Use Of Grafting Techniques Research Articles

Compatibility of wild rootstocks in the production of cherry tomato seedlings

Growing tomato crops is a highly significant activity in Brazil; however, several factors limit tomato productivity, mainly soil-borne diseases which, without proper control, can compromise the entire crop production. The proper use of grafting techniques emerges as an alternative to overcome barriers that limit tomato production in regions with unfavorable growth conditions. The use of rootstocks resistant to root diseases is seen as a viable option for tomato production. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the compatibility and efficiency of rootstocks for cherry tomatoes. A randomized block design was used, with five treatments and four replications; each plot consisted of 36 grafted seedlings. The treatments consisted of rootstocks of Eggplant, Jurubeba, Jilo, and Tomato (Intacto; Feltrin Sementes®), and a Control (cherry tomato without grafting). All rootstocks were compatible with cherry tomatoes. Moreover, seedlings grafted onto Jurubeba rootstocks presented results closest to the Control (cherry tomatoes). Seedlings grafted onto Jurubeba and Eggplant rootstocks presented the best results regarding vegetative development and total dry matter accumulation. Jurubeba and Eggplant rootstocks are viable alternatives for grafting cherry tomato seedlings. All utilized rootstocks can be further investigated for their resistance to root diseases affecting tomato crops.

Modification of the Sensory Profile and Volatile Aroma Compounds of Tomato Fruits by the Scion × Rootstock Interactive Effect.

Sensory quality is of increasing importance to consumer decisions in choosing a product, and it is certainly an important factor in repurchasing in terms of meeting the necessary aroma quality and taste properties. To better understand the effects of rootstocks and scions on fruit quality, the sensory profile and volatile aroma composition of the fruits of hydroponically grown tomato plants were evaluated. Experiments were established using the tomato cultivars Clarabella and Estatio as scions during two spring-summer seasons. In both experiments, the scion plants were self-grafted or grafted onto rootstocks of cultivars Arnold, Buffon, Emperador, and Maxifort, with the exception that in experiment 1, the Estatio scion was not grafted onto Buffon. The scions and rootstocks caused differences in observed sensory properties in both experiments. For most of the sensory traits, interaction effects between scion and rootstock were observed. Compared to those obtained from self-grafted Clarabella, the fruits obtained from Clarabella grafted onto Buffon in the first experiment and Clarabella grafted onto Arnold in the second experiment were sweeter by one measurement unit. The contents of seven aldehydes, six alcohols, five terpenes and two ketones were determined. A lower accumulation of total aldehydes, 22–45%, due to lower amounts of pentanal, (E)-2-heptanal and (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, was found in the fruits from plants where Estatio was rootstock compared with the other rootstocks treatments. Clarabella as a rootstock increased (Z)-3-hexenal + (E)-2-hexenal accumulation from 35 to 65%. Grafting Clarabella onto the tested rootstocks led to a change in the composition of volatile compounds, while differences between the combinations with Estatio as a scion were generally not recorded. Fruits from self-grafted Clarabella had higher (Z)-3-hexenal + (E)-2-hexenal concentrations than did fruits from Clarabella grafted onto Arnold (for 54%) and Emperador (for 68%), and in the second experiment, grafting onto all commercial rootstocks reduced (Z)-3-hexenal + (E)-2-hexenal concentrations, from 25 to 74%, compared to those from self-grafted Clarabella. Higher (+)-2-carene and (−)-caryophyllene oxide concentrations were attained in plants in which Clarabella was grafted onto Maxifort (by 56%) and plants in which Estatio was grafted onto Arnold (by 36%) compared to self-grafted plants. This study showed the possibility of altering the composition of volatile aroma compounds and sensory properties of tomato fruits by the use of grafting techniques.

Rootstock x Environment Interactions on Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Grafted Tomato Plants at Different Phenological Stages

The use of grafting techniques for horticultural crops increases plant tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Tomato production under greenhouse conditions relies on plants grafted onto vigorous rootstocks because they sustain crops for longer periods. Growers under Mediterranean conditions usually grow crops in passive greenhouses during the summer and winter season, to provide fresh products throughout the year. No information is available with regard to the effect of the environment on nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in tomato plants grafted onto rootstocks with different vigor. In the present study, NUE, along with its components—uptake (NUpE) and utilization (NUtE) efficiencies—were evaluated in tomato plants grafted onto two interspecific rootstocks, conferring medium (“King Kong”) or high (“Kaiser”) vigor to the plants. The evaluations were carried out during the vegetative and reproductive stage in plants subjected to different environmental conditions resulting in different plant growth rates. The grafting treatments did not affect NUE, NUpE or NUtE in young plants, but at the reproductive stage, differences were found during the summer season (high N demand) where the vigorous rootstock increased NUpE from 55%, in non-grafted plants, to 94%, with the consequent differences in NUE. During the winter crop, no differences in NUE were found between the vigorous rootstock and non-grafted plants, but the less vigorous (cold-tolerant) rootstock enhanced NUpE. Significant positive relationships were found between plant growth rate and both NUE and NUpE, while NUtE decreased with increasing growth rate.

Defense Mechanisms Involved in Disease Resistance of Grafted Vegetables

Grafting with resistant rootstocks is an effective strategy to manage a variety of soilborne diseases and root-knot nematodes in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables. In addition, improved resistance to some foliar diseases and viruses has also been reported in grafted plants. Hence, grafting technology is considered an important and innovative practice of integrated pest management and a promising alternative for soil fumigants in vegetable production. Inherent resistance within rootstocks and improved plant nutrient uptake are generally suggested as the main reasons for improved disease control in grafted vegetables. However, increasing evidence indicated that systemic defense mechanisms may also play an important role in plant defense as a result of grafting. This review analyzes current literature on the use of grafting techniques for disease management in vegetable crops, discusses potential mechanisms associated with grafting-conferred plant defense, and identifies needs for future research to promote more effective and efficient use of grafting technology to support sustainable vegetable production.

Soft-tissue management for primary closure in immediate implant placement

Background: Incomplete flap coverage or early exposure over implants and/or barrier membranes have a negative effect on bone regeneration. In cases of using regenerative techniques, complete soft tissue coverage of the implant area is necessary to promote adequate conditions for guided bone regeneration. Primary socket closure may be difficult, when periosteal releasing incision is only used, due to the opening left by extracted tooth. Therefore, Soft tissue grafting techniques are used to achieve primary soft tissue closure. Materials and Methods: Soft tissue grafting techniques, with or without barrier membranes, were performed for primary closure in four cases of immediate placements. Three different methods were used (CTG, VIP-CT, Palatal advanced flap). Clinical results of the grafting were evaluated. Result: One case showed early exposure of cover-screw and, no other complications were noted. In the others, Primary closure was achieved by soft tissue grafting techniques. One of the cases, Graft showed partial necrosis, but there were no exposure over implants and/or barrier membranes. Conclusion: The use of grafting techniques, in immediate implant placement, can predictably obtain primary closure of extraction sockets, thereby providing predictable bone formation and improved implant results. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2008;38:253-262)

Avaliação de tipos de enxertia e recipientes para produção de mudas de gravioleira (Annona muricata L.)

Na fruticultura moderna, é importante a busca de métodos de cultivo para a redução do tempo de produção. Nesse sentido, o emprego de técnicas de enxertia é fundamental. No Campo Experimental do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Alagoas-UFAL, sob as condições de viveiro, foi conduzido um experimento com gravioleira (Annona muricata L.). O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de três métodos de enxertia sobre a porcentagem de pegamento do enxerto. Os métodos de enxertia utilizados foram por borbulhia em escudo, garfagem à inglesa simples e garfagem em fenda cheia, combinado com duas cultivares de gravioleira (Gigante das Alagoas e Crioula) e dois recipientes para mudas (sacos de polietileno e tubetes), empregando-se porta-enxertos com idade de 95 dias após a emergência. Foi avaliado o pegamento do enxerto aos 60 e 90 dias após a enxertia. Verificou-se que a cultivar Gigante das Alagoas foi superior à Crioula quanto ao pegamento do enxerto aos 60 e 90 dias após a enxertia. O melhor método de enxertia dependeu do tipo de recipiente, pois, quando se utilizaram sacos de polietileno, o método de enxertia por borbulhia em escudo foi superior aos de garfagens nas avaliações realizadas aos 60 e 90 dias após a enxertia, apresentando a percentagem média de pegamento do enxerto de 100 e 95%, respectivamente. Entretanto, utilizando recipientes de tubetes, todos os três métodos de enxertia testados apresentaram porcentagem média de pegamento do enxerto superior a 75%, porém, não diferiram estatisticamente entre si. Por meio desses resultados, verifica-se que é possível reduzir o tamanho do recipiente, sem perder a eficiência e a qualidade das mudas.