Why Grafting Is Important
Grafting is important for a number of reasons. First, grafting emphasizes the use of genetics in overcoming abiotic and biotic crop stress. Heightened host resistance has proven time and again to be a foundational component of successful integrated crop management strategies. Second, grafted plants can be used in vegetable operations of nearly all sizes and types. In contrast, chemical and other tools (e.g., for disease control) are off limits to or a less viable option for some growers. Further, in contrast to pesticides, grafted vegetable plants can be prepared … and, possibly, sold … by farmers. Finally, in many regions and systems, grafted vegetable plants routinely outperform their ungrafted counterparts in terms of vigor, stress tolerance and/or yield. Overall, grafted plants can be used by nearly all growers of tomato, melon and other crops. Also, these same growers can prepare grafted plants themselves, purchase them, or create a business based on grafted plant production.
This Portal
This portal is designed to deliver current research-based information on the preparation, use, evaluation and purchase of grafted vegetable plants. This portal is a product of a university, USDA and industry team funded in part by Award #2011-51181-30963 of the USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative titled “Development of Grafting Technology to Improve Sustainability and Competitiveness of the U.S. Fruiting Vegetable Industry.”
Our Goal and Approach
Our immediate goal is to assist the makers, distributors and users of grafted vegetable plants by providing current, research-based information that addresses specific obstacles to their success. Meeting this goal will enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of significant U.S. fruiting vegetable industries. We employ an integrated, stakeholder-driven, systems-based and outcome-oriented approach.
