rootstock

/ˈruːtstoʊk/

Definitions

1. noun

A stem or lower part of a plant, especially a tree, that is grafted onto another plant or stock to increase its vigor or to change its variety.

“The farmer decided to graft the rootstock of a disease-resistant tree onto an older, more productive tree to create a hybrid with the best qualities of both.”

Synonyms

  • scion
  • stock
  • stolon