What is Grafting?

Simply stated, grafting is a technique that joins two plants into one.

In general, a wound is created on one of the plants, and the other is inserted into that wound so each plant’s tissues can grow together.

Grafting- Then and Now

In the eighties, we started to grow on hydroponics and since we started every new crop with a new and clean substrate, they were free of diseases. As time passed, grafting was considered old-fashioned and obsolete until about 2000, when we began fighting a damaging disease called the Pepino Virus. The virus became a considerable problem which caused the crops to struggle and created a severe weakness in the roots. At the time, I met with fellow growers to discuss this now-growing global problem, and I felt that grafting again could be a solution. Although grafting does not get rid of the virus, its purpose in combatting the disease was to create stronger roots and therefore fight the disease and give the crops a way to get through it, which is precisely what happened. This was a real breakthrough, and grafting became popular again. Currently, 80% of tomato growers worldwide are grafting their plants.

Benefits of Grafting

Besides combatting diseases like the Pepino Virus, grafting has other added benefits, such as increasing yields, crop quality, extended growing seasons, and improved flavor.

Since I am from the Netherlands, we all know it can get very cold here. When plants are not grafted, they cannot withstand temperatures below 14-15 degrees, whereas, in a grafted plant, they can withstand temperatures at 10-12 degrees.

It’s important to note that grafting can save you money and space. For example, instead of buying 30,000 non-grafted plants, you can buy 15,000 grafted plants with two heads from every plant and get the same result.

Lastly, and probably the most important, is its contribution to sustainability. In a world with less availability of energy and other sources, and consumers who want to eat clean and healthy products, the technology of grafting will be a very important and strategic tool to produce fresh products with lower input of energy and chemicals.

The quality of grafting is also an important part in the process. I appreciate tremendously the people and companies who are investing and therefore encouraging this development.

What’s to Come?

Working with Paskal has been a wonderful journey and I proudly state that my values align completely with Paskal’s strategy, vision, solutions, and all the support provided to growers from the beginning and throughout the entire growing process. Keep in mind, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to grafting. Since we have learned how beneficial it is we will continue to provide up-to-date information and the most innovative products in the industry. We look forward to providing you with more exciting information regarding grafting very soon.

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