Effect of grafting on different rootstocks on plant growth, yield, quality and fruit characteristics in eggplant (Solanum melongena l.)

Grafting in eggplant cultivation has gained increasing importance due to its ability to enhance plant growth, yield, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study was conducted in 2024 under the ecological conditions of Tokat, Türkiye, to evaluate the effects of grafting on yield and fruit quality characteristics in eggplant. The commercial cultivar Anamur RZ F₁ was grafted onto eight different commercial rootstocks (AG38R.01690, AGR 703, Boğaç F₁, Kingkong, Hercules, Hikyaku, Yula F₁, and Hawk). Non-grafted and self-grafted plants were used as controls. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In general, grafted plants exhibited higher yield and improved vegetative growth compared to non-grafted and self-grafted controls. The highest marketable yield was obtained from the AG38R F₁ rootstock with 6.83 kg/plant, which was 43.6% higher than the non-grafted control. The same rootstock also showed the highest early yield at 4.92 kg/plant, representing a 56.5% increase. Hikyaku (6.64 kg/plant) and Hercules (6.56 kg/plant) rootstocks also contributed significantly to marketable yield. Fruit number per plant was highest in AG38R F₁ (20.40) and Hikyaku (20.33), compared to 14.00 fruits per plant in the control. The highest fruit weight was recorded in the Hercules rootstock (321.30 g). In terms of vegetative growth, Hercules exhibited the tallest plants (96.33 cm) and the largest stem diameter (22.20 mm). Regarding fruit quality, the highest flesh firmness was found in the control group (3.30 N), while the lowest was observed in AGR703 (2.03 N). The highest dry matter content (6.38%) was recorded in non-grafted plants. Soluble solids (Brix) values ranged from 3.50% to 3.93%, with no significant differences among treatments. In conclusion, grafting significantly improved yield but had limited impact on fruit quality. AG38R F₁, Hikyaku, and Hercules were identified as promising rootstocks for commercial eggplant production.