Explain the concept of avocado grafting and its role in avocado cultivation, including techniques for grafting and benefits of grafted avocado trees.

Avocado grafting is a horticultural technique used to propagate avocado trees by joining the stem (scion) of a desired avocado cultivar onto the rootstock of another avocado tree. This method allows growers to replicate desirable traits, such as disease resistance, fruit quality, and yield, while also controlling factors like tree size, vigor, and adaptability to specific environmental conditions. Grafting techniques include whip grafting, cleft grafting, and budding, each of which involves precise cutting, alignment, and sealing of the graft union to promote successful fusion and growth. Grafted avocado trees typically exhibit faster growth, earlier fruiting, and improved overall performance compared to seed-grown trees, making them preferred for commercial orchards and home gardens.