Rootstocks: Diversity, Domestication, and Impacts on Shoot Phenotypes.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Biology
• Horticulture

Background:

• Grafting is an ancient technique connecting a plant's root system (rootstock) to its shoot (scion).
• Primarily used in woody perennial crops to influence scion characteristics.
• Rootstock's role is often overlooked compared to scion research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significance of rootstocks in perennial crop cultivation.
• To explore natural grafting, agricultural applications, and rootstock domestication.
• To discuss emerging research areas like molecular interactions and rootstock microbiomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of natural and agricultural grafting.
• Analysis of rootstock diversity and domestication history.
• Synthesis of current research on rootstock molecular interactions and microbiomes.

Main Results:

• Rootstocks are crucial for manipulating scion phenotype in perennial crops.
• Significant diversity exists in rootstocks, with ongoing domestication efforts.
• Rootstock molecular interactions and microbiomes are key areas for future research.

Conclusions:

• Rootstocks offer a powerful tool for enhancing perennial crop performance.
• Understanding rootstocks is essential for advancing sustainable agriculture.
• Further research into rootstock biology can expand cultivation possibilities.