rootstock

horticulture

Also known as: stock, understock

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

In horticulture, a rootstock is the part of a grafted plant that provides the root system. It can be a whole root or a piece of a root. Grafting is a technique where parts of two plants are joined so they grow together, with the rootstock providing the foundation and the scion (the added piece) developing into the upper part of the plant. This method is crucial for vegetative propagation, allowing desirable traits of a plant to be maintained. Rootstocks are used to control plant size, improve disease resistance, and adapt plants to different environments. They can be grown from seed or propagated asexually.123

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horticulture
Grafting
…the root is called the stock; the added piece is called the scion. When more than two parts are involved, the middle piece is called the interstock. When the scion consists of a single bud, the process is called budding. Grafting and budding are the most widely used of the…
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…the root is called the stock; the added piece is called the scion. When more than two parts are involved, the middle piece is called the interstock. When the scion consists of a single bud, the process is called budding. Grafting and budding are the most widely used of the…
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horticulture
Grafting
In grafting and budding, the rootstock can be grown from seed or propagated asexually. Within a year a small amount of scion material from one plant can produce hundreds of plants.
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In grafting and budding, the rootstock can be grown from seed or propagated asexually. Within a year a small amount of scion material from one plant can produce hundreds of plants.
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grape
Cultivation
…fruiting variety placed on a rootstock cutting. The rootstock cuttings are field budded to the desired fruiting variety in late summer after being planted in the vineyard. The point of union of grafted or budded vines must be situated well above the ground level in order to prevent the production…
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…fruiting variety placed on a rootstock cutting. The rootstock cuttings are field budded to the desired fruiting variety in late summer after being planted in the vineyard. The point of union of grafted or budded vines must be situated well above the ground level in order to prevent the production…
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