Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which plant is commonly grafted or budded?

1. Roses

2. Yew

3. Pansy

4. Gingko

The correct answer is: Roses

Roses are commonly grafted or budded because these techniques allow for the propagation of specific varieties that have desirable traits, such as flower color, disease resistance, or hardiness. Grafting involves joining the tissue of two plants so they grow as one, which is often used to combine the rootstock's robust characteristics with the scion's superior flowering qualities. Budding is a particular form of grafting where a single bud is inserted into the rootstock. This method is particularly effective for roses, allowing horticulturists to produce plants that retain the characteristics of the desired variety while benefitting from the strengths of a more vigorous root system. This propagation technique is crucial in the rose industry to ensure consistency in plant traits and enhance marketability. In contrast, yews and ginkgos are typically propagated through cuttings or seeds rather than grafting due to their specific growth characteristics and requirements. Pansies, being annuals, are primarily grown from seeds or transplants instead of being grafted or budded. Thus, roses stand out as the clear choice for these propagation methods.