The Effects of Homologous and Heterologous Grafting on the Growth of Gleditsia sinensis Scions

Abstract

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. (Fam. Leguminosae; Gen.: Gleditsia) has various uses, including for medicinal, edible, chemical, and material purposes, and is widely distributed in China. However, the extent of graft compatibility and its impact on growth when using different Gleditsia species as rootstocks for grafting G. sinensis scions is not yet clear. This study examined homologous and heterologous grafting between different Gleditsia species, measuring the survival rate, morphology, photosynthesis, physiology, and hormones of the grafted plants. The results showed that G. sinensis and other Gleditsia seedlings have survival rates of over 86%. The more distant the genetic relationship between species, the lower the grafting survival rate. The grafting of fast-growing G. fera as a rootstock increased the accumulation of photosynthetic products in the grafted plants, while the grafting of slow-growing G. microphylla as a rootstock slowed down the growth rate of the longitudinal extension of the leaves of the grafted plants. Heterografted rootstocks increased the contents of IPA, PP333, ACC, and DZ but decreased the levels of GA4, iP, and SA hormones. Some hormone levels that can be highly expressed in seedlings were used as rootstocks, and the corresponding hormone levels in the grafted seedlings were still highly expressed. This study lays a material and theoretical basis for the development of new resources for the breeding and rootstock selection of G. sinensis.