Do grafted tomatoes pay off in high tunnels in Ontario?

Farmer: Eric Barnhorst, Jenny Cook, Sarah Judd and Nathan Klassen

Farm: Eva Mae Farm, Knuckle Down Farm, Meadow Lynn Market, Nith Valley Organics

Region: Ontario

Publish Date: January 7, 2020

Article Type: Research Project

Research Priorities: Seed Production, Selection & Breeding 

Grafting is a proven way to incorporate disease resistance into tomato transplants. However adoption of this practice to high tunnel production is relatively new, so these four growers were curious about the economic viability of grafting tomatoes for production in high tunnels in southern Ontario.

Key Findings

  • Grafted tomatoes had greater total marketable yield regardless of scion variety.
  • Grafted tomatoes had greater overall plant health.
  • Grafted tomatoes had higher net returns on average but the degree of economic benefit varied by farm.
  • Yield advantage for grafting likely depends on scion variety and scion and rootstock compatibility.