The 3rd National Vegetable Grafting Symposium: “Growing New Roots for the Vegetable Industry in the U.S.” will be Jan. 8, 2015 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in conjunction with the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference.

The symposium will feature presentations on propagation technology, decision making, grafting uses in season extension as well as successes and challenges from researchers, growers and industry members from the U.S. and around the world. Exhibitors will also be present that will be providing product and service information.

“Grafting is a proven tool for enhancing long-term profit potential. Seedling producers and vegetable growers can benefit by making, selling and using grafted plants. Still, there are questions about to get the greatest return on investment from grafted plants. Seedling and vegetable growers, members of the seed and variety development industry and researchers will share answers to these questions at the symposium. Participants will also update plans for follow-up research and education on grafting,” said Matthew Kleinhenz, Ohio State Extension vegetable specialist who will be presenting at the symposium

The program is sponsored by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative. For more information, visit the grafting website, or register at the SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference.

"The Southeast vegetable industry is large, progressive, and actively looking for ways to solve production problems with minimum impact on the environment. Maximizing production while minimizing threats due to nematodes and soilborne diseases and damage to the environment is important to the industry. Also, profit must be squeezed from every acre every year no matter the growing conditions.

"Grafted plants can outperform ungrafted plants in many situations. However, like every tool, grafted plants must be used properly. The symposium is an opportunity for seedling and vegetable growers to learn how to make and use grafted plants more effectively," said Kleinhenz.