grafter

A grafter is a person who practices grafting, a horticultural technique where 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 propagation of plants that have desirable characteristics, such as fruit quality or disease resistance, but are difficult to grow from seed. Grafting allows growers to combine the best traits of two different plants, for example, a fruit tree with excellent fruit but a weak root system can be grafted onto a rootstock that has a strong, disease-resistant root system.

Grafters must possess a precise skill set, as the success of the graft depends on careful alignment of the cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock. The cambium is the layer of actively dividing cells just beneath the bark, and its contact is essential for the vascular tissues to connect and allow for the flow of water and nutrients. Various grafting methods exist, including whip-and-tongue grafting, cleft grafting, and budding, each suited for different plant types and situations. Professional grafters often work in nurseries, orchards, or botanical gardens, contributing to the propagation of a wide variety of plants, from fruit trees and ornamental shrubs to rare and endangered species. The practice is ancient, with evidence suggesting its use in antiquity.