This study investigated the effects of grafting on eggplant growth, yield, and disease resistance, with a focus on microbial dynamics in the rhizosphere. Eggplant scions were grafted onto rootstocks of wild eggplant and tomato, with self-rooted eggplants serving as controls. Greenhouse experiments were conducted over an eight-month growing period, using standard field practices such as film mulching and integrated water–fertilizer management. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the biological properties and microbial community of the rhizosphere soil. Results showed that plants grafted onto ‘Huimei Zhenba’ and ‘Torvum’ rootstocks yielded up to 36.89% more than self-rooted controls, achieving yields of 4619.59 kg and 4399.73 kg per 667 m², respectively. The disease incidence of bacterial wilt was reduced to as low as 3.33% in the ‘Huimei Zhenba’ treatment, compared to 55.56% in non-grafted controls. Additionally, grafted plants exhibited increased stem diameter and chlorophyll content, with the TL/HM combination reaching 54.23 ± 3.17 SPAD units. The enhanced microbial biomass of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, particularly in the TL/HM treatment (377.59 mg/kg, 28.31 mg/kg, and 36.30 mg/kg, respectively), supports a more nutrient-rich rhizosphere environment. Moreover, soil enzyme activities, such as β-glucosidase and phosphatase, were significantly higher in grafted plants, enhancing nutrient cycling and potentially increasing resistance to pathogens. Overall, grafted eggplants demonstrated enhanced soil microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and a more diverse microbial community, which are critical factors contributing to the improved yield and disease resistance observed in grafted crops.

Chilling stress inhibits the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), reduces its overall agricultural yield, and deteriorates fruit quality. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanism through which okra plants respond to chilling stress. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of chilling tolerance by comparing the transcriptome and metabolome of chilling-tolerant (Ae182) and chilling-sensitive (Ae171) okra varieties. We found that Ae182 exhibits higher antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, POD, CAT, and APX, suggesting it mitigates oxidative stress more effectively than Ae171. Metabolomics analysis revealed that Ae182 produces higher levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) under chilling stress, potentially activating genes that alleviate oxidative damage. Additionally, integrated analyses identified key transcription factors, such as AP2, BHLH, and MYB, associated with JA and chilling stress. These findings provide candidate genes for further research on chilling resistance in okra.

Watermelon is an important fruit widely cultivated in tropical and temperate regions across the world. Particularly in China, both the production and consumption of watermelon lead the world. Watermelon is popular all over the world because it is rich in a variety of nutrients. Despite its widespread appeal, watermelon cultivation is frequently challenged by biological and abiotic stresses, which can significantly impair both yield and fruit quality. Grafting is a technique known to enhance the yield and quality of watermelons, yet the identification of suitable rootstocks and a comprehensive understanding of the cytological, physiological, and biochemical aspects of grafting remain elusive. In this study, we had identified the ‘Heiniu’ pumpkin variety as the optimal rootstock for watermelon grafting. Furthermore, we had determined that the most appropriate stages for scion and rootstock grafting are the one-true-leaf stage and the two-true-leaf stage, respectively. During the grafting process, the necrotic layer of the graft junction gradually dissipated, facilitating a tight connection between the scion and rootstock. Concurrently, there was a notable fluctuation in the levels of key plant hormones and protease activity throughout the healing process of the graft union, suggesting that these factors were pivotal to the success of watermelon grafting. Additionally, our findings indicated that grafting can significantly increase the sugar and titratable acid content within watermelons. This research contributes to a deeper comprehension of the histological and physiological mechanisms underlying watermelon grafting. It offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance essential for the advancement of watermelon grafting techniques.