suckering

Suckering is the growth of new shoots that arise from a plant's roots, crown, or below the graft union of a grafted plant. These shoots, called suckers, are typically vigorous and upright and can develop from latent buds on the root system or from the base of the trunk.

In horticulture, suckers occur on many woody species, including fruit trees such as apple and cherry, as well as willows and poplars. Suckers can divert water and nutrients away from the desired trunk or canopy and may produce fruit that is genetically different from the cultivated cultivar when they originate from rootstock in grafted trees.

Management aims to maintain the planned tree form and productivity. Remove suckers promptly, preferably at or just above the soil line or at their point of origin, using clean pruning tools to prevent disease. Avoid leaving stubs, and repeat removal over several seasons if needed. Ensure the graft union remains above soil to discourage rootstock suckers.

Some suckers are used for propagation or genetic improvement in controlled settings, but this is uncommon in ordinary orchard management. Generally, suckering is treated as a nuisance to be controlled to preserve vigor and fruit quality.