Grafting is a delicate, hands-on job, so any technology that can cut labor and boost consistency is a big win. That's the focus at TTA-ISO, which has spent years developing machines to make grafting more efficient. Its latest breakthrough, the High Speed Grafter, lets high-tech growers graft tomato plants above the cotyledons, reducing labor needs by up to 80%. The company had already automated grafting below the cotyledons, but this new model takes things a step further.
Ben Pieterse, Sales Manager Food at TTA-ISO, says the main challenge with above-cotyledon grafting is finding the right cutting point. He's been closely involved in perfecting the new system. During development, Vreugdenhil Young Plants played a key role, offering feedback from real-world testing. After many trials, the innovation is now production-ready, something propagator Cock Groenendaal recently confirmed in a video announcement (link in Dutch).
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Determining cutting height
This machine builds on TTA-ISO's successful below-cotyledon grafter launched in 2024. "Grafting below the cotyledons can already be done fully automatically," Ben explains. "That's ideal for growers in warmer regions or lower-tech setups. But for high-tech tomato production, automation above the cotyledons was the missing piece."
The difficulty comes from the cotyledons themselves, they're never at the same height. "For above-cotyledon grafting, you have to find the cotyledons and calculate the cutting level. Below the cotyledons, you can just measure from the plug, which is much simpler."
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Carousel
To tackle this, TTA-ISO developed a carousel system. "We decided not to make the above-cotyledon grafter fully automatic," Ben explains. "Instead, two or three operators place the scions into the carousel by hand. A smart positioning aid helps them set the correct cutting height, ensuring precise grafts without costly sensors or complex add-ons. The system is also designed for operator comfort."
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Modular
All TTA-ISO grafting machines share a modular design. The base model (the High Speed Clipper) automatically cuts the rootstock and attaches a clip, already cutting labor by about 50%. From there, growers can upgrade to either a below-cotyledon or above-cotyledon grafter, depending on their needs.
A fourth machine on the way
Next in line is the Graft Single, due in 2026. Ben gave an early look at this smaller model during the TomatoTech event, co-hosted with Artechno. "The Graft Single needs two operators and handles around 1,000 plants per hour. It's perfect for smaller nurseries or regions where labor costs are still manageable."
At the event, Ben also pointed out how grafting has long been a sticking point for many horticultural businesses. "Now that we can offer a complete range of grafting machines we're giving the industry the flexibility it's been waiting for."
© Eelkje Pulley | HortiDaily.comBen Pieterse at the TomatoTech Event
For more information:
TTA-ISO
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www.tta-iso.com
