Getting to Know Rootstock (Bottom_Stem) in Grape Cultivation. The lower stem or rootstock/understem is a plant that functions as a lower stem which is still equipped with a root system which functions to extract food from the soil for the upper stem or crown.
In general, in other plants, the rootstock comes from seeds. The advantages of rootstocks from seeds are: The development of the root system is stronger and deeper, because it has a tap root, so it is relatively more resistant to drought. Providing this type of rootstock can be done in large quantities.
The criteria for plants to be used as rootstock are:
- Able to adapt or grow compactly with the upper stem, so that the lower stem is able to unite and support the growth process of the upper stem.
- Plants are in healthy condition.
- The root system is good and deep and is resistant to unfavorable soil conditions, including being resistant to pests and diseases in the soil.
- Does not reduce the quality and quantity of plants grafted/grafted.
Rootstock care includes fertilization, pest and disease control, and watering. This needs to be paid attention to so that the rootstock grows fertile and healthy. Lush and healthy growth will make it easier to peel off the bark and wood, because the cambium cells are in an active state of division. The process of callus formation or wound healing goes well, so that in the end the success of the connection or grafting is also high.
In contrast to grapes, propagating rootstock comes from cuttings with the characteristics of certain variants which are deliberately designated as rootstock. The choice of rootstock for grape plants must be adjusted to the climate, soil conditions and characteristics, and the characteristics of certain diseases which usually spread from within the soil, such as nematodes & phylloxera. This is useful for obtaining rootstock that is able to adapt to soil and environmental conditions so that it can support the growth of scion/scion.
5 май 2024
