Grafting has now transformed to a type of asexual hybridization in which heritable changes may be induced by grafting. This graft hybridization concept was first put forth by Darwin. In the beginning there was a refusal to accept this concept, believing it to be a type of chimera. But the extensive work done in bell pepper (Capsicum) has proved that this graft hybridization is quite different from chimera and involves a special grafting method known as ‘mentor grafting’. The hereditary changes due to this graft hybridization and also the work done on its mechanism in capsicum have added strength to this concept. In future, this graft hybridization may open up new avenues in plant breeding and improvement of many crops.
Graft hybridization, Capsicum annuum, Mentor grafting, Graft induced genetic changes
