Rootstock

/ROOT-stok/
🍇Viticulture

Root system onto which fruiting vines are grafted.

Full Definition

Rootstock is the root system onto which fruiting grape varieties are grafted. After phylloxera devastated European vines, American species (resistant to the pest) became universal rootstocks. Different rootstocks affect vigor, drought tolerance, soil adaptation, and even wine character. Most vines worldwide are grafted.

Related Terms

graftingphylloxerascion

See Also

viticultureown rooted
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