Võrsedeks

Võrsedeks is a term used in Estonian horticulture to refer to plant shoots that form new growth and can be used for vegetative propagation, or to describe shoots of current-year growth. The concept is closely related to võrsed, the general word for shoots in Estonian.

Shoots are the above-ground parts of a plant that extend from the stem and bear leaves, buds, and sometimes flowers. In propagation, specific shoots are selected based on health, vigor, and the desired purpose. Apical and lateral shoots may be used, with apical growth often providing rapid extension and vigorous new growth suitable for cuttings.

Propagation methods involving shoots include cuttings, layering, and grafting. Cuttings are prepared by trimming a portion of a shoot, often with a heel or leafless section, and placing it in a propagating medium to root. Layering involves bending a low-growing shoot to the ground and encouraging rooting before detaching it as a new plant. Grafting combines a shoot or bud (scion) with a rootstock and relies on compatible shoots to form a new plant.

Care and handling are important for successful propagation. Selected shoots should be healthy and disease-free. Treatments such as rooting hormones containing auxins may be used to improve rooting. The propagation environment should provide appropriate moisture, humidity, and light, with protection from extreme temperatures and pathogens.

Võrsedeks as a term reflects practical horticultural use of shoots for cloning plants, enabling rapid multiplication and genetic uniformity in ornamentals, fruit trees, and other crops. See also võrsed.