A propagation method where roots are encouraged to develop on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. This technique, when applied to Malus domestica, allows for the creation of a new, genetically identical apple tree from a selected branch. An incision is made on the branch, rooting hormone is applied, and the area is enclosed in a moist growing medium until roots form.
This asexual reproduction strategy offers several advantages. It enables the efficient cloning of desirable apple tree cultivars, preserving specific traits like fruit quality or disease resistance. Furthermore, it can expedite the fruiting process compared to growing trees from seed, potentially yielding mature fruit sooner. Historically, this method has been used to propagate various woody plants, including fruit trees, offering a reliable means of multiplication.
