Systematization of the Production of Grafted Solanaceae Seedlings

—Cutting and Joining Device and Artificial Environment Control Nursery Chamber—

Abstract

This study offers knowledge and techniques to resolve the problem of labor shortage in grafted seedling production during the busy season. The success of the most marketed grafting machine depends on the size and joining ability of the seedlings used for grafting. Therefore, we focused here, on developing coherent devices that can be used from the seeding to curing stages. We propose a method to cut a stem without its refuge using a clamp. In addition, we developed a nursery chamber for artificial environment control. Through static system identification, temperature and humidity could be controlled independently using an interference system. Therefore, the seedlings for grafting were obtained within the nursery chamber itself. Subsequently, the seedlings were cut and joined for processing. However, a gap was observed at the center of the cut stems. It is essential to bring about improvements in both the nursery and sorting techniques to increase the success of grafting, and we believe our method contributes to this goal.