Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

Disease-Resistant Rootstocks to Plant Health and their Approaches for Ideal Soil Adjustment

Walid Raynott^{* *}Correspondence: Walid Raynott, Department of Horticulture, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Email:

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About the Study

Grafting is a horticultural technique offering a powerful tool to improve fruit quality and yield in various fruit crops. Grafting is a method in which tissues from two different plants are joined to function as a single plant. The plant providing the root system is known as the rootstock, while the upper part, which contains the desired fruit characteristics, is called the scion. Grafting is widely used in fruit production for a variety of purposes, such as disease resistance, adaptation to specific environmental conditions, and improved yield and fruit quality. Selecting the right rootstock is a critical decision that depends on various factors, including soil conditions, climate, disease prevalence, and the desired traits of the scion. The rootstock acts as the foundation for the entire plant, influencing its growth, development, and interaction with the environment. Selecting a rootstock is a strategic decision for orchard management because different rootstocks may provide specific advantages.

One of the primary reasons for selecting a particular rootstock is its resistance to diseases and pests. Many fruit crops are susceptible to various pathogens and insects that can compromise plant health and reduce yields. By grafting onto a diseaseresistant rootstock, growers can create a more robust and resilient plant that is better equipped to withstand common threats. This approach minimizes the need for chemical interventions, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly orchard management. Soil composition varies widely across different regions and not all fruit crops grow in every type of soil.

Rootstocks play a crucial role in adapting the grafted plant to specific soil conditions. For instance, some rootstocks are better suited to sandy soils, while others excel in clayey or loamy soils. The ability of a rootstock to enhance the plant's nutrient uptake and water absorption from the soil contributes significantly to its overall health and productivity.

Climate is a key factor influencing fruit production, and selecting the right rootstock can help the grafted plant cope challenging climatic conditions. The ability of rootstocks to survive extreme temperatures, droughts, or excessive rainfall can help plants become adaptable to unfavourable weather conditions. This adaptability is especially crucial in regions with unpredictable climates, where the success of fruit cultivation depends on the plant's ability to endure varying environmental stresses. Rootstocks also play a vital role in regulating the growth of the grafted plant. Some rootstocks have a dwarfing effect, controlling the size of the tree and facilitating easier management, harvesting, and pest control. On the other hand, more vigorous rootstocks can be advantageous in situations where increased tree size is desirable. By choosing rootstocks with the size and structure that best match their needs, growers can customize the grafted plant's features.

The influence of rootstock on fruit quality is a multifaceted aspect that encompasses various factors, including fruit size, flavour, texture, and nutritional content. Rootstocks can directly affect these attributes by influencing the transport of water, nutrients, and hormones within the grafted plant. Rootstocks can also impact the fruit-to-foliage ratio, directing more energy towards fruit development rather than excessive vegetative growth. This balance is crucial for achieving optimal fruit quality, as excessive vegetative growth may divert resources away from fruit production. The careful selection of rootstocks that promote a favorable balance between vegetative and reproductive growth contributes significantly to the enhancement of fruit quality. In addition to influencing fruit quality, rootstocks play a pivotal role in determining the overall yield of the grafted plant. The rootstock's impact on nutrient uptake, water absorption, and hormonal regulation directly influences the plant's reproductive capacity. Some rootstocks are known for promoting earlier fruiting, increasing the number of fruiting sites, and improving fruit set. By selecting rootstocks that optimize the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth, growers can achieve higher yields without compromising fruit quality. This dual benefit makes the role of rootstock in grafting a crucial aspect of modern fruit cultivation.