Rootstock research involves studying the relationships between the root system of a plant, known as the rootstock, and the above-ground portion of the plant, known as the scion. Rootstocks can influence various aspects of plant growth and development, including nutrient uptake, water uptake, disease resistance, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Researchers in this area study the effects of different rootstocks on the performance and quality of various crop plants, with the goal of developing rootstock varieties that can improve overall plant health and productivity. This research is particularly important for fruit trees, grapevines, and other perennial crops that are propagated through grafting.