In grafting, which method is described as joining a scion to a stock?

In grafting, which method is described as joining a scion to a stock?

• A. Whip or tongue
• B. Cleft graft
• C. Bud graft
• D. Layering

Answer: (A)

Joining a scion to a stock is most clearly described by the whip or tongue graft. In this approach, both pieces are cut so their cambial layers align along a length, creating a vascular bridge for nutrients to move between the rootstock and the scion. The diagonal “whip” cuts provide a matching surface, and adding a small “tongue” on each piece helps interlock them and increases contact area, which improves healing and stability. This method is especially effective when the pieces are similar in diameter because it ensures good alignment of the cambial tissues. Other grafting styles work differently: a cleft graft splits the stock and inserts a scion into that gap, a bud graft places a single bud under the bark of the stock, and layering doesn’t join two cut pieces at all—it propagates a shoot while it remains attached to the parent plant until it roots.

Joining a scion to a stock is most clearly described by the whip or tongue graft. In this approach, both pieces are cut so their cambial layers align along a length, creating a vascular bridge for nutrients to move between the rootstock and the scion. The diagonal “whip” cuts provide a matching surface, and adding a small “tongue” on each piece helps interlock them and increases contact area, which improves healing and stability. This method is especially effective when the pieces are similar in diameter because it ensures good alignment of the cambial tissues.

Other grafting styles work differently: a cleft graft splits the stock and inserts a scion into that gap, a bud graft places a single bud under the bark of the stock, and layering doesn’t join two cut pieces at all—it propagates a shoot while it remains attached to the parent plant until it roots.