What is the process of grafting in horticulture?

Grafting is a horticultural technique where two plant segments are joined together to grow as a single organism. This process involves taking a section of one plant, known as the scion, and attaching it to another plant's root system, known as the rootstock. The two parts must be compatible for successful grafting, allowing them to combine vascular systems and ultimately function as one cohesive plant.

This technique is widely used for a number of reasons, including the propagation of desirable traits from one plant, such as fruit quality or disease resistance, onto a more robust or adaptable root system. Grafting can also accelerate growth rates and enhance yields compared to growing plants from seed alone.

The other choices focus on different horticultural practices that do not involve the merging of plant segments in this specific way. Applying protective wax to plant cuts is more about preventing disease and moisture loss, while transplanting seedlings entails moving young plants to larger containers to promote growth. Rooting cuttings refers to propagating new plants from cut parts of existing plants, which is distinct from the grafting process.