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Rootstock refers to the below-ground portion of a grafted plant that provides the root system and lower trunk for a desired above-ground plant variety. In horticulture and agriculture, rootstock serves as the foundation onto which a scion, or desired plant variety, is grafted to create a new plant with combined characteristics.

The practice of grafting onto rootstock has been used for centuries to propagate plants that cannot reproduce true to type from seeds or cuttings. Rootstock selection is crucial because it influences the grafted plant's size, hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to specific soil conditions. Different rootstock varieties can dwarf or invigorate the scion, making them valuable tools for managing plant growth in confined spaces or commercial orchards.

Common applications include fruit trees, where rootstock controls tree size and improves resistance to soil-borne diseases, and roses, where rootstock enhances cold tolerance and vigor. Citrus, apple, and grape vines are other crops frequently propagated using specialized rootstock varieties.

Rootstock works by establishing a vascular connection between the root system and the grafted scion, allowing for the exchange of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates. The rootstock's genetic makeup determines many characteristics that affect the plant's overall performance, including drought tolerance, pH preferences, and resistance to nematodes and other soil pathogens.

Modern rootstock breeding programs develop varieties specifically selected for particular growing conditions and crop requirements. Nurseries maintain rootstock collections and propagate them through cuttings or seed, depending on the species and desired traits. The success of grafted plants depends largely on compatibility between rootstock and scion varieties, proper grafting techniques, and appropriate aftercare during the healing process.

The use of rootstock remains an essential technique in sustainable agriculture and gardening, allowing growers to optimize plant performance while reducing chemical inputs and improving crop resilience.