The phrase denotes young shoots or twigs from apple trees that are offered commercially. These segments are specifically intended for grafting onto a rootstock, which enables the propagation of desired apple varieties. For example, a buyer might seek ‘Honeycrisp’ shoots to graft onto a hardy rootstock suitable for their local climate.
Acquiring such material offers several advantages. It allows cultivators to reproduce specific apple cultivars reliably, ensuring consistent fruit quality and characteristics. Furthermore, it contributes to the preservation of heritage or rare apple varieties that might not be readily available through traditional seedling propagation. Historically, the practice of grafting, and consequently the exchange of these plant parts, has been vital in orchard management and the spread of apple cultivation globally.
