Grafted tomato propagation: effects of light intensity and temperature on graft healing and plant regrowth^©

INTRODUCTION
Grafting can improve vegetable productivity by combining desirable traits from two taxa into one plant. However, the grafting process creates severe wounds. Optimal healing of newly grafted plants requires careful light and temperature management (Lee et al., 2010). Grafted tomato plants are commonly healed in enclosed structures shaded to reduce light levels and moderate temperature (Rivard and Louws, 2006). However, what is the optimal combination of light and temperature conditions for efficient healing of grafted tomato plants is not clear. The hypothesis was that light and temperature affect the healing of grafted tomato seedlings separately and interactively.
Objectives were to (a) test the regrowth of grafted tomato seedlings under four levels of temperature and light intensities; (b) heighten the understanding of effects of key environmental variables on graft healing; (c) optimize conditions and management for grafted plant propagation.