Tree grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues from one tree (the scion) are inserted into those of another tree (the rootstock) so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together and continue growing as one plant. This method is commonly used for propagating fruit trees, ornamental trees, and other woody plants.
Propagation of Desirable Traits: Grafting allows the propagation of trees with desirable characteristics, such as specific fruit varieties or ornamental qualities, that cannot be reproduced through seeds.
Improved Fruit Quality: Many fruit trees do not produce true-to-type from seeds, meaning the offspring may not have the same qualities as the parent tree. Grafting ensures the fruit quality remains consistent and true to the desired variety.
Disease Resistance: By grafting a scion of a desirable variety onto a rootstock that is resistant to certain soil-borne diseases or pests, you can create a tree that combines the best traits of both plants.
Size Control: Rootstocks can influence the size of the grafted tree. Dwarfing rootstocks, for example, are used to produce smaller trees that are easier to manage and harvest.
Faster Fruiting: Grafted trees often begin to bear fruit sooner than those grown from seeds. This is because the scion is usually taken from a mature plant, which accelerates the fruiting process.
Repair of Damaged Trees: Grafting can be used to repair or rejuvenate damaged trees by replacing damaged parts with healthy scions.
Combining Multiple Varieties: Grafting can create a single tree that bears multiple varieties of fruit, which is particularly useful for gardeners with limited space.