Influence of Grafting on the Yield and Quality of Tomato Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse in Central Spain

In Villa del Prado (Madrid) the most important crop in spring-summer cycles is cucumber, but in recent years tomato has become an interesting alternative increasing its growing surface. Vegetable grafting is one of the most promising techniques to overcome soil-borne diseases, but it can also be used to improve yield and fruit quality. Two of the most cultivated tomato cultivars in Central Spain are 'Caramba' and 'Tavira'. These cultivars were grafted onto two hybrid rootstocks (Heman and Multifort) to evaluate their behaviour. Production obtained with Multifort was 22% higher than yield obtained with non-grafted plants: 18.23 and 14.94 kg.m(-2), respectively. Yield from both cultivars was improved when grafting, 24% in 'Tavira' and 20% in 'Caramba'. Tomatoes from grafted plants were bigger than those from non-grafted plants. Grafting reduced total soluble solids from 5.13 degrees Brix in non-grafted plants to 4.83 degrees Brix (6% less) when grafted onto Heman, and 4.59 degrees Brix (12% less) when grafted onto Multifort. Fruit acidity, juiciness and dry matter content were reduced by grafting, while fruit firmness was improved.