The procedure of joining parts from two or more plants so that they appear to grow as a single plant, particularly pertaining to Malus domestica, is a horticultural technique employed to propagate desirable traits. It bypasses sexual reproduction, ensuring genetic consistency in the resultant fruit. The bud or scion wood from a chosen variety is united with the rootstock of another, selected for its vigor and disease resistance.
This method offers significant advantages in fruit production. It allows for the rapid multiplication of superior varieties, bypassing the lengthy and uncertain process of growing trees from seed. Furthermore, it enables the utilization of rootstocks that control tree size, impart disease resistance, and adapt to specific soil conditions. Historically, this technique has been instrumental in the development and dissemination of improved apple cultivars, contributing to increased yields and fruit quality.