manage diseases against loss of yields. Bacterial wilt, the major soil-borne disease in the southwestern Nigeria, was effectively managed using susceptible tomato cultivars Beske and UC82-B grafted onto resistant rootstock (cv. Tomachiva). The experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design. Grafted cv. Beske was not affected by bacterial wilt disease both in early and late planting season, respectively. However, non-grafted cvs Beske and UC82-B experienced various degrees of disease incidence and severity ranging from 36.70% to 50% in cv. Beske, 31.70% to 35% incidence in cv. UC82-B and were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 0% incidence in cv. Beske and 0–3.30% incidence in cv. UC82-B in both early and late planting seasons, respectively. There was significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in yield of grafted cv. Beske up to 63.16% and 53.38% in early and late planting seasons, respectively. Grafted cv. UC82-B had 56.14% and 71.76% yield increase in early and late planting seasons, respectively. Consistent numeric and tonnage increase in fruit yield were observed in grafted tomato plots which were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in non-grafted tomato plots. In conclusion, grafting is an effective management tool for tomato growers in the southwest Nigeria to reduce risk of crop loss resulting from soil-borne diseases and could be a valuable component in an integrated pest management program.