Grafting onto Different Rootstocks Modulates Fruit Quality in Eggplant Under Salt Stress

Authors : Emine Polat, Naif Geboloğlu

Pages : 93-106

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Publication Date : 2025-10-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Grafting has emerged as an effective agronomic strategy in eggplant cultivation to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress—a major abiotic factor limiting yield and quality. In this study, the effects of grafting onto different rootstocks on fruit quality traits under salt stress were investigated. The experiment was conducted in 2024 in a soilless greenhouse equipped with automated irrigation and fertilization systems. Eight rootstocks (AG38R F₁, AGR 703 F₁, Boğaç F₁, Kingkong F₁, Hercules, Hikyaku F₁, Yula F₁, and Hawk) were used, with the commercial cultivar Anamur RZ F₁ as the scion. Non-grafted and self-grafted Anamur RZ F₁ plants served as controls. Plants were grown in a peat-perlite substrate and subjected to 0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl treatments. A modified Hoagland nutrient solution was used, and fruit quality traits were analyzed.The parameters evaluated included soluble solids content (SSC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), titratable acidity (TA), fruit firmness, and fruit skin color (L*, Chroma, Hue°). Salt stress generally increased SSC, EC, TA, and fruit firmness, while pH and color parameters varied depending on rootstock. AG38R F₁ and Hawk showed high SSC and pH values; Hercules and Hawk were effective in reducing EC and limiting ionic accumulation. Hikyaku F₁ had the highest fruit firmness. Hawk and Hercules enhanced skin brightness under salt stress. TA levels increased in response to salinity. Overall, the negative effects of salt stress were significantly mitigated through proper rootstock selection, and fruit quality was preserved. Certain rootstocks proved effective in improving physiological and quality performance under high salinity conditions.–
Keywords : Solanum melongena, tuz stresi, meyve rengi, meyve kalitesi, anaç

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