Tüveühendamise

Tüveühendamine, 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 technique is most commonly used for asexual reproduction of commercially grown plants, particularly fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.

The primary goal of grafting is to combine desirable traits from two different plants. For example, a scion might be chosen for its superior fruit quality or flower color, while the rootstock is selected for its disease resistance, adaptability to certain soil conditions, or dwarfing effect on the overall plant size. This allows growers to cultivate plants that may not be readily available through seed propagation or that possess a combination of characteristics not found in a single variety.

Grafting requires careful preparation and execution. The cambium layers of the scion and rootstock must be in close contact for a successful union to occur. Various grafting methods exist, each suited to specific plant types and conditions, including whip and tongue grafting, cleft grafting, bud grafting, and bridge grafting. The success of a graft depends on factors such as the species compatibility, the health of the plant material, the timing of the graft, and proper aftercare to prevent desiccation and disease. Tüveühendamine is a vital practice in modern horticulture, enabling the propagation of many popular plant varieties.