The grafting technique for tomatoes to combat bacterial wilt has won one of the top four prizes at the eighth National Technical Innovation Contest. The award ceremony was held on the evening of January 19 in Hanoi.
With this project, Vietnam becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to successfully research and apply large-scale tomato grafting to prevent bacterial wilt (HRVK). As it does not use chemicals, this method is very safe for both people and the environment.
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| Dr. Ngo Quang Vinh (center) with collaborators Ngo Xuan Chinh and Khuong Nhu Thep. The eighth National Technical Innovation Contest (2004 – 2005) featured 618 projects, including 4 first prizes, 10 second prizes, 15 third prizes, and 27 encouragement prizes. |
Innovative Approach
HRVK is a rapidly spreading disease caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. It causes tomatoes to wilt, with a mortality rate of 20-30%, and in severe cases, up to 100%.
Currently, there are no effective chemical treatments available worldwide. The best solution is to graft tomato tops onto resistant rootstocks, such as eggplants or disease-resistant tomato varieties. Countries like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea have successfully cultivated such grafted tomatoes.
Since late 2002, a research team led by Dr. Ngo Quang Vinh from the Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Institute has been studying this approach. By 2004, they discovered Restovina-1, a suitable rootstock variety. When grafted onto Restovina-1, the Trang Nong (NT386) tomato variety not only resisted HRVK but also yielded 20-50% more than before.
Additionally, the authors successfully researched and produced biodegradable rubber grafting tubes at a low cost. The tubes fit perfectly with mature tomato plants and possess the right softness to securely hold the graft site. As a result, the survival rate of plants in nurseries and fields has significantly increased.
Based on existing seed farms owned by farmers, the team has also successfully improved and applied techniques for humidity, heat, and light management to ensure widespread grafting success. In Japan, plants must be maintained in special cabinets after grafting.
High Effectiveness
To date, 30 grafting nurseries have been established, and grafted tomatoes are widely cultivated in Lam Dong province, covering an area of over 1,500 hectares. On average, 1 hectare of grafted tomatoes in this region provides farmers with an additional income of 35 million VND compared to non-grafted plants.
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Grafted tomato fields in Don Duong, Lam Dong |
According to Dr. Vinh, wherever regular tomatoes can be grown, grafted tomatoes can also be cultivated. This technological advancement is particularly beneficial for growing tomatoes during the rainy season (which is heavily affected by HRVK) and for specialized tomato farming, ensuring a stable supply for processing plants.
Not only does it contribute to environmental protection and increased income, but this technique also creates additional jobs for local residents. It is reported that each grafting nursery in Lam Dong currently employs about 30 workers, with an income of nearly 800,000 VND per month for each person.
Minh Son
