Plant grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues from two different plants are joined together so they grow as a single plant. It involves uniting a scion, the upper part with desired traits, with a rootstock, the lower rooted portion that provides anchorage and nutrients.

The two parts are bound together at their cut surfaces, where the cambium layers of the thin tissue just beneath the bark must align precisely. Over time, these tissues fuse and form a permanent, functional union.

Why is grafting used?

• To propagate plants that don't grow well from seeds or cuttings

• To combine the best traits of two plants (e.g., disease-resistant roots with high-yield fruit)

• To repair damaged trees

• To speed up fruit production

• To create dwarf varieties of trees

Common examples include grafting roses onto hardy rootstocks and joining apple or citrus varieties for better yields.

Grafting is widely practised in fruit orchards, vineyards, and ornamental gardening, making it one of the most valuable techniques in modern agriculture.