Grafting Effects on Tomato Growth Rate, Yield and Fruit Quality under Saline Irrigation Water

The grafting influences on growth rate and harvested yield under plastic greenhouses, compared to common commercial seedlings, were estimated in several combinations of 'Charlotte F-1' and 'Bona F-1' tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) with 'Energy', 'Prospero' and 'Cyndia' rootstock cultivars (Lyeopersicon spp). Grafting response to growth, yield and fruit characteristics under the saline irrigation water conditions were simultaneously estimated in a single grafting combination (Cyndia x Charlotte). Natural soil and Klasmann grow bags were respectively used as substrate in the first and the second experiment. Commercial cultivation practices were used in the first experiment and nutrient solutions composed by NPK, respectively; 200, 40 and 250 mg L-1, were applied at the second one. Different levels of NaCl (0,0; 2,5 and 5,0 mM), were added in. Specific rootstock: scion combinations have demonstrated significant differences among each other, regarding to plant growth rate and harvested yield. No significant increase of plant yield, compared to the no grafted plants was usually observed. A depression effect even, was present in some cases. NaCl addition in the irrigation water was responsible for the significant reduction of plant growth rate and yield, but meantime, an increase in fruit dry matter, soluble solids and ascorbic acid content was evident. Thanks to grafting, a higher growth rate was promoted, and bigger fruits, more rich in soluble solids and ascorbic acids were developed compared to no grafted plants.