Effects of grafting on different rootstocks on tomato fruit yield and quality

TURHAN A., OZMEN N., SERBECI M. S., SENIZ V., 2011. Effects of grafting on different rootstocks on tomato fruit yield and quality. Hort. Sci. (Prague), 38: 142-149. The aim of the study was to find effects of tomato grafting on another cultivar. The tomato cultivars used as scions were Yeni Talya, Swanson and Beril. Cultivars used as rootstocks were Beaufort and Arnold. Cleft grafting methods were applied. The following characteristics of grafted and nongrafted plants were recorded: fruit index, number of fruits/truss, fruit weight, fruit yield, dry matter, pH, concentration of soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugar and lycopene and vitamin C. The results showed that fruit yield and fruit index, number of fruits/truss and fruit weights were improved by grafting. Fruit quality, measured in terms of dry matter, concentration of soluble solids, total sugar, and vitamin C content, was lower in the fruits of grafted plants than in nongrafted ones. No significant difference in lycopene and pH content was found. Titratable acid content was improved by grafting. A positive effect of grafting was recorded when Beaufort was used as rootstock. These results showed that grafting could be an advantageous alternative in tomato production.