Grafting is a special type of plant propagation, in which a part of a plant (scion) is joined to another plant (rootstock) for the two parts to grow together and form a new plant. Grafting commonly occurs in nature, and the occurrence of natural grafts might have inspired humans to use grafting in the agriculture sector a thousand years ago (Mudge et al., 2009). The rootstocks used for a specific crop are the crop's close relatives or wild selections (mostly within the genera), but natural grafts between different families have also been observed (Warschefsky et al., 2016). Grafting has been practiced in fruit trees for a long time; however, its application in vegetables is relatively new. Various fruit grafting references that appear in the Bibble and ancient Greek and Chinese literature suggest that grafting was utilized in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in fifth century BC (Melnyk and Meyerowitz, 2015). Similarly, a Chinese book written in first century BC and a Korean book written in seventeenth century AD indicate that grafting was utilized in these periods to produce large gourd fruits (Lee and Oda, 2003). Grafting enhances plant vigor, extends the harvesting period (Lee et al., 2010), improves yield and fruit quality (Huang et al., 2009; Rouphael et al., 2010; Tsaballa et al., 2013), prolongs postharvest life (Zhao et al., 2011), tolerates low and high temperatures (López-Marín et al., 2013; Li et al., 2016b), deals with salinity and heavy metal stress (Santa-Cruz et al., 2002; Estañ et al., 2005; Albacete et al., 2009; Schwarz et al., 2010; Huang et al., 2013a; Wahb-Allah, 2014; Penella et al., 2015, 2016), increases drought and flooding stress endurance (Schwarz et al., 2010; Bhatt et al., 2015), improves water use efficiency (Cantero-Navarro et al., 2016), manages soil-borne and foliar pathogens (Louws et al., 2010; Arwiyanto et al., 2015; Miles et al., 2015; Suchoff et al., 2015), manages root knot nematodes (Lee et al., 2010), controls weeds (Dor et al., 2010; Louws et al., 2010), and produces new plant species (Fuentes et al., 2014). Commercial grafting is currently practiced in a number of plant species, including fruits (citrus, apple, mango, grape, peach, plum, apricot, almond, and cherry), vegetables (watermelon, melon, cucumber, tomato, pepper, eggplant, and bitter gourd), and ornamentals (rose, chrysanthemum, bougainvillea, and bonsai), to obtain economic benefits.

In addition to these commercially important benefits, grafting increases nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency in a number of plant species (Pulgar et al., 2000; Zen et al., 2004; Ahmed et al., 2006, 2007; Albacete et al., 2009, 2015a,b; Lee et al., 2010; Schwarz et al., 2013; Huang et al., 2013b; Esmaeili et al., 2015). The world's nutrient resources are finite (Venema et al., 2011) and thus require justified utilization; moreover, inorganic fertilizers are expensive. Scientists are working to modify the root architecture of cereal crops (monocots) to enhance nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency (Meister et al., 2014; Rogers and Benfey, 2015; Wissuwa et al., 2016). Rootstock grafting is used as an alternative for horticultural crops; appropriate and compatible rootstocks are utilized to improve water and nutrient acquisition and nutrient utilization efficiency (Gregory et al., 2013; Albacete et al., 2015a,b). Nutrient efficiency is a general term that refers to the capacity of a plant to acquire and use nutrients. It is measured by plant dry weight produced per unit of nutrient supplied (g DW/g nutrient supplied). This parameter includes nutrient uptake efficiency and nutrient use efficiency (Gerendás et al., 2008). Although other efficiency indicators, such as nutrient harvest index, nutrient influx rate, and nutrient partitioning, have been proposed (Rengel and Damon, 2008), measurement of plant growth and harvestable yield per unit input of applied fertilizer remains reliable (Venema et al., 2011; Santa-Maria et al., 2015).

Several reviews have been conducted on grafting history, grafting methods, breeding and selection of rootstocks, biotic and abiotic stresses, pathogens, amelioration of heavy metals, and hormonal signaling (Lee, 1994; Lee and Oda, 2003; Davis et al., 2008; Kubota and McClure, 2008; Aloni et al., 2010; Lee et al., 2010; Louws et al., 2010; Pérez-Alfocea et al., 2010; Rouphael et al., 2010; Savvas et al., 2010; Schwarz et al., 2013; Edelstein et al., 2016), but none of these reviews sufficiently elucidated the role of grafting in modifying ion uptake and accumulation. Therefore, the current review summarizes available information on the effects of rootstocks on enhancing nutrient uptake, accumulation, and utilization as well as the mechanism involved. Additionally, other important approaches are presented; these approaches can be combined with grafting to further enhance nutrient acquisition and utilization efficiency.

The use of rootstocks in fruit plants affects tree vigor and size, precocity, fruit quality and taste, harvestable yield, resistance to pests, and tolerance against edaphic and environmental conditions by invigorating the scions and increasing nutrient uptake, transport, and utilization efficiency (Albrigo, 1977; Ahmed et al., 2006, 2007; Castle, 2010; Habran et al., 2016). In a previous study, the grafting of kinnow (Citrus reticulata Blanco) onto nine different rootstocks increased the concentration of nitrogen (4–18%), phosphorous (11–77%), and potassium (3–43%) in the leaves of the grafted plants; the number of fruits per plant increased to 0.12–5.63 times that of poorly performing rootstock (Ahmed et al., 2007). In another study, total nitrogen accumulation and utilization efficiency differed in various citrus rootstocks; rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) accumulated a total nitrogen value of 22.1 mg/g DW, whereas Cleopatra mandarin (Citrus reshni hort. ex Tanaka) accumulated only 6.1 mg/g DW (Sorgona et al., 2006). Boron concentration in the leaves, stems, and roots of different citrus rootstocks is significantly affected in normal and boron-deficient conditions (Mei et al., 2011). Citrange rootstock [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.] is superior to trifoliate orange [Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.] under both low and high levels of boron supply. Although the level of boron in different plant parts grafted onto citrange is lower than that grafted onto trifoliate orange, the ratio of semi-bound boron to free boron is much higher in citrange grafted plants; this higher ratio increases boron use efficiency (Liu et al., 2011, 2013). Evidently, uptake capacity is not the only important factor; the transport and reallocation of cellular boron to cell walls also affect rootstock responses to nutrient deficiency. Wang et al. (2016a) recently applied inarching (a special type of grafting) of Carrizo citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. × P. trifoliate (L.) Raf.] to enhance boron uptake in Newhall navel orange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. cv. Newhall] budded onto trifoliate orange [P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.]. Inarching significantly increased the levels of boron in the new leaves, new twigs, scion stem, and new rootstock stem under boron-adequate and boron-deficient conditions. This technique can improve nutrient supply in already growing grafted or self-rooted fruit plants under field conditions.

In apples, Cong et al. (2014) found that rootstocks have different potassium uptakes and accumulation efficiencies; these differences become increasingly pronounced under potassium-deficient conditions. Zarrouk et al. (2005) discovered that the concentrations of macro and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Na, and Cu) in the leaves and flowers of peach are significantly affected by different rootstocks. Similarly, Amiri et al. (2014) reported that apple rootstocks (M9, MM106, and MM111) increase the concentration of N (5–34%), Mg (5–68%), Zn (10–39%), Fe (4–34%), and Mn (11–70%) and reduce the uptake of K (6–19%), and Ca (10–28%). Trees grafted onto M9 are efficient in N, Mn, and Fe uptake but perform poorly in K and Ca uptake. MM106 rootstock possesses the highest efficiency in P uptake and transport. In this study, the fruit yield of plants grafted onto MM111 increased by 44% compared with plants grafted onto M9 rootstock. Mestre et al. (2015) observed that the concentrations of all macro and micronutrients differ significantly in the leaves of Big Top nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina) grafted onto 12 Prunus rootstocks. The rootstocks demonstrate a selective behavior for different elements, such as K, Ca, and Cu.

Rootstocks significantly alter the concentration of nutrients in sweet cherry leaves. The GiSelA 6 rootstock (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens, Gi 148/1) performs well in N, P, K, Zn, B, and Mn uptake and transport, but trees grafted onto it tend to develop Ca, Mg, and Cu deficiencies. Similarly, the Prunus mahaleb rootstock performs efficiently in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu uptake and transport but performs poorly in Zn, B, and Mn absorption and translocation in plants. The leaves of plants grafted onto Prunus fruticosa Prob. show deficiencies in several nutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, and Cu) and are thus unfit for use (Hrotko et al., 2014). Slowik et al. (1979) studied the avocado (Persea americana Mill.) cultivar Hass by using Duke and Topa Topa (avocado rootstocks of Mexican origin) and concluded that only the concentrations of N, P, Mg, Cu, Mn, and Fe are affected by the rootstocks; no significant differences were observed for K, Ca, Na, Cl, and Zn. Sherafati et al. (2011) found that in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), the K, Zn, and Fe contents of the leaves are affected by rootstock and scion combinations. Akbari scion (Pistacia vera L.) budded onto Badami rootstock (P. vera L.) efficiently absorbed K and Zn (1.56% and 11.05 ppm, respectively), whereas minimal amounts of K and Zn (0.80% and 7.33 ppm, respectively) were found in Akbari scion budded onto Daneshmandi rootstock (P. vera L.). Barg-seyah scion (P. vera L.) budded onto Kalle-ghouchi rootstock (P. vera L.) absorbed the largest amount of Fe (241 ppm) and Cu (12.15 ppm) among all rootstock and scion combinations.

Ibacache and Sierra (2009) demonstrated that rootstocks significantly affect grapevine nutrition. They studied the effect of 10 rootstocks on grapevines and found significant differences in nutrient concentration in the petioles of four scion cultivars. The petiole P levels doubled in all scion cultivars when Salt Creek rootstock (Vitis vinifera L.) was used. Potassium was also increased by up to 5–155% by rootstocks in all scion cultivars. Similarly, N levels increased to 67% in Flame Seedless (V. vinifera L.), 77% in Red Globe (V. vinifera L.), 33% in Thompson Seedless (V. vinifera L.), and 8.5% in Superior Seedless (V. vinifera L.) scions compared with self-rooted vines. Bavaresco et al. (2003) utilized two rootstocks for grapevines and observed that the hybrid rootstock 41 B (V. vinifera × V. berlandieri) significantly increased the nutrient uptake and whole plant dry mass (24%) compared with 3309 C (V. riparia × V. rupestris). The total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg contents of the plant increased by 38, 21.5, 18, 35, and 12%, respectively. Additionally, the concentrations of micronutrients (Zn, Mn, and B) increased by 16, 94, and 18%, respectively, whereas Cu slightly decreased (1%). Lecourt et al. (2015) observed that rootstocks significantly affect the plant growth (dry matter) and concentration of macro and micronutrients in the leaves and root tissues of grapevine (V. vinifera L.). Cabernet Sauvignon (V. vinifera L.) grafted onto Riparia Gloire de Montpellier (V. riparia L.) increased the leaf N (3%), K (44%), S (70%), Ca (27%), Mg (58%), Fe (65%), Zn (57%), B (93%), Mn (83%), and Al (46%) concentrations compared with Cabernet Sauvignon grafted onto 1103 Paulsen (V. rupestris × V. berlandieri) irrigated with 2.45 mmol N supply. Habran et al. (2016) investigated the effect of N and rootstock on N uptake and their effect on secondary metabolism in grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon (V. vinifera L.) grafted onto 110 Richter increased the leaf and petiole N concentration by up to 14% and 1%, and 9% and 30% under low and optimum levels of N supply, respectively, compared with Cabernet Sauvignon grafted onto Riparia Gloire de Montpellier (V. riparia). Rootstocks also affected vine growth (14–16%), berry weight, and composition at the time of harvest. Zamboni et al. (2016) recently declared M1 rootstock [106-8 (V. riparia × V. cordifolia × V. rupestris) × Resseguier n.4 (V. berlandieri)] as superior over M3 [R 27 (V. berlandieri × V. riparia) × Teleki 5C (V. berlandieri × V. riparia)], 1103P (V. berlandieri × V. rupestris), and 101–14 (V. riparia × V. rupestris) rootstocks because of its balanced leaf nutrient profile, nitrogen use efficiency, and improved vine growth (30%). Various rootstocks behave differently in terms of yield, physiological responses, and severity of Fe deficiency; proper rootstock selection can mitigate nutrient deficiency symptoms and responses in grapevines (Covarrubias et al., 2016).

Grafting in vegetable crops is a relatively new procedure that has gained popularity in the last few decades (Lee et al., 2010). Similar to fruit crops, melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars Yuma and Gallicum grafted onto three Cucurbita maxima (Shintoza, RS-841, and Kamel) rootstocks show a significant variation in macronutrients in leaf tissues. Grafting increases the yield (88%–121%) and concentration of P and N in the leaves by up to 6–58% and 6–81%, respectively, compared with self-rooted melon plants (Ruiz et al., 1997). Zhang et al. (2012) found that P uptake and utilization in grafted watermelons are better than those in self-rooted watermelons under low P supply. Various rootstocks perform differently; watermelon grafted onto pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) performs better than watermelon grafted onto bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria Standl.). Huang et al. (2013b) found that grafting of watermelon onto Hongdun (Citrullus lanatus sp.) and Jingxinzhen No.4 (C. moschata Duch.) increases K uptake and whole plant dry mass (1.82 fold) and induces low K tolerance in the watermelon scion. Uygur and Yetisir (2009) worked on watermelons and concluded that the watermelon [C. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] cultivar Crimson Tide grafted onto gourd rootstock (L. siceraria Standl.) landraces significantly increases N and K uptake from the soil, especially under salt stress conditions. The concentration of P in the shoots of grafted plants is almost twice that in non-grafted watermelon plants. Therefore, bottle gourds, especially the Lagenaria type, can be utilized as a rootstock for watermelon under saline conditions.

Comprehensive mineral nutrient analysis has shown that the concentration of macro and micronutrients in the leaves, fruit rind, fruit flesh, and seeds of grafted watermelon is altered by gourd rootstocks [Ferro and RS841 (C. maxima × C. moschata) and Argentario and Macis (Lagenaria hybrid)]. In leaves, rootstocks increase the N, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations by up to 12–28, 8–36, 13–81, and 12–300%, respectively, and reduce the concentrations of P, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu. In fruit rind, flesh, and seeds, rootstocks increase the concentration of all nutrients, thereby proving the superiority of specific graft combinations over self-rooted plants (Yetisir et al., 2013). Watermelon cultivar Zaojia 8424 [C. lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] grafted onto bottle gourd cv. Jingxinzhen No.1 (L. siceraria Standl.) and pumpkin cv. Qingyanzhen No.1 (C. maxima × C. moschata) increases the total uptake (mg/plant) and concentration [mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW)] of N, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, and Mn in the roots, stems, leaves, fruit rind, and flesh of grafted plants. The total nutrient uptake of plants grafted onto bottle gourd and pumpkin increases by 30.41 and 49.14%, respectively, at the fruit development stage and by 21.33 and 47.46%, respectively, at the fruit maturation stage compared with non-grafted watermelon plants (Huang et al., 2016a). Another experiment showed that pumpkin rootstock (C. moschata Duch.) increases the Mg²⁺ uptake (39%) and whole plant dry mass (1.71 fold) of watermelon plants compared with self-grafted plants under low Mg conditions (Huang et al., 2016b). The C. maxima variety Dulce Maravilla clearly increases Fe uptake and translocation to watermelon scions (Rivero et al., 2004).

Grafting is useful in manipulating plant growth and is used in multiple ways. Zhang et al. (2010) reported that when cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Xintaimici) are grafted onto Cucurbita ficifolia, the uptake of Cu from the soil under Cu stress conditions is significantly reduced. The concentration of Cu in the stem and leaves of the scion is lower in grafted plants than in self-rooted plants; moreover, the concentration of Cu in the roots of grafted plants is higher. This result suggests that the C. ficifolia rootstock acts as a Cu accumulator and reduces Cu transport to the scion. However, its sensing, signaling, regulation, and withholding mechanisms still require further explanation. Grafting increases the uptake of K and limits the transport of Na and Cl ions to the scion compared with self-rooted plants under salt stress conditions in cucumber. Grafting also enhances nutrient utilization efficiency as manifested by improved shoot biomass production, yield, and fruit quality (Rouphael et al., 2008; Zhu et al., 2008; Albacete et al., 2009, 2015a,b; Huang et al., 2009; Colla et al., 2012, 2013; Farhadi and Malek, 2015; Gao et al., 2015).

Grafting of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) onto Maxifort rootstock (S. lycopersicum L. × Solanum habrochaites) improves scion growth (11%) and concentration of macro and micronutrients (Table 1). However, different forms of nitrogen (NO3-, NH4+) exert a significant effect on the uptake of other elements; for example, increased availability of NH4+reduces the uptake of Ca and Mg in plant tissues (Borgognone et al., 2013). Savvas et al. (2009) reported that grafting tomato onto He-Man rootstock (S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites; Syngenta Seeds, Basel, Switzerland) improves fruit yield (11.5%) and increases the concentrations of Ca, K, and Zn by 18, 8, and 11%, respectively, in tomato leaves and reduces the uptake of Mg (27%) and Fe (27%), especially under low levels of Mn. In pepper and eggplant, rootstocks also show a positive response by modifying ion uptake and acquisition of macro and micronutrients and by providing protection from heavy metals (Leonardi and Giuffrida, 2006; Arao et al., 2008; Penella et al., 2015).

Rootstocks play a pivotal role in fertilizer management because they can ensure the justified utilization of available or applied fertilizers in the soil. Harvestable yield is an important criterion of nutrient utilization efficiency. An overview of reported percentage growth and yield increments obtained through grafting among various vegetables is presented in Table 1.

Previous studies on ornamental crops have elucidated the effects of rootstock on the nutrient uptake of such crops. Gammon and McFadden (1979) grafted rose onto seven different rootstocks and determined that rootstock combinations significantly increase nutrient uptake and accumulation. Rosa fortuniana Lindl. triggered Mn accumulation five times more than Rosa odorata; however, R. odorata was superior to R. fortuniana in terms of K accumulation. Niu and Rodriguez (2008) evaluated the performance of four rose rootstocks [Dr. Huey (Rosa hybrida L.), R. fortuniana Lindl., Rosa multiflora Thunb., and R. odorata (Andr.) Sweet] under chloride-or sulfate-dominated salinity and observed that rootstocks behave differentially in terms of Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Cl uptake. R. multiflora accumulates more Na than R. odorata, and R. fortuniana accumulates the least amount. However, R. multiflora retains most of Na in the roots, whereas R. odorata transports 57% of the absorbed Na to the shoots. According to another study, commercial rose varieties grafted onto different rootstocks significantly differ in macro (P, K, and Mg) and micro (Cl, Mn, Fe, B, Zn, and Na) nutrient concentrations (Cabrera, 2002). The N use efficiency (NUE) in tobacco can be improved by grafting it onto Nicotiana tabacum H-20 rootstock (Ruiz et al., 2006). Several details on increased nutrient uptake through grafting are summarized in Table 1. These pieces of evidence demand the careful selection of the rootstock to enhance nutrient use efficiency in ornamental crops. Grafting is also utilized to produce bonsai plants (an important category of ornamentals); in bougainvillea and several other ornamentals, it is also used to produce plants bearing flowers of different colors or multicolored flowers on the same plant to enhance anesthetics (Relf, 2015). In a recent report, Zhang et al. (2013) observed increased productivity and rooting ability of cuttings obtained from grafted chrysanthemum. In the near future, an increase in the use of grafting is expected in ornamental crops. However, serious efforts are required for the selection of compatible rootstocks in ornamental plants.

Rootstocks modify the ion uptake in grafted plants. The final concentration of nutrients is a result of uptake, transport, recirculation, and growth. The absorption of nutrients from the soil is affected by numerous factors, including soil properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, and concentration of the nutrients) and root characteristics (root architecture, organic acids and metabolites exudation capacity, and transport ability). This article focuses on root-related mechanisms.

Rootstocks improve the acquisition of essential elements and reduce the uptake and transport of salts (e.g., Na and Cl) and heavy metals (e.g., Cr, Ni, Cd, Sr, and Ti) through ion exclusion or retention. Reciprocal grafting experiments on cucumber (C. sativus L.), pumpkin (C. moschata Duch.), and melon (C. melo L.) rootstocks revealed that pumpkin is salt tolerant. Pumpkin excludes 74% of the available Na, whereas no Na is excluded by melon. Similarly, Na retention in pumpkin rootstock reduces the level of Na in leaves by 46.9%, whereas no decrease is observed in melon rootstock (Edelstein et al., 2011). Estañ et al. (2005) found that grafting a commercial tomato cultivar Jaguar (S. lycopersicum L.) onto tomato rootstocks (Radja, Pera, and the hybrid Volgogradskij × Pera) increases fruit yield by up to 80% by regulating saline ions (Na and Cl). Pumpkin-grafted cucumber shows an increased expression of plasma membrane H⁺-ATPases (PMA) and plasma membrane Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter (SOS1) under NaCl stress conditions compared with self-grafted cucumber. The increased activities of PMA and SOS1 enable the root to pump Na⁺ from the cytosol of root cells to the external medium (Lei et al., 2014). Citrus rootstock responds differently to Cl stress, and a number of uncharacterized membrane transporter genes, such as NRT1-2, are differentially expressed in poor Cl excluder Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata) and efficient Cl excluder Cleopatra mandarin (C. reshni hort. ex Tanaka) rootstocks (Brumós et al., 2009). The strong repression of the IClngene in Cleopatra mandarin regulates Cl uptake and transport to the shoot. It reduces the net Cl loading to the root xylem and thus enhances the Cl tolerance of Cleopatra mandarin (C. reshni hort. ex Tanaka) (Brumós et al., 2010). Transporters also help enhance salt stress tolerance. Overexpression of a Malus Na⁺/H⁺ anti-porter gene improves the salt tolerance of M26 dwarfed apple rootstock (Li et al., 2013). Rootstocks reduce Na and Cl loading and transport to the scion while increasing the uptake of K, Ca, and Mg ions and allow small osmotic potentials with a low energy cost. Therefore, rootstocks increase the tolerance of scion species to salt and toxic elements.

Grafting cucumber (C. sativus L.) onto C. maxima × C. moschata rootstocks reduces the absorption and transport of Cd and Ni to the scion. The absorption of Cd depends on rootstock genotype (Savvas et al., 2013). Heavy metals also affect the availability of essential nutrients; however, the negative effect can be minimized by grafting onto appropriate rootstocks. Root structure (genotype) and transporter activities appear to be involved in the reduction of hazardous ion absorption and transport. In a reciprocal grafting experiment, Xin et al. (2013) found that spinach shoot Cd concentration is unrelated to root Cd absorption; it depends on Cd transport from the root to the shoot. The thick phellem (outer zone of periderm) and outer cortex cell walls of the water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic Forsk.) rootstock QLQ retain more Cd in the root compared with water spinach rootstock T308. Apple rootstock (Malus Baccata Borkh.) reduces the influx of Cd and shows the least amount of Cd in leaf petioles compared with other apple rootstocks (Malus hupehensis Rehd., M. micromalus “qingzhoulinqin,” and M. robusta Rehd.). M. Baccata has a low transcript level for Cd uptake and transport genes (HA7, FRO2-like, NRAMP1, and NRAMP3) and a strong transcript level for detoxification genes (NAS1 and MT2). The reduced expression of Cd transport genes results in reduced uptake and transport of Cd (Zhou et al., 2016). Repression of Cd uptake and transport genes occurs through a local signal or as a result of long-distance signaling, although this issue remains unclear. Thus, investigations about the sensing and signaling mechanisms of heavy metals in grafted plants are required.

Although grafting is a centuries-old phenomenon currently practiced at the commercial scale, the physiological and molecular bases of grafting remain unclear. With Arabidopsis as a model plant, the basic scientific mechanism of grafting is being investigated. Rootstocks and scions affect each other; their interaction mechanism also requires further attention. Grafting compatibility between the rootstock and scion is important for uninterrupted flow of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates. Grafting incompatibility occurs when either of the plant parts (rootstock or scion) completely or partially fails to grow after successful grafting and in several latter stages of plant growth. Overgrowth of the scion over the rootstock, overgrowth of the rootstock over the scion, and bud union crease are common symptoms of incompatibility. Double grafting can resolve compatibility issues, but it complicates the process of grafted seedling production and increases the production cost. Grafting incompatibility may be related to defense responses. Cookson et al. (2014) observed a coordinated upregulation of stress response-related genes in hetero-grafts compared with self-grafted grapevines (Vitis spp.). In a recent study, Melnyk et al. (2015) revealed that auxin response genes IAA18, IAA28, and ALF4 are responsible for vascular reconnection at the graft junction. Although authors have not linked these genes with incompatibility, the roles of these genes in incompatibility cannot be overlooked and require further investigation. Crease formation affects water and nutrient transport; however, to what extent this effect impairs the availability of nutrients to the scion remains unclear. Similarly, different methods of grafting are utilized for fruits and vegetables, but their effects on the quality of the vascular connection, crease development, and nutrient supply have not been considered to date. Detailed histochemical investigations are required to study the cell and vascular tissue structures at graft junctions and their relationship with water and nutrient transport. The rootstock and scion are important, but the rootstock is considered critical. No failure caused by scion variety has been reported in the fruit industry in any country, but a number of examples show failure caused by inappropriate rootstock (Castle, 2010). Therefore, in perennial fruit plants, the choice of proper/compatible rootstock is highly significant because once an orchard is established; it remains productive for a long time. Similarly, selecting compatible and appropriate rootstocks for important vegetables and ornamental crops need consideration. Although large numbers of rootstocks are available and used for different crops, improved rootstocks with improved characteristics, such as multi-disease resistance and enhanced nutrient absorption and utilization efficiencies, are still lacking.

Rootstocks enable increased water and nutrient absorption through efficient uptake systems and/or their capacity to explore wide and deep soil volumes. However, these properties should be transferred to increase yield or improve efficiency. This transfer requires well-designed studies on yield responses vs. a gradient of nutrient/water application to the plant. The accumulation of a given nutrient in the leaves during vegetative growth is not an indicator of nutrient use efficiency and should be considered in relation to the total nutrients absorbed by the plant and the harvestable yield produced (Pérez-Alfocea, 2015). Moreover, the response of rootstocks under different growing conditions changes considerably (Cong et al., 2014). Rootstocks are also inherently selective in the absorption of different nutrients. Fernández-García et al. (2002) observed an increase in the uptake of P and Ca and a decrease in the uptake of N, K, S, and Mg by grafting Fanny and Goldmar (S. lycopersicum L.) onto AR-9704 (S. lycopersicum L.). Nutrient-specific rootstock breeding is currently eliciting the attention of scientists (Venema et al., 2011). Macronutrients, such as P and K, are finite in nature and costly, so they are of particular interest. With the passage of time, linkage map locations for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have become available for nutrient uptake and transport. For example, several QTLs controlling the concentration of nutrients in the leaves of tomato and apple rootstocks have been found (Fazio et al., 2013; Asins et al., 2015). These QTLs allow scientists to alter the root architecture of plants as needed. Several transgenic rootstocks have been reported to control fan leaf virus in grapes (Gambino et al., 2010), fungal diseases in citrus (Mitani et al., 2006), pathogen damage in tomato (Haroldsen et al., 2012), and nutrient absorption in tomato and watermelon (Han et al., 2009; Ghanem et al., 2011). Thus, nutrient-efficient transgenic rootstocks are expected to become commercially available for different horticultural crops in the near future. The use of genetically engineered nutrient-efficient rootstocks (transgrafting) and scions will extend the utility of grafting by combining an ancient technique with molecular strategies of the modern era (Goldschmidt, 2014), leading to improved nutrient use efficiency. However, the acceptability of genetically modified crops by the public is a question that needs to be addressed.

Remarkable achievements have been made in the field of ion transporter in Arabidopsis, rice, wheat, and other crops. However, a limited number of studies related to the uptake and transport of essential nutrients have been performed on grafted plants. Thus, further study is needed to thoroughly understand the sensing, signaling, uptake, and transport mechanisms in grafted plants. This information will be helpful for breeding programs to develop nutrient-efficient rootstocks. Grafting in horticultural crops can also help understand the basic biology of the grafting mechanism, the reasons for incompatibility, sensing and signaling of nutrients, ion uptake and transport, the mechanism involved in the accumulation of heavy metals in the rootstock, and the restriction of heavy metal transport to the scions. Moreover, vegetable grafting studies can be performed quickly, and the results can be compared with those on self-rooted or self-grafted plants. Imperative conclusions can be obtained for commercial adoption.

Several approaches, such as the use of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can be combined with grafting to further enhance nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. These PGPR act in diverse ways, including the production or degradation of important plant growth hormones, which in turn controls root growth and affects nutrient absorption (Dodd et al., 2010; Wang et al., 2016b). The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhances the acquisition of P, N, Mg, and Ca, maintains the K:Na ratio, affects nodulation and nitrogen fixation, and alters gene expression (PIP, Na/H antiporters, Lsnced, Lslea, and LsP5CS), thereby improving plant growth (Parniske, 2008; Evelin et al., 2009; Kumar et al., 2015; Miceli et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2016b). Single- and double-root grafting of cucumber increase the population of soil actinomycetes (bacteria) and reduce the population of fungi (Fusarium oxysporum) (Xie et al., 2012). However, for other crops, whether the rootstock and scion affect each other's soil microbiota and their effect on the nutrient absorption of rootstocks remain largely unknown and thus need further study. The use of natural (humic acid, root exudates, phytosiderophores) and synthetic chelators [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), [(ethylenediamine-N, N'-bis (2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA)], diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)] is reported to enhance nutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, etc.) mobilization and phyto-availability; however, the suitability and efficacy of these chelators in grafted plants need investigation (Treeby et al., 1989; Bocanegra et al., 2006). Exogenous application of plant growth regulators (e.g., auxin) and several other novel substances (e.g., melatonin) is currently being considered by scientists to alter root architecture and enhance nutrient uptake (Nawaz et al., 2016). However, further studies are required to standardize the concentration and method of application of these substances for grafted plants.

MN, MI, QK, and FC wrote the manuscript, YH, WA, and ZB revised, and finally approved the manuscript for submission. All authors declare no competing financial interests.