Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Chaenomeles japonica</italic> L. exhibits optimal growth in soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH, whereas alkaline soils, as a result of limited iron absorption and induce leaf chlorosis. <italic>In vitro</italic> micrografting represents a key technique for the micropropagation of diverse plant species. Micrografting of <italic>C. japonica</italic> onto tolerant rootstocks could be an effective strategy to enhance iron uptake efficiency. The major objectives of this study were to identify the most appropriate culture medium, and assess the responses of successfully micrografted plants to varying culture medium pH levels. The culture medium employed consisted of half-strength MS consisted of different plant growth regulators. The grafting method employed was a cleft micrografting of <italic>C. japonica</italic> onto <italic>P. coccinea</italic> rootstock. Micrografted plants that exhibited successful graft in the previous experiment were transferred to culture media with different pH levels (5.7, 5.9, and 6.1). The grafting success in micrografting of <italic>C. japonica</italic> onto <italic>P. coccinea</italic> rootstock is influenced by both media. In several instances, non-injected treatments resulted in the highest scion growth. The most effective condition was the injected medium supplemented with either 2 mg L⁻¹ BAP or 1 mg L⁻¹ IBA. The micrografting process improved the uptake of iron and manganese, suggesting a functional modification in the nutrient acquisition pathways during transport from the root system to the scion. These results suggest that utilizing the <italic>P. coccinea</italic> rootstock for micrografting <italic>C. japonica</italic> could be a viable strategy to mitigate iron chlorosis, a common affliction in alkaline soils that reduces chlorophyll content. </p>