Abstract

Helene Buerstmayr Chevre*

Grafting, also known as graftage, is a horticultural procedure in which plant tissues are linked so that they can continue to grow together. The scion is the upper part of the combined plant, whereas the rootstock is the lower part. In order for this connection to work, the vascular tissues must grow together and such joining is called inosculation. The technique is most commonly used in the horticulture and agricultural trades for asexual propagation of commercially grown plants. In most cases, one plant is chosen for its roots and this is referred to as the stock or rootstock. The other plant, known as the scion or cion, is selected for its stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits. The scion contains the desired genes, which the stock/scion plant will duplicate in future production.