Effect of Different Rootstocks on Growth, Chlorophyll a Fluorescence and Mineral Composition of Two Grafted Scions of Tomato

Abstract

Two tomato scions (cvs. Raf' and Gorety') were grafted on three different rootstocks: S. torvum, Beaufort' (Lycopersicum esculentum x Lycopersicum hirsutum) and intermediate grafting of eggplant Cristal' between tomato and S. torvum (double graft). Plants were grown in Mediterranean greenhouse conditions. The response to grafting was measured through growth parameters, Fv/Fm and leaf macronutrients analysis, and it was compared with non-grafted plants. The scions grafted on S. torvum in simple and double graft showed lower fresh and dry weight of leaves, number of commercial fruits, plant height, Fv/Fm and decreased their capacity to absorb several nutrients resulting in a lower mineral concentration in scions leaves, as a result of a thickened graft union. On the other hand, both scions showed a good response when grafted on the rootstock Beaufort', with which growth parameters, yield and photosynthetic capacity were similar to non-grafted plants.