Asexual propagation of Malus domestica through vegetative means, specifically utilizing excised plant parts, allows for the creation of genetically identical offspring. This method bypasses the need for seed germination, ensuring the resultant plant exhibits the exact characteristics of the parent tree, such as fruit type, disease resistance, and growth habit. It involves stimulating root development on a detached portion of the parent plant.
This approach offers several advantages. It enables rapid multiplication of desirable cultivars and can shorten the time to fruit production compared to seedling-grown trees. Furthermore, it preserves specific traits, which is particularly valuable for maintaining unique or rare apple varieties. The practice has been employed for centuries, allowing horticulturists to consistently reproduce superior specimens.
