What does grafting involve in plant propagation?

Grafting is a horticultural technique that involves joining specific parts of two different plants in such a way that they grow as a single plant. This process typically combines the rootstock from one plant, which provides the root system, with a scion from another plant, which is the upper part containing desired characteristics like fruit, flowers, or leaves. The physical union between the graft layers allows the vascular systems of the two plants to connect, enabling the grafted plant to thrive.

This method is used for various reasons, including the propagation of plants that do not root well from cuttings, improving resistance to disease, and enhancing growth characteristics or fruit quality. By selecting appropriate scion and rootstock combinations, growers can influence factors such as vigor, yield, and disease resistance, yielding a plant that possesses the desirable traits of both parent plants.