ENXERTIA NO TOMATEIRO

Abstract

Grafting is a technique widely used in horticulture and some of the potential benefits of using this technique in tomatoes are greater productivity, more profitability, plants with greater resistance to diseases and climate, and better fruit quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of grafting on different grafts and rootstocks in the initial growth of tomato. The experiment was conducted in the horticulture and experimentation sector of the José do Rosário Vellano University (UNIFENAS), in Alfenas-MG, from February to June 2021. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with 4 replications, in a 2x3 factorial scheme, being 6 treatments evaluated (3 grafts x 2 rootstocks). The grafts used were Carina star, Veloster and Pizzadoro, which were grafted on Volt and Woodstock rootstocks. The following variables were analyzed: diameter (mm) of the graft region; plant height; count of buds before insertion of first bunches; number of bunches; number of leaves; and percentage of survivors. All the combinations of grafts tested showed 100% of survivors, showing a good potential for compatibility between the combined cultivars. There was a difference between the materials tested as rootstock in the number of buds per plant and in the height of insertion of the first productive bunch. The Volt rootstock showed the greatest potential for initial growth, especially when combined with the Carina Star and Pizzadoro grafts. The Woodstock rootstock showed better potential when combined with the Veloster graft.