Enxerto

Enxerto, also known as grafting, is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion, while the lower part is called the rootstock. The scion is usually a piece of stem or a bud from a desired plant, while the rootstock is typically a root system from a hardy or disease-resistant plant. This practice allows for the propagation of plants that may not reproduce true from seed, or to combine desirable traits of two different plants.

Grafting is commonly used in fruit tree cultivation, as it allows growers to select rootstocks that provide specific benefits such as dwarfing, disease resistance, or adaptation to certain soil conditions. The scion then provides the desired fruit variety. For example, apple trees are almost always grafted, with the rootstock determining the mature size of the tree and the scion dictating the type of apple produced. It is also utilized in ornamental horticulture, particularly for creating trees with weeping habits or specific flower colors, and in some vegetable crops like tomatoes and cucumbers to enhance vigor and disease resistance.

Successful grafting requires precise alignment of the cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock, as this is the actively growing tissue responsible for vascular connection. Various methods of grafting exist, including whip and tongue, cleft, bud, and bridge grafting, each suited to different plant types and purposes. The technique is essential for preserving genetic uniformity and for accelerating the production of fruit or ornamental features in many plant species.