Pomato

writer: Bivek chaube

Adress- Buddhavumi municipality , kapilvastu.

Study place.- Institute of Agriculture science, Banaras Hindu University

The pomato is a grafted plant that is produced by grafting together a #tomato plant and a #potato plant, both of which are members of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Cherry tomatoes grow on the vine, while white potatoes grow in the soil from the same plant.

Like most standard types of plant grafting, a small incision is made in the stem of both plants and they are strapped together. Once the cuts have healed and the plants are joined, the leafy top of the potato plant can be cut away and the roots of the tomato can be removed, leaving the leaves of the tomato plant to nourish the roots of the potato plant.The rootstock (potato) acts as a stable and healthy root system and the scions (tomato) are chosen for their fruit, flowers or leaves. The tomatoes should be ready to harvest after about 12 weeks during the summer months, the potatoes should be ready after the tomato leaves begin to die back, normally in early autumn.

The concept of grafting related potatoes and tomatoes so that both are produced on the same plant was originally developed in 1930 by Oscar Soderholm in Worcester Massachusetts, as the "tomapotato"

Growing a pomato plant is fairly easy:

👉First, you have to choose a potato and a tomato (or cherry tomato) plant of about the same height

👉Gently, with a sharp knife, remove a part from the middle of the stem from the potato plant so that it is split into a “V” shape

👉Cut the roots from the tomato plant, then make a straight cut on the stem. Further cut material from both sides of the bottom of the stem, so that it has a wedge shape and fits in the “V” of the potato plant.

👉Slide the two cut pieces together and wrap the graft with grafting tape, ensuring that it holds; if you want to improve your chances, set the plants temporarily in an area that isn’t very rich in sunlight.

👉After two or three weeks when the plant starts showing signs of growth, you can remove the grafting tape.

BENEFITS:-

1- They maximize the number of crops that can be produced on a piece of land or in a small urban environment like a balcony.

2- Farmers can save on space, time and labor without affecting the quality of their produce by growing pomato plants.

3- Grafting can improve resistance to bacteria, viruses and fungi, attract a more diverse group of pollinators and provide a sturdy trunk for delicate ornamental plants.

A very interesting innovation in Plant science. Although this technique was developed and trailed 10-15yrs ago but most of we are unaware of this.

The main issue is that the horizontal expansion of land is not possible due to urbanization and settlement day to day. 

At present the challenge is how to feed the growing population with in limited land area for cultivation. This scientific innovation will contribute a lot to feed the world population.