GRAFTING FOR HIGH TUNNEL AND SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCTION IN THE GREAT PLAINS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1001908
• Project Start Date: Dec 18, 2013
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2018
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506

Performing Department
Horticulture & Forestry

Non Technical Summary
Grafting is an effective technology for organic and convntional tomato growers looking to reduce soilborne diseases and increase fruit yield. However, purchasing grafted plants is difficult in the United States as specialized nurseries in Canada cannot fill orders for small-acreage growers due to minimum plant number requirements. Furthermore, these plants are not produced organically and may not include specialty and/or heirloom varieties that many local growers utilize to capture niche markets. Many small-acreage organic growers are looking to produce plants themselves, but have difficulty propagating grafted transplants. Although grafting is relatively simple, managing the healing chamber post-grafting can be challenging and can reduce grafting success rates. This project will investigate the utility of grafting for tomato growers in the Midwest and develop propagation techniques that increase the success and reduce the cost of grafting. We will also conduct multiple field trials, both on commercial farms and at university locations, to investigate any potential yield effects related to different grafting techniques and rootstocks. Outcomes of this project include scientific as well as extension publications, grower workshops, tours of grafting facilities and field trials, as well as exposure to this technology through on-farm research.

Animal Health Component

100%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

100%

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
205	1499	1060	45%
205	1460	1060	40%
205	2499	1060	15%

Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 1460 - Tomato; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

solanum lycopersicum

grafting

rootstock

soilborne disease

yield

high tunnels

heirloom tomatoes

root-knot nematodes

healing chamber

relative humidity

propagation

Goals / Objectives
to identify rootstocks that improve productivity and reduce disease losses under Great Plains conditions through a series of on-farm and university research station trials,to determine optimum grafting/healing conditions that reduce risk of crop failure and increase the successful implementation of grafting for small-scale growers,disseminate information related to grafting as well as the results of our research through an integrated extension and outreach program.

Project Methods
The benefit of the proposed methodology is that it allows us to link applied, science-based research from on-farm studies to long- and short-term outcomes. The role of rootstocks for disease management and crop production is an important question for growers and we will be able to make direct recommendations based on the work described in this proposal within 2-3 years. Additionally, this research will contribute to fundamental, long-term knowledge about how rhizosphere microbes respond to the crop. Furthermore, including the on-farm trials along with university plot trials will give us a diverse spectrum of locations to investigate the role of rootstocks in this capacity while providing us with crop performance (and soil microbial) data from the "real world". It is clear that there is strong potential for grafting in the North Central Regions, but several knowledge gaps need to be addressed. The proposed activities of our work are described in relation to the four objectives of this project.1) Identify rootstocks that improve productivity and reduce disease losses under Great Plains conditions through a series of on-farm and university research station trials: Multiple rootstocks (>5) will be trialed at several on-farm and research station trials to determine the viability of grafting in the Great Plains. These trials will be arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and will include four replications, with multiple plants per treatment per rep. The trials will be conducted utilizing heirloom ('Cherokee Purple') and hybrid ('BHN 589') scions. These cultivars are highly utilized in Kansas and throughout the United States, particularly for high tunnel production. A trial utilizing 'Cherokee Purple' scion will be conducted at the KSU Student Organic Farm in Manhattan, KS (open-field). Five rootstock treatments will be compared with nongrafted controls to determine effects on crop performance (yield and plant growth). Each plot will contain six to eight plants (determined by location) and will be blocked to reduce bias conditions in the field study. A similar trial will be performed at the John C. Pair Horticultural Research and Extension Center near Wichita, KS, and this trial will utilize 'BHN 589' for nongrafted controls and for scions of grafted plants. Additionally, trials at the Olathe Research and Extension Center and at the two on-farm locations (Clark Farm (high tunnel) and Gieringer's Orchard (high tunnel)) will test three additional rootstocks in addition to the ones being trialed at the other two on-farm locations, both in high tunnels-Gibbs Rd. Farm and Common Harvest. All trials will be monitored for incidence of any major soilborne diseases through visual assessments and microscopy and culturing methods, as needed. Fruit yield and plant growth data (plant height and shoot biomass) will be collected. All data will be analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS 9.1; Cary, NC).2) Determine optimum grafting/healing conditions that reduce risk of crop failure and increases the successful implementation of grafting for small-scale growers; Various greenhouse experiments will be conducted to determine the effects of healing chamber temperature and humidity on graft survival. Additionally, novel methods for healing chamber design will be developed that cater towards production for small-acreage specialty crop growers. These include the development of chambers that reduce the risk of high temperatures by using alternative materials and various ventilation systems. These experiments will be performed at KSU-Olathe in Olathe, KS as well as the greenhouse complex at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. The goal of these studies will be to design a healing chamber that provides a suitable environment for graft union formation while reducing the risk of crop failure due to excessive heat. Preliminary data has shown that high humidity and/or stress in the healing chamber during days 5-8 can lead to significant growth of adventitious roots by the scion. We will determine the role of humidity at promoting adventitious roots as well as transplant fertility. Plants that are fertilized at the end of the healing process may be more prone to growing adventitious roots as the scion tissue is capable of absorbing nutrients through foliar feeding. A detailed evaluation of foliar fertilization and its role in promoting root growth will be performed. Multiple identical batches of grafted plants will be produced over time and analyzed in a RCBD whereby each of the individual batches represent blocked replicates. Four to six replicates will be utilized based on the needs of each study and will be analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS 9.1; Cary, NC).3) Extension and Outreach Program: Currently, a major barrier for growers attempting to utilize grafted plants is the ability to purchase or produce their own plants. Therefore, a primary objective of this project is to provide grower training on grafted propagation in addition to the disseminating the results of this specific project. A comprehensive outreach program will be utilized to communicate tomato grafting method and research to stakeholders locally and nationally as well as to the general public. A field tour will be provided at the Wichita and Olathe sites during annual vegetable field days. We will also hold an in-depth grafting workshop each year throughout the project (Kansas City, Manhattan, Wichita) where audience members will participate in hands-on activities in grafting techniques. Similar workshops have been orchestrated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Kennelly in the past and evaluation results indicated that they were successful. The workshop in Kansas City will be delivered in coordination with our Growing Growers program, and will be in collaboration with Cultivate Kansas City. We will prepare two extension publications that will be available through traditional (print) media in addition to online. One article will be an updated grafting technique publication and the other will focus on rootstock selection in the Great Plains. We will also produce videos from materials generated at the workshop and create a short video (<10 minutes) that shows the tips and tricks of grafting in detail. These videos will be posted on YouTube as well as through traditional K-State Research and Extension Web content. We will also make a short video documenting the on-farm research process as well as the relevance of this study to soil microbial community dynamics.Results of the study will be disseminated to growers through several communication channels, including our collaborations with very active and influential farmers. In collaboration with the Cultivate Kansas City and representatives of other farming groups, Kennelly and Rivard will develop presentations based on the work to share at several grower meetings including the Great Plains Vegetable Conference (multi-state winter meeting), Growing Growers (training program for new market gardeners), and the Fruit & Vegetable Open House at the K-State Olathe Horticulture Center. In addition to meetings, Kennelly will develop a newsletter and webpage for the K-State Plant Pathology fact sheet page related to soilborne disease management and grafting. We will provide "twilight tours" at each farm in years 2 and 3 in order to discuss the role of grafting in forming soil microbial communities and present the on-going research. In collaboration with the team, the new students will prepare scientific publications for leading peer-reviewed journals and will present the results at a national scientific society meeting and the Great Plains Growers Conference.

Progress 12/18/13 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:There are three primary audiences for this work as it is relevant to a number of different clientele. First, knowledge from this research will be very important to small-acreage and high tunnel tomato growers that cater to local markets.Currently, there is a rapid increase in vegetable growers in Kansas and surrounding states and many of these growers are utilizing high tunnels and these growers are rapidly adopting the use of grafting for tomato production.The second audience group for this work is those in the plant propagation industry.Many propagators are either interested in tomato grafting or are currently being asked by growers to propagate grafted plants for their production acreage. The third major audience for this work is extension personnel and agricultural professionals nationwide. Because this work is relatively new in the United States, we have a unique opportunity to deploy grafting technology in a way that is beneficial to our growers, and adds to our production systems in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?See accomplishments. This project has provided training and professional development for students and staff at K-State, farmers across the region and nationwide, and the general public. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Performed fifteen on-farm high tunnel and/or open-field research trials that evaluated numerous rootstocks for growers in the North Central Region at five commercial farms. Performed nine high tunnel and/or open-field research trials that evaluated numerous rootstocks for growers in the North Central Region at KSU research stations. Scientific Publications: R. Poudel, A. Jumpponen, M Kennelly,C. Rivard, L. Gomez-Montano, and K. Garrett. 2018. Rootstocks shape the rhizobiome: Rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities in the grafted tomato system.Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology85(2): 1-19 L.J. Meyer, M.M. Kennelly, E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2017. Leaf removal reduces scion adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomato.Scientia Horticulturae214:147-157. S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Scion shoot removal and rootstock cultivar affect vigor and early yield of grafted tomatoes grown in high tunnels in the Central United States.HortTechnology26:399-408.(Cover photo) S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Microclimate and Scion Leaf Removal to Improve the Success of Grafted Tomato Seedlings.HortTechnology26:261-269 Truman State University Agriculture and Biology Seminar Series in Kirksville, MO (Rivard) Grafting workshop with hands-on grating activity in Lawrence, KS (Meyer, Rivard) Lincoln University High Tunnel Conference in Independence, MO (Rivard) Phytobiomes Conference in Washington DC (Garrett, Poudel) American Phytopathological Society (APS) conference in Pasadena, CA (Garrett, Kennelly, Poudel) Lincoln University In-Service Education for Extension Educators in Jefferson City, MO (Rivard) Texas High Tunnel Growers Conference in College Station, TX (Rivard) Florida Genetics Symposium in Gainesville, FL (Poudel, Garrett) National Grafting Symposium in Grand Rapids, MI (Meyer, Rivard) D. Loewen and C.L.Rivard.Benefits and Technique for using grafted tomatoes.Missouri Tomato Growers' School. 10 Aug, 2017. Joplin, MO. Data and knowledge gained from the project was included in: T. Buller, K.Oxley, and C.L. Rivard. 2017.Growing Under Cover: A Kansas Grower's Guide. (Volume 2) Kansas Rural Center Publication (44 page manual) C. Rivard, D. Pryor, and S. Masterson. 2013.All aboutTomato Grafting(5 part series). KSRE YouTube Channel.Currently >59,000 views (>13,000 views in 2017) All data from research trials was analyzed and presented at venues including: Annual ASHS Conferences from 2013-2017 (FL, LA, GA, HI). International Society of Horticulture Science (2014, Brisbane, Australia) National Grafting Symposium (Savannah, GA) MOSES Conference in 2014 and 2016 (La Crosse, WI) Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO (Loewen, Meyer, Rivard) Two grafting classes (guest lecture and lab) delivered at KSU in HORT 350 -Plant Propagationin Spring 2017 (Loewen, Rivard) Wisconsin Vegetable Grower's Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. (Rivard) Urban Food Systems Symposium in Olathe, KS (Meyer, Rivard) OHREC public field day (Rivard, Loewen) OHREC commercial vegetable growers field day (Rivard, Kennelly, Loewen) Discussed results of project at KSRE Soil Health Bootcamp (Rivard, Kennelly) Tour of OHREC with Butler County Extension Master Gardeners. 9 June. Tour of OHREC with Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners. 16 August.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: R. Poudel, A. Jumpponen, M Kennelly, C. Rivard, L. Gomez-Montano, and K. Garrett. 2018. Rootstocks shape the rhizobiome: Rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities in the grafted tomato system. Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology 85(2): 1-19
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: D. Loewen, E. Pliakoni, and C. Rivard. 2018. Tomato and pepper grafting for high tunnel production: effects on yield, compatibility, and plant morphology. M.S. Thesis. Kansas State University. http://krex.k-state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/39078
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: D. Loewen, E. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2018. Grafting Bell Peppers on Tomato and Pepper Rootstocks: Effects on Yield and Plant Morphology. Urban Food Systems Symposium (UFSS) 2018 in Minneapolis, MN, August 8-11, 2018 (poster presentation)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: C. L. Rivard, L.J. Meyer, R. Poudel, A. Jumpponen, M.M. Kennelly, and K.A. Garrett. 2018. Tomato Grafting: Developing Grower Recommendations for the Great Plains and Enhancing Our Understanding of the Rhizobiome. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting in Washington DC, July 31-August 3, 2018 (poster presentation)
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: C. L. Rivard, L.J. Meyer, R. Poudel, A. Jumpponen, M.M. Kennelly, and K.A. Garrett. 2018. Tomato Grafting: Developing Grower Recommendations for the Great Plains and Enhancing Our Understanding of the Rhizobiome. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Conference. Our Farms, Our Future Conference: Envisioning the Next 30 Years of Sustainable Agriculture. April 3-5, 2018 (poster presentation).

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Growers, students and staff at KSU, and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?See accomplishments How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?See accomplishments What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?More training and professional development.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? • Performed fifteen on-farm high tunnel and/or open-field research trials that evaluated numerous rootstocks for growers in the North Central Region at five commercial farms. • Performed nine high tunnel and/or open-field research trials that evaluated numerous rootstocks for growers in the North Central Region at KSU research stations. Scientific Publications: • L.J. Meyer, M.M. Kennelly, E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2017. Leaf removal reduces scion adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomato. Scientia Horticulturae 214:147-157. • S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Scion shoot removal and rootstock cultivar affect vigor and early yield of grafted tomatoes grown in high tunnels in the Central United States. HortTechnology 26:399-408. (Cover photo) • S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Microclimate and Scion Leaf Removal to Improve the Success of Grafted Tomato Seedlings. HortTechnology 26:261-269. •Was a guest lecturer in Spring 2015 (Meyer), 2016 (Loewen), and 2017 (Rivard) HORT 350 Plant Propagation - Tomato Grafting Technique • S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Microclimate and Scion Leaf Removal to Improve the Success of Grafted Tomato Seedlings. HortTechnology 26:261-269. (1,2,6) •Horticulture Sciences Day at Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KS) (Meyer) • Truman State University Agriculture and Biology Seminar Series in Kirksville, MO (Rivard) • Grafting workshop with hands-on grating activity in Lawrence, KS (Meyer, Rivard) • Lincoln University High Tunnel Conference in Independence, MO (Rivard) • Phytobiomes Conference in Washington DC (Garrett, Poudel) • American Phytopathological Society (APS) conference in Pasadena, CA (Garrett, Kennelly, Poudel) • Lincoln University In-Service Education for Extension Educators in Jefferson City, MO (Rivard) • Texas High Tunnel Growers Conference in College Station, TX (Rivard) • Florida Genetics Symposium in Gainesville, FL (Poudel, Garrett) • National Grafting Symposium in Grand Rapids, MI (Meyer, Rivard) • D. Loewen and C.L.Rivard. Benefits and Technique for using grafted tomatoes. Missouri Tomato Growers' School. 10 Aug, 2017. Joplin, MO. • Data and knowledge gained from the project was included in: • T. Buller, K.Oxley, and C.L. Rivard. 2017. Growing Under Cover: A Kansas Grower's Guide. (Volume 2) Kansas Rural Center Publication (44 page manual) • C. Rivard, D. Pryor, and S. Masterson. 2013. All about Tomato Grafting (5 part series). KSRE YouTube Channel.Currently >59,000 views (>13,000 views in 2017) • All data from research trials was analyzed and presented at venues including: • Annual ASHS Conferences from 2013-2017 (FL, LA, GA, HI). • International Society of Horticulture Science (2014, Brisbane, Australia) • National Grafting Symposium (Savannah, GA) • MOSES Conference in 2014 and 2016 (La Crosse, WI) • Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO (Loewen, Meyer, Rivard) • Two grafting classes (guest lecture and lab) delivered at KSU in HORT 350 - Plant Propagation in Spring 2017 (Loewen, Rivard) • Wisconsin Vegetable Grower's Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. (Rivard) • Urban Food Systems Symposium in Olathe, KS (Meyer, Rivard) • OHREC public field day (Rivard, Loewen) • OHREC commercial vegetable growers field day (Rivard, Kennelly, Loewen) • Discussed results of project at KSRE Soil Health Bootcamp (Rivard, Kennelly) • Tour of OHREC with Butler County Extension Master Gardeners. 9 June. • Tour of OHREC with Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners. 16 August. We were successful at building a strong data set with this project that will be very valuable for growers in relation to rootstock selection. Two rootstocks that we evaluated were not suitable for this area while an additional 3-4 are showing consistent benefits across three years of data, even where little disease pressure is evident. This is extremely important information for growers and has been delivered effectively in order to institute change in knowledge and behavior. • During January 2015, we coordinated a "Tomato Grafting Clinic" at the Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO. Within the clinic was a self-guided tour related to grafted propagation, rootstock selection, and economic data. This included printed slides, poster presentations, all tools and supplies needed for grafting, several examples of healing chambers, and numerous videos, which looped on-screen for participants to watch. We also included plants and training where participants could graft their own plants. This was a new approach, which relied on active learning by participants. • In December 2015, we took the "Tomato Grafting Clinic" to the Great Lakes Expo, a much larger fruit and vegetable growers conference (>3000 participants) that occurs annually in Grand Rapids, MI. The clinic was a collaboration with Ohio State University as part of a larger SCRI CAP project on grafting that we are part of and also supported the National Grafting Symposium, which was held just prior to the growers conference. While there, Lani Meyer presented the results of her research in addition to teaching farmers that visited the clinic throughout the conference. Cary Rivard also participated in the conference and helped to coordinate and deliver and in-service training that was provided to ~30 extension agents from across the country that have a particular interest in grafting. Two farmers (Josh Smith and Craig Marklinger) from the Gibbs Road Farm were in attendance as well. Although this event was not directly supported by this NCR-SARE project, much of the information delivered by the KSU team was developed through the support of this project. • One of the Grower-collaborators on this project was invited to speak at the National Grafting Symposium in Savannah, GA, and his interaction with the project has established him as a leader in this area. After his experiences at the symposium, he has established better contacts for information about grafting nationally and has already networked with vendors to identify a source of grafted plants. • During 2016, we were successful at securing an SCRI CAP award in collaboration with NCSU, OSU, UFL, UA, UC-Davis, and several other institutions. This new project builds on data collected during the SARE project as we are currently conducting a meta-analysis of rootstock data since 2010. • In spring 2018, more than 9000 grafted plants were provided by KSU to at least 11 growers for use in their high tunnels. • As a result of the research conducted on this project, we have changed the way we grow grafted plants at the research station. Furthermore, there continues to be a lack of availability for grafted plants in the region. In 2016, we began doing custom grafting for local growers. As a result, more than 14 growers in Kansas and Missouri have utilized more than 18,500 grafted plants in their high tunnels.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: L.J. Meyer, M.M. Kennelly, E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2017. Leaf removal reduces scion adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomato. Scientia Horticulturae 214:147-157.
• Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: T. Buller, K.Oxley, and C.L. Rivard. 2017. Growing Under Cover: A Kansas Growers Guide. (Volume 2) Kansas Rural Center Publication (44 page manual)

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:There are three primary audiences for this work as it is relevant to a number of different clientele. First, knowledge from this research will be very important to small-acreage and high tunnel tomato growers that cater to local markets. Currently, there is a rapid increase in vegetable growers in Kansas and surrounding states and many of these growers are utilizing high tunnels and these growers are rapidly adopting the use of grafting for tomato production. The second audience group for this work is those in the plant propagation industry. Many propagators are either interested in tomato grafting or are currently being asked by growers to propagate grafted plants for their production acreage. The third major audience for this work is extension personnel and agricultural professionals nationwide. Because this work is relatively new in the United States, we have a unique opportunity to deploy grafting technology in a way that is beneficial to our growers, and adds to our production systems in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. This project will work with the vegetable production industry to investigate the utility of grafted tomato plants for high tunnel and open-field production and develop propagation methods that are optimized in regards to production and economics. We will evaluate our success by determining if grafting methods are suitable through grower surveys during the hands-on, grafting workshop. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?See accomplishments What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Lani Meyer successfully defended her M.S. Thesis including research on the propagation and utilization of grafted plants in the North Central Region. A manuscript was published in Scientia Horticulturae based on the results of Ms. Meyer's propagation work. All root samples were extracted for rhizobiome DNA and are currently being investigated by Ravin Poudel. C. Rivard, D. Pryor, and S. Masterson. 2013. All about Tomato Grafting (5 part series). KSRE YouTube Channel. Currently >46,000 views (>19,000 views in 2016) All data from research trials was analyzed and presented at venues including: Great Plains Growers Conference in St. Joseph, MO (Rivard, Kennelly, Meyer) Wisconsin Vegetable Grower's Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. (Rivard) Urban Food Systems Symposium in Olathe, KS (Meyer, Rivard) Horticulture Sciences Day at Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KS) (Meyer) Grafting workshop at Johnson County Community College with hands-on grating activity in Overland Park, KS (Rivard) American Society for Horticulture Science (ASHS) conference in Atlanta, GA (Rivard, Loewen) Two grafting classes (guest lecture and lab) delivered at KSU in HORT 350 - Plant Propagation in Spring 2017 (Loewen, Rivard) Lincoln University Extension Educator In-Service Traning. Jefferson City, MO. Presented to KSU College of Agriculture AgCampaign Presented at MoKan National Agri-Marketing Association Chapter Meeting (Rivard) OHREC public field day (Rivard, Loewen) OHREC commercial vegetable growers field day (Rivard, Kennelly, Meyer, Loewen) Discussed results of project at KSRE Soil Health Bootcamp (Rivard, Kennelly) Tour of OHREC with Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardeners. 16 August. Two grafting classes (guest lecture and lab) delivered at KSU in HORT 350 - Plant Propagation in Spring 2016 (Meyer, Rivard) Analyzed data and developed two scientific publications as part of Lani Meyer's M.S. thesis (successfully defended April 2016). "Leaf Removal Reduces Scion Adventitious Root Formation and Plant Growth of Grafted Tomato" (Published in Scientia Horticulturae in November 2016) "Grafting With Vigorous Rootstocks to Increase Tomato Productivity in High Tunnels in the Central United States" (currently being combined with 2015 field data for submission to HortScience) Contributed data from SARE project to KRC High Tunnel Manual. T. Buller, K.Oxley, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Growing Under Cover: A Kansas Grower's Guide. Kansas Rural Center Publication Completed DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of rhizobiome data including network analysis as part of Ravin Poudel's PhD Dissertation (to be completed in 2017). Developed drafts of two extension publications (overview of tomato grafting, healing chamber management guide) that will be published in 2017. Scientific Publications: L.J. Meyer, M.M. Kennelly, E.D. Pliakoni, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Leaf removal reduces scion adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomato. Scientia Horticulturae 214:147-157. S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Scion shoot removal and rootstock cultivar affect vigor and early yield of grafted tomatoes grown in high tunnels in the Central United States. HortTechnology 26:399-408. (Cover photo) S.A. Masterson, M.M. Kennelly, R.R. Janke, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. Microclimate and Scion Leaf Removal to Improve the Success of Grafted Tomato Seedlings. HortTechnology 26:261-269. D. Loewen and C.L. Rivard. 2106. A meta-analysis of tomato rootstocks to determine rootstock vigor and genetic yield potential under diverse growing conditions. HortScience (Abstr). D. Loewen, L. Meyer, and C.L. Rivard. 2106. A meta-analysis of grafted tomato trials to determine rootstock performance. 2016 Urban Food Systems Symposium (Abstr). L. Meyer,E.D. Pliakoni,M. Kennelly, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. The effects of leaf removal on adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomatoes. 2016 Urban Food Systems Symposium

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: o D. Loewen and C.L. Rivard. 2106. A meta-analysis of tomato rootstocks to determine rootstock vigor and genetic yield potential under diverse growing conditions. HortScience (Abstr). o D. Loewen, L. Meyer, and C.L. Rivard. 2106. A meta-analysis of grafted tomato trials to determine rootstock performance. 2016 Urban Food Systems Symposium (Abstr). o L. Meyer, E.D. Pliakoni, M. Kennelly, and C.L. Rivard. 2016. The effects of leaf removal on adventitious root formation and plant growth of grafted tomatoes. 2016 Urban Food Systems Symposium

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Grafting vegetables is gaining interest among tomato growers throughout the U.S. as a way to manage soilborne diseases and abiotic stress, in addition to increasing crop productivity. One significant barrier for growers is the low availability of grafted plants or the ability to propagate their own. A major challenge during propagation is managing the formation of adventitious roots (AR) from the scion, which if severe enough, can result in loss of rootstock function. Possible reasons that cause adventitious rooting include a poor graft union, scion water stress, high humidity, and hormone response(s) to wounding. Previous studies have shown that removing leaves increases the success rate, but it is not known how this technique affects the formation of adventitious roots. Our study investigated how leaf removal (LR) affects the formation of adventitious roots on the scion and subsequent plant growth. Three leaf removal treatments, 0% LR, 50% LR and 90% LR, were applied to the scion 'BHN 589' and grafted onto rootstock 'Maxifort' rootstock. Plants were arranged in a healing chamber using a RCBD (4 reps), and 20 plants in each experimental unit. The experiment was repeated three times using three different healing chamber designs (shade, plastic, humidifier). After 10 days in the chamber, plants were removed and rated weekly on their AR for 3 weeks. For weeks 1-3 in all 3 experiments, plants with 90% LR had significantly lower AR ratings than 0% LR plants (P <0.05). In the shade chamber, 50% LR plants also had significantly lower ratings than the 0% LR plants (P <0.05). We also performed an experiment to look at how leaf removal affected early plant growth. Four treatments: 0% LR, 50% LR, 90% LR, and nongrafted were applied to the scion 'BHN 589' and then grafted onto 'Maxifort' rootstock. Plants were grown in a greenhouse using a RCBD with 4 replications and 15 plants in each unit. On day 24 post-grafting, 3 plants samples in each experimental unit were measured for leaf area, shoot biomass root biomass, plant height, stem caliper, and flower count. Sampling was conducted once every 7 days for 5 weeks. By week seven, all grafted treatments performed similarly for most plant growth parameters and were not statistically different. Our results indicate that leaf removal of the scion can increase high quality plants for growers because of the lower adventitious rooting and does not reduce the early season growth of the transplant.

Publications

Progress 12/18/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Dr. Eleni Pliakoni was added to this project in 2014. She will be evaluating rootstocks for their ability to affect tomato nutritional quality. We are glad to have Dr. Pliakoni on the team. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project has contributed towards the training and professional development of two graduate students and at least three undergradute students. In 2014, our graduate students delivered the resutls of their research at grower conferences and professional scientific meetings. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue to do the good work we are already doing.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We conducted eight field trials in 2014, all of which were successful at identifying rootstocks that improve productivity and reduce disease losses in the Great Plains. We also conducted several greenhouse experiments to help determine optimum grafting/healing conditions for progation of grafted plants. All of this work was done under the supervision of an M.S. and Ph.D graduate students. Finally, we were successful at disseminating knowledge to growers through numerous workshops and presentations including a spring and fall hands-on grafting workshop (3-4 hours each), a twilight tour of a grafting research trial, and numerous presentations at growers' conferences and home gardening venues.

Publications