Detailed explanation of eggplant grafting technology, methods and steps explained clearly in one go
Soil-borne diseases of eggplant are very serious, and the pathogens of soil-borne diseases can survive in the soil for 4-6 years. Moreover, the control effect of pesticides is very low, so eggplant cannot be planted continuously on the same land and must be rotated. However, the reasonable use of eggplant grafting technology can effectively prevent and control these soil-borne diseases, and the planting benefits will also be improved to a certain extent. So today the editor brings you the grafting technology of eggplant, let's take a look together!
1. Selecting rootstock
For eggplant grafting rootstock, varieties such as Pingqie, Ciqie and Torubam should be selected. These rootstocks have different disease resistance abilities. For example, Pingqie is mainly resistant to Fusarium wilt and bacterial wilt, and the seed germination rate and grafting survival rate are relatively high. However, it should not be selected as rootstock in areas with severe soil-borne diseases. Ciqie is mainly resistant to Verticillium wilt and is currently the most commonly used rootstock. Soaking the seeds for about one day can basically achieve full germination. Torubam can basically resist most soil-borne diseases, but the seed germination rate is not high, so seed soaking and germination acceleration are required. Therefore, we must select rootstock well according to the severity of soil-borne diseases and the planting region, and make preparations for grafting.
2. Seedbed preparation
After preparing the rootstock, control the ratio of soil to decomposed farmyard manure well, and mix them into nutrient soil. After preparation, disinfect the seedbed soil. The disinfectant can use agents such as quintozene and zineb, mix them fully with the soil, then cover with plastic film and continue for about 3 days. Then prepare the seeds according to the area of the seedbed. The thickness of the nutrient soil should be about 10 cm. Water thoroughly to improve the soil's moisture retention capacity, and wait for sowing.
3. Treating seeds
On sunny days, carry out seed sun-drying, with the sun-drying time controlled at 7 hours. Then soak with agents such as potassium permanganate or carbendazim for about 0.5-1 hour. After soaking, remove them and wash them clean, then place them in warm water at about 30°C. If the rootstock is Torubam, prepare a germination agent at 100% concentration. After soaking for about 8 hours, wash off the mucus on the seed coat, then wrap with a damp cloth for germination acceleration, with the temperature controlled at about 18°C. Wash twice a day with warm water, and germination can be achieved in about one week.
4. Sowing management
Different rootstocks have different sowing times. Pingqie should be sown about one week earlier, Ciqie should be sown about 1-3 weeks earlier, and Torubam should be sown about one month earlier. Then, when about 85% of the sprouted seeds have grown to about 2 mm, sow them evenly on the seedbed, and cover with nutrient soil and plastic film to preserve heat and moisture. Control the temperature at about 29°C, and the nighttime temperature should not be lower than 20°C. After the seedlings emerge, the plastic film can be uncovered. After the seedlings are fully established in about one week, control the temperature at about 22°C. After emergence, spread nutrient soil twice to promote nutrient absorption.
5. Grafting method
When the seedlings grow to two true leaves, carry out seedling separation, then strengthen fertilizer and water management, and transplant at the appropriate time. Then, when the seedlings grow to 6 true leaves, carry out grafting. Usually the cleft grafting method is used. After digging out the seedlings, keep about two true leaves on the rootstock. Cut the rootstock stem horizontally, remove the upper part of the rootstock, then make a cleft about 1.2 cm downward in the middle of the stem. Pull out the scion seedling and keep 3 true leaves. Cut it into a wedge-shaped cut surface, with the length the same as the graft opening. The cut opening must be smooth and flat, then insert the cut scion into the rootstock opening, align them with each other, and fix them with a grafting clip.
After grafting, plant the grafted seedlings into a small arched shed, water thoroughly, and cover the arched shed tightly. Within 3 days after grafting, they must not be exposed to wind or light. Control air humidity and temperature well, and prevent direct sunlight. Then appropriately increase light and ventilation over time. After the graft union heals, normal management can be carried out. Post-grafting management work is also very important, so everyone must pay more attention.