Final answer:
A scion is the section of a stem with buds from one plant grafted onto the rootstock of another plant, used in grafting to combine favorable characteristics of both plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
In grafting, the stem of the plant to be grafted is known as the scion. It is the part of the plant that is attached or grafted onto the root stock of another plant. The scion is cut at an oblique angle and placed in close contact with the root stock. The vascular systems of the two plants grow and fuse, forming a graft.
A scion is part of a plant that is used in the process of grafting. Specifically, a scion is the section of a stem with buds that is taken from one plant (the desirable plant) and grafted onto the root system, known as the stock, of another plant. This process is an artificial method of asexual reproduction and is commonly used to combine the favorable characteristics of two different plants, such as a stem that produces good fruit and a root system that offers disease resistance or hardiness against environmental conditions.
Grafting is a technique widely utilized in horticulture and agriculture for the propagation of plants such as roses, citrus species, and grapevines in viticulture. By grafting a scion onto an established rootstock, it is possible to produce plants that grow faster, show increased disease resistance, and withstand tougher conditions compared to newly sown seeds or newly germinated plants. Moreover, since the scion is taken from an adult plant, it has the capacity to mature and produce flowers and fruits sooner than a rooted plant cutting or a plant started from seed.