rootstock

[ root-stok, root- ]

noun

1. Horticulture. a root and its associated growth buds, used as a stock in plant propagation.
2. Botany. a rhizome.

rootstock

/ ˈruːtˌstɒk /

noun

1. another name for rhizome
2. another name for stock
3. biology a basic structure from which offshoots have developed

rootstock

/ ro̅o̅t′stŏk′,rt′- /

1. See rhizome

Word History and Origins

Origin of rootstock¹

First recorded in 1930–35; root ¹ + stock

Example Sentences

The workers at Wonderful Nurseries’ sprawling complex in Wasco tend to wine and table grapevines and nut tree rootstocks.

From Los Angeles Times

In the vineyard, these include using more disease and drought resistant grapes and rootstock, which require fewer chemical sprays and less water.

From Salon

Virtually all of our vines are planted on their own roots, while all of California is grafted onto rootstock that is resistant to a terrible pest called phylloxera.

From Seattle Times

Once scientists realized that the American vines were resistant to the pest, they used grafting to combine the Vitis vinifera scions — pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, champagne — with the American, phylloxera-resistant rootstock.

From Salon

The team tested how much 'torture' pistachio and walnut rootstock can withstand by placing them under drought stress.

From Salon