Exploitation of Grafting for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management in Vegetable Crops: A Review
Nisha A. Nadoda *
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan-384460, India.
D. C. Barot
Department of Vegetable Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India.
V. K. Baria
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan-384460, India.
V. M. Chaudhari
Department of Vegetable Science, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Growing vegetables is often impacted by various abiotic and biotic stresses that can hinder growth and yield. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity, water stress, and temperature fluctuations, and biotic stresses, including diseases, pests, and nematodes, pose significant threats to agriculture. Grafting, a horticultural technique, offers a promising solution to overcome these challenges. In cases of salinity stress, grafting with salt-tolerant rootstocks can limit the transport of harmful ions to the shoot and help store them in the roots, mitigating ion toxicity. Water stress, including drought and water logging, can be addressed by grafting with drought-tolerant rootstocks, which can reduce yield losses and enhance photosynthesis under adverse water conditions. Grafting can also improve nutrient uptake, translocation of water, and osmoregulation, thereby assisting plants in surviving under water stress. High and low-temperature stresses, which can disrupt plant metabolism, membrane stability, and growth, can also be addressed through grafting. Grafted plants with temperature-tolerant rootstocks may indirectly enhance tolerance to extreme temperatures. Additionally, grafted plants can adapt to varying temperature conditions by promoting root growth, nutrient absorption, and the production of specific compounds that protect against temperature-related damage. Heavy metal stress, which can contaminate crops and impact human health, can be alleviated by using rootstocks that control the uptake and transport of heavy metals, reducing their toxicity to plants. Furthermore, grafting can effectively combat biotic stresses. By selecting disease-resistant rootstocks, plants can be protected against soil-borne diseases, pests, and nematodes, thereby increasing yields and sustainability in agriculture.
Keywords: Grafting, abiotic stress, biotic stress, vegetable, rootstock, yield, borne diseases, rootstocks