Question

What causes the joining of stock and scion in grafting? Name one positive trait that the plant contributing scion should have and one positive trait that the plant contributing to the stock should have.

Answer 1

Hint: Grafting, also known as graftage is a horticulture technique in which tissues of plants are joined to continue their growth together. The upper and lower parts of the combined plants are called scion and stock or rootstock respectively. Grafting is used in asexual reproduction process of commercially grown plants for the horticultural and agricultural trades. In most cases of grafting, one plant is selected for its roots (stock) and the other plant is selected for its stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits (scion).

Complete answer:
The joining of the two parts of the plant in grafting is caused by the combining of the vascular tissues of the scion and stock. The plant which contributes for the scion should be able to produce flowers and fruits quicker than the plant which is planted through seeds and the plant which is contributing for stock or rootstock should be able to keep the plant more resistant to soil borne pests and diseases. The factors responsible for a successful graft are compatibility of scion and stock, cambium alignment and pressure, competed during appropriate stage of plant and proper care of graft side.

Note:
The success of the joining of these tissues requires that the vascular tissues grow together and such a process of joining is called inosculation. The scion contains desired genes. These desired genes are to be duplicated in future production by the stock/scion plant. The advantages of the grafting process are: precocity, dwarfing, ease of propagation, hybrid breeding, hardiness, sturdiness, disease/pest resistance, pollen source, repair, change cultivars and genetic consistency.