Grafting for managing vegetable crop pests

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Horticulture

Background:

• Methyl bromide, a banned soil fumigant, was primary for managing soil-borne pests and diseases in vegetables.
• Grafting on resistant rootstocks is an emerging alternative for sustainable crop production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of nematode and disease-resistant rootstocks for vegetable crops.
• To highlight grafting as a viable strategy for managing soil-borne pathogens and improving crop health.

Main Methods:

• Development of rootstocks resistant to major soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium and Verticillium wilts, and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.).
• Utilizing advanced technologies like transcriptomics and RNAi for enhanced pest resistance and environmental tolerance (salt, heat, cold).

Main Results:

• Commercially available rootstocks provide resistance against key nematode and disease complexes in various vegetable crops.
• Grafting significantly reduces pathogen infection, disease progression, and soil inoculum build-up.

Conclusions:

• Grafting vegetable scions onto resistant rootstocks is a successful and environmentally sound practice.
• This approach is crucial for sustainable agriculture, ensuring healthy subsequent crops and reducing reliance on chemical fumigants.