Yashwant Jagdale
Abstract
Grafting in vegetables, particularly in Brinjal (Eggplant) and Capsicum (Bell pepper), is a horticultural technique that involves joining the stem or shoot of one plant (the scion) onto the rootstock of another plant. This method offers various beneits, including enhanced disease resistance, improved yield, and better tolerance to environmental stressors. This study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)’s Instructional farm & also on farmers’ ield in the year 2022-2024 to examine the effect of grafted open ield Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) & Brinjal (Solanum melongena) family-Solanaceae for controlling the soil borne disease problem and improving yield and quality of Capsicum & Brinjal. In Brinjal, grafting has shown promising results in combating soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium wilt and Bacterial wilt, which are signiicant constraints in its cultivation. By grafting onto disease-resistant rootstocks, growers can mitigate these risks and ensure a healthier plant establishment. Additionally, grafting can contribute to increased fruit yield, quality, and uniformity. Similarly, in capsicum cultivation, grafting offers solutions to challenges like soil-borne pathogens and environmental stresses. Grafted plants exhibit improved vigor, better nutrient uptake, and resilience against diseases such as Phytophthora blight and Root-knot nematodes. Results showed the need for systematic identiication and evaluation of wild relatives, germplasm collections, and speciic rootstock-scion combinations to optimize graft compatibility and performance. However, the study also encountered certain challenges, including the need for precise grafting techniques to ensure high survival rates and compatibility between scion and rootstock. Additionally, variations in environmental conditions and limited availability of suitable disease-resistant rootstocks posed constraints in achieving consistent results across locations.