Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Defensor F1 – Professional rootstock for strong and healthy plants (incl. grafting clips)

The Tomato Defensor F1 is a powerful and professional rootstock specifically developed for grafting tomatoes and eggplants. This hybrid combination (Solanum lycopersicum x S. habrochaites) is known for its strong root development and broad resistance to major soilborne diseases. With Defensor F1, you create a robust foundation for your crops, resulting in healthier plants, higher yields, and a longer growing season.

This rootstock comes with grafting clips, allowing you to get started with the grafting process immediately. One pack contains 8 seeds and 8 clips, ideal for the hobby gardener who wants to experiment with professional cultivation techniques.

Why choose Defensor F1 as a rootstock?

The strength of Defensor F1 lies in its exceptionally strong root system. By grafting a premium variety (the desired tomato or eggplant variety) onto this rootstock, the plant benefits from improved water and nutrient uptake. This results in stronger growth, better resistance, and ultimately a higher yield.

In addition, this rootstock offers multiple resistances, including against Fusarium and Verticillium, and against harmful nematodes. These properties protect the plant against soil-borne diseases and make cultivation more reliable, even under challenging conditions.

Sowing and preparation

Defensor F1 seeds are sown from February to April at a temperature of 20 to 25 °C. It is important to sow the rootstock simultaneously (or slightly offset) with the chosen noble variety, so that both plants are suitable for grafting at the same time.

Step-by-step explanation of grafting

Tomato grafting is a technique in which two plants are joined together to form one strong plant:

1. Sow both the rootstock (Defensor F1) and the noble variety in seed compost.
2. When both plants are about 10 cm tall, start grafting.
3. Cut the rootstock horizontally just below the first pair of leaves. Only the root and stem remain.
4. Cut the noble plant at the same height, but use only the top part (without roots).
5. Place the cut part of the noble plant onto the rootstock and connect both parts with a grafting clip.
6. Place the young, grafted plant in a moist and sheltered environment (for example, a greenhouse or under a cover) to reduce stress.
7. After about a week, the plant can gradually acclimate to the outdoor air.
8. Once the plant has fully grown, the clips can be removed and the plant can be grown further as a normal tomato plant.

Cultivation and care after grafting

After successful grafting, the plant grows into a powerful combination of strong roots and high-quality fruit. Place the plant in a warm, sunny location and care for it like any other tomato plant. Regular watering, sufficient nutrients, and protection against extreme weather conditions ensure optimal development.

The strong roots of Defensor F1 ensure that the plant is more resistant to stress, drought, and diseases. This makes this rootstock particularly suitable for intensive cultivation, both in the greenhouse and in open field.

Application and benefits

The use of a rootstock such as Defensor F1 is particularly interesting for gardeners striving for maximum yield and plant health. By grafting, you combine the flavor and characteristics of a premium variety with the strength and resistance of the rootstock.

This results in:

• Stronger plants
• Higher yield
• Better resistance to diseases
• Longer lifespan of the plant

In short, the Tomato Defensor F1 is a powerful and reliable rootstock that forms the basis for healthy, strong, and productive plants. With its excellent resistance and strong root development, this is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their tomato or eggplant crop.