Articles
Evaluating Capsicum and Solanum rootstocks for fresh-market bell pepper production
Article number
1302_34
Pages
259 – 264
Language
English
Abstract
The adoption of grafting for pepper production occurs worldwide.
However, it is unclear whether grafting can provide a significant yield advantage over the use of non-grafted plants in the US. The utilization of Solanum rootstocks for pepper production also has potential to increase plant vigor and disease resistance, but there are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the compatibility of intergeneric Capsicum/Solanum grafts.
The objectives of this study were to identify commercially-available pepper rootstocks that improve crop productivity and determine the viability of using Solanum rootstocks for bell pepper production.
We conducted five trials in 2016 and 2017 that utilized a randomized complete block design with at least 3 replications. Karisma was the non-grafted control and was used as scion for three Capsicum rootstocks (Scarface, Yaocali, and Meeting) in addition to two Solanum rootstocks (Maxifort and Sweetie). Scarface rootstock significantly improved yield (P<0.05) and plants grafted with Scarface had on average: 32% greater marketable yield, 15-18% larger fruit, and 9-12% higher marketability than the non-grafted Karisma plants.
While plants grafted with Yaocali showed similar results, they were less consistent and Meeting rootstock did not provide any significant effects on yield.
The Solanum rootstocks, Maxifort and Sweetie, displayed symptoms of delayed incompatibility when grafted with Karisma scions, including significant (78 to 89%) reductions in yield.
Based on our results, Solanum rootstocks are not able to provide a suitable rootstock for bell pepper, but the utilization of Capsicum rootstocks, Scarface and Yaocali may be useful for growers that want to increase crop productivity.
However, it is unclear whether grafting can provide a significant yield advantage over the use of non-grafted plants in the US. The utilization of Solanum rootstocks for pepper production also has potential to increase plant vigor and disease resistance, but there are conflicting reports in the literature regarding the compatibility of intergeneric Capsicum/Solanum grafts.
The objectives of this study were to identify commercially-available pepper rootstocks that improve crop productivity and determine the viability of using Solanum rootstocks for bell pepper production.
We conducted five trials in 2016 and 2017 that utilized a randomized complete block design with at least 3 replications. Karisma was the non-grafted control and was used as scion for three Capsicum rootstocks (Scarface, Yaocali, and Meeting) in addition to two Solanum rootstocks (Maxifort and Sweetie). Scarface rootstock significantly improved yield (P<0.05) and plants grafted with Scarface had on average: 32% greater marketable yield, 15-18% larger fruit, and 9-12% higher marketability than the non-grafted Karisma plants.
While plants grafted with Yaocali showed similar results, they were less consistent and Meeting rootstock did not provide any significant effects on yield.
The Solanum rootstocks, Maxifort and Sweetie, displayed symptoms of delayed incompatibility when grafted with Karisma scions, including significant (78 to 89%) reductions in yield.
Based on our results, Solanum rootstocks are not able to provide a suitable rootstock for bell pepper, but the utilization of Capsicum rootstocks, Scarface and Yaocali may be useful for growers that want to increase crop productivity.
Publication
Authors
D.E. Loewen, E. Pliakoni, C.L. Rivard
Keywords
splice grafting, tube grafting, graft compatibility, high tunnel, hoophouse, season extension
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