In grafting, the lower part of the plant is known as: (RJ ASCO 2011)

✅Explanation:
In grafting, the lower part of the plant, which provides the root system, is called the stock. The scion is the upper part of the graft, which is the desired variety that will produce the fruit or flowers. Grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues of two plants are joined together so they can continue their growth as a single plant.

📌 Other Options Explanations:
-Apical: Refers to the tip or apex of a plant shoot.
-Bud: A small lateral or terminal protuberance on the stem of a plant that may develop into a flower or shoot.
-Scion: A detached living portion of a plant, such as a bud or shoot, joined to a stock in grafting.