Wachstumsunterlage

Wachstumsunterlage refers to the material or medium upon which a plant is grown or grafted. In horticulture and agriculture, it serves as a support system for the plant, providing anchorage for roots and supplying essential nutrients and moisture. The choice of Wachstumsunterlage is critical and depends on factors such as the plant species, desired growth characteristics, soil conditions, and disease resistance.

There are several common types of Wachstumsunterlage. In fruit tree cultivation, for example, rootstocks are frequently used as the Wachstumsunterlage. These rootstocks can influence the size of the tree, its fruit production, and its adaptation to specific soil types. For instance, dwarfing rootstocks are used to create smaller trees that are easier to manage and harvest, while vigorous rootstocks promote larger growth.

In the context of grafting, the Wachstumsunterlage is the lower part of the grafted plant, to which the scion (the upper part) is attached. The root system of the Wachstumsunterlage nourishes the entire plant, and its genetic characteristics can impact the overall performance of the grafted variety. Similarly, in hydroponic or soilless cultivation systems, inert materials like rockwool, coco coir, or perlite can function as the Wachstumsunterlage, providing a physical structure for root development while the nutrient solution delivers water and minerals directly to the plant. The term can also encompass natural substrates like soil itself, which provides the fundamental Wachstumsunterlage for most terrestrial plants.