Studies on Cleft Grafting in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with Solanum Rootstocks, Their Compatibility and Growth Performance under Open Field Condition

Grafting in brinjal is an alternative technology for chemical treatments to control soilborne pathogens with minimum impact on product quality and environment. The present study was carried out to determine the graft compatibility of brinjal scions (Dhruva and CO 2) with five wild Solanum rootstocks and their growth performance in open field condition. The cleft grafting method was adopted in this study. The non-grafted plants were used as control under open field condition. Solanum torvum recorded less number of days for graft union with Dhruva (10.36) and CO 2 (10.54) followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. The results on grafting success at 30 days after grating revealed that the highest success percentage was observed in Dhruva (83.42%) and CO 2 (82.08%) grafted with Solanum torvum rootstock followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. The field survival rate was higher in Dhruva (88.75%) and CO 2 (85.20%) grafted onto Solanum trovum followed by Solanum capsicoides and Solanum chrysotrichum. Dhruva (90.52cm, 9.15) and CO 2 (80.17cm, 7.29) grafted onto Solanum torvum recorded maximum plant height and more number of primary branches per plant respectively followed by Solanum chrysotrichum. Though Solanum capsicoides performed well throughout the grafting process their growth performance was poor in open field condition. Hence Solanum torvum followed by Solanum chrysotrichum could be used as compatible rootstock for grafting with brinjal scions.