Studies on Graft Compatibility between Wild Rootstocks and Brinjal Cultivars in the Terai Zone of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Brinjal grafting has been shown to reduce the impact of certain soil-borne diseases and abiotic stresses, while enhancing the plant growth, yield and fruit quality. The present study was conducted at UBKV, West Bengal during the rainy season of (2024) and (2025). The aim was to investigate the compatibility between brinjal cultivars viz, VNR-212, Mukta Keshi and Bhangar as scions with the wild brinjal rootstocks (Solanum torvum) and the cultivated rootstock (Surya) from KAU, Thrissur, Kerala. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with five replications. The two years result showed that among the different combinations, the longest duration for graft union was observed in the combination of (S. torvum+Bhangar), requiring 8.30 days and (Surya + VNR-212), requiring less days (5.10 days) for successful union of the grafts. Maximum days taken to attain transplanting in the combination of (S. torvum+Bhangar) and minimum number of days taken to attain transplanting in the combination of (Surya+VNR-212). The grafting combination of (Surya+Muktakeshi) exhibited highest graft survival rates (94.47%) and the grafting combination of (S. torvum+Muktakeshi) exhibited minimal survival percentage (85.08%). The compatibility of the rootstock is crucial for successful graft union and subsequent performance of the grafted plants.