2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Grafting is an innovative technique used in vegetable crops to improve plant performance by reducing the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses and inducing responses that favor growth and production. This workshop will discuss the current status of the grafting industry and the major challenges associated with the use of grafted plants in production of solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables. A grafting and automation demonstration will also be included for interested parties. The workshop participants will then be fully engaged in a structured discussion session following the presentations and demonstrations to explore future application of vegetable grafting and research needs towards enhancing the long-term sustainability of vegetable industry. This workshop is also in collaboration with a USDA-SCRI funded project team working on vegetable grafting technology development and improvement.