In grafting, stock is

Options

A. Stem of desired variety
B. Bud of desired variety
C. Part of rooted plant
D. Part to be grafted

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Grafting**: Grafting is an artificial method of vegetative reproduction used primarily in plants. It involves joining two different plants together so that they grow as one.

2. **Identifying the Components**: In grafting, there are two main components:
- **Scion**: This is a small shoot of a plant that possesses desirable traits. It is the part that is grafted onto another plant.
- **Stock (or Stalk)**: This refers to the root system of another plant that remains intact. It serves as the base onto which the scion is grafted.

3. **Characteristics of Stock**: The stock must have a healthy root system to support the scion. It is important that the stock has cambium, which is a layer of tissue that allows for the growth and connection of the two plants.

4. **Grafting Process**: The scion is attached to the stock in such a way that the cambia of both parts come into contact. This is crucial for the successful integration of the two plants.

5. **Plants Suitable for Grafting**: Grafting is commonly performed on dicots such as mango, apple, pear, and citrus plants. This is because dicots have cambium, which is necessary for the grafting process.

6. **Conclusion**: In the context of the question, the stock in grafting refers to the part of the rooted plant that provides the root system for the scion.

**Final Answer**: In grafting, the stock is the part of the rooted plant that serves as the base for the grafting process.

---