Rootstocks - Unsung Heroes

March 12, 2026 Bill Hageman

Rootstocks - Unsung Heros - Grow Organic

Unsung Heroes

The art of grafting is nothing new. Evidence of the Chinese using grafting techniques has been discovered dating back to as early as 1560 BC. The joining of two pieces of living tissue, or grafting, is used with fruit and ornamental trees, berries, vegetables and many other plant varieties.

The purpose of grafting is to combine qualities of the scion with that of the rootstock. Multi-Grafted trees are a good example of selected scion varieties added to specific rootstock for the selected qualities of the scion, like hardiness, fruit taste or appearance. But what about the hardworking rootstock?

For a detailed comparison of rootstock vigor, disease resistance, soil adaptability, and growth influence, see our Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart.

Rootstocks Can Control the Size of the Tree

The rootstock can help control the mature size of a tree. Standard size, semi-dwarf or dwarf are available in most fruit tree varieties. You should also control the size of the tree by pruning, but the rootstock will help as well. If you are limited in space or need to grow in a container, dwarf trees are great choices. If you have the room but don’t want to break your neck with tall ladders, a semi-dwarf is a good size tree.

Rootstocks Can Resist Biotic Stress

Not only can rootstocks determine the mature size of a tree, they can also add disease resistance. For example, the apple rootstock Geneva 935 is used for its superior resistance to fire blight and crown rot. You will still need to watch over and treat your trees for diseases and insects, but the rootstock can impart some resistance.

Rootstocks Can Resist Abiotic Stress

Abiotic stressors, such as heavy soils, wet or dry soils, and salinity can be resisted by certain rootstocks. Check out Dave Wilson Nursery for more information on various the rootstocks they use and the qualities of each. Next time you enjoy a piece of fruit from your grafted fruit or nut tree, give a little thanks to that hardworking rootstock!

FAQs About Rootstocks

What exactly is a rootstock in grafted fruit trees?

A rootstock is the part of a grafted plant that provides the roots and lower trunk. The scion (the top part) is a cutting from a desired fruit variety grafted onto it. The rootstock supports growth by supplying water and nutrients from the soil and can also influence many aspects of how the tree grows.

How does the rootstock affect the size of a fruit tree?

Rootstock selection controls the vigor of a tree. Some rootstocks are dwarfing and produce small trees ideal for limited space, while others are semi‑dwarf or vigorous, leading to larger trees. This size influence is due to how the rootstock affects hormone balance, nutrient transport, and growth dynamics.

Can rootstocks help trees resist disease and pests?

Yes. Many rootstocks are bred to provide resistance or tolerance to soil‑borne diseases (like root rot) and pests (like nematodes). While they don’t make a tree immune, they can significantly reduce susceptibility compared with growing trees on weak or non‑resistant roots.

What kinds of environmental stress can rootstocks help with?

Certain rootstocks improve tolerance to abiotic stresses — such as drought, wet soils, salinity, or certain soil types — by helping the tree manage water and nutrient uptake more effectively under challenging conditions.

Do rootstocks influence fruit quality or yield?

Yes. Because they affect nutrient and water uptake and physiological signaling, rootstocks can indirectly influence fruit size, flavor attributes, color development, and how early a tree begins to bear fruit. Different rootstock‑scion combinations can yield subtle variations in these traits.