The practice involves joining parts from two or more plants so that they grow as a single plant. In the context of Malus domestica, it typically unites a selected scion (a detached shoot or twig containing buds) with a compatible rootstock (the plant providing the root system). This horticultural technique allows for the propagation of desirable traits, such as specific fruit characteristics, onto a hardy or disease-resistant root system. For instance, a particular apple variety known for its flavor can be grafted onto a rootstock that controls tree size.
One of the key advantages of this horticultural method is the rapid propagation of specific apple cultivars. Unlike growing from seed, which can result in unpredictable variations, grafting ensures that the new tree produces fruit identical to the scion parent. This ensures the consistent quality and characteristics that are essential for commercial apple production. Historically, it has played a pivotal role in apple cultivation, enabling the selection and propagation of superior varieties while also adapting trees to different soil conditions and disease pressures.
