Evaluation of grafting techniques and a new rootstock for resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) towards Phytophthora nicotianae

Pepper wilting and root rot disease have been observed in Tunisia for many years. This disease causes severe losses for pepper production both in fields and greenhouses in the main crop Cultivated areas of pepper production. The causative agent of the syndrome belongs to the genus Phytophthora and has been identified as Phytophthora nicotianae. Being a soil-borne pathogen, effective disease control methods are limited apart from soil disinfestations by fumigation with methyl bromide and disinfection of internal space of greenhouses with a formaldehyde solution. With the general banning of methylbromide from Europe and countries exporting legumes to the European market, alternative measures for disease management are urgently required. In this study the efficacy of grafting commercial pepper cultivars (Starter and Torero) onto a new rootstock (Brutus) was examined in growth chamber and greenhouse experiments. Hole insertion grafting is shown in this study to be the grafting technique of choice for pepper and validates the general trend that grafting Could be used as an alternative control method of soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora nicotianae.