1. Tomato Grafting History Basic Terminology Soil Borne pathogens Scion
Root Stock
Top Graft
Side Graft

2. Why Graft?: Pros and Cons
Pros: 30-50% yield boost (RI- triple the control), more water and nutrient from soil, less irrigation, resistance to diseases. Root balls reach feet wide (vs 2-3 feet) Cons: Pain, expensive, “weird”, no difference, 30% success rate

3. Soil Borne Pathogens Bacterium, virus, fungus, microorganisms
Fusarium races- fungus Fusarium root rot- fungus Nematodes- microscopic worms Corky root rot- fungus Tobacco mosaic virus- RNA strand virus Verticillium wilt- fungus

4. Scion & Rootstock Rootstock: Maxifort, Beaufort
Scion: Trust, Cobra, Big Beef, Arbason, cluster & heirloom

5. Grafting Types
Top Grafting- Used on small seedlings- 2mm Side Grafting mm size seedlings ideal Generally plants have 4 or 5 true leaves at this time. Difficult to graft if smaller then 2 mm and success rates declines as diameter increases.

6. Cotyledons
True Leaves

7. Xylem: carries water Phloem: carries nutrients Cambium: vascular area

8. Starting Your Plants Rootstock: long thin stems, sequential seeding
Start on heat mat: Humid, 85 degrees
Adjust sun exposure
Rootstock in 2.5” pots
Scions in 98 (128’s)
over-seed rootstock by 40% to account for 80% germination rate and the fact that some rootstock unsuitable. Keep in mind success rate.
Arrange

9. Top Grafting Remove first set true leaves Leave cotyledons
Cut degree angle just below cotyledons
Cut rootstock at same angle just below cotyledons
Slip grafting sleeve onto rootstock and then slide scion on.

11. Side Grafting Diameter must be large enough for the graft (2-3 wks)
Select plant with same diameter
Remove cotyledons and first true leaves on the scion
Make upward cut 2/3 through stem at 60 degrees (about 1 inch below cotyleons)
Cut off top of rootstock just below cotyledons.
An inch below the rootstock cut make a downward cut into the stem matching the scion cut
Insert the matching cuts and clip together
Hold two root balls together and plant into a pot, water promptly.
Side grafted roots of scion are left for 4-5 days
Make a partial cut to wean the stem
Stabilize plant with small stakes
After 2 more days the stem to the scion root is cut all the way through.

14. Post-Grafting Care Warm (80-85) & 95% humidity
Misted to keep humidity and in shade. The leaves don’t need to be wet all the time. Plastic domes
4-5 days for top grafts to heal
6-7 days for side grafts to heal
Gradually introduce to light and open dome vents
Once moved out fully- mist to prevent wilting
Union above the soil level

19. Managing Plant Vigor Remove leaves ( 10-12)
2 leaders- adds a load to the roots- only remove normal amt leaves. Removal below lowest cluster with fruit
Maxifort- 2 leader
Beaufort- single

22. Quick Tips for Success:
Expose seedling to stress prior to grafting: shorten stalk and increase tolerance
Avoid excess fertility in potting mix
Water plants well before grafting
Graft early or late in the day to avoid water stress- cloudy day
Cut graft one at a time as you go
Always match diameters and make good contact