Grafting on CM-334 controls serrano chili wilting caused by Phytophthora capsici and changes phenology but does not affect fruit yield

Grafting is an alternative method of plant propagation used to prevent soil-borne diseases. This technique can improve the development of plants and therefore improve fruit yield and quality; however, several studies report that when a plant is grafted, there may be compatibility problems and changes in the phenological pattern of the crop and fruit yield and quality with respect to non-grafted plants. There are no reports in the literature on the behaviour of serrano chilli grafted on varieties resistant to Phytophthora capsici. In this study, we evaluated the phenological behaviour and response to inoculation with P.capsici in commercial serrano chilli (Camino Real, Harris Moran) grafted or not on CM-334 as a strategy to explore the possibility of incorporating the use of grafts in the production systems of serrano chilli. The plants were grafted at 55-60days and maintained for 13days in a curing chamber for the acclimatization process. At 36 and 43days after transplantation, they were inoculated with the pathogen (300,000 zoospores/plant). None of plants grafted and inoculated with the pathogen showed wilt symptoms. All plants not grafted and inoculated with P.capsici died. There was a significant reduction in the production of leaves and flowers in the grafted plants, in relation to the non-inoculated and non-grafted plants, as well as a temporary delay in the beginning of fruit production with respect to the non-grafted plants, but this delay did not affect the overall yield of the crop.