In grafting, which statement describes the typical roles of rootstock and scion?

• A. Rootstock provides the root system; scion provides the upper growth and fruit characteristics.
• B. Rootstock provides the upper growth; scion provides the roots.
• C. Both parts share identical roles.
• D. Only the scion is retained after grafting.

Answer: (A)

In grafting, the two pieces contribute different functions to the same plant. The rootstock supplies the root system—the part that anchors the plant and takes up water and nutrients, and it can influence overall vigor, size (dwarfing or vigor), drought tolerance, and disease resistance. The scion provides the upper growth—the trunk initials, branches, leaves, flowers, and ultimately the fruit characteristics that come from the chosen variety. The two parts are joined so their cambium layers align and unite, creating a single plant that carries the rootstock’s root system and the scion’s above-ground traits. This is why the statement described is that the rootstock provides the root system while the scion provides the upper growth and fruit characteristics. The other ideas don’t fit: the rootstock does not supply the upper growth or the scion’s roots; both parts do not have identical roles; and after grafting, both parts remain connected as one plant, not just the scion.