Here's the difference:

* Reproduction is the process of creating new organisms from existing ones. This involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, leading to offspring with unique traits. Examples include seed production and vegetative propagation methods like cuttings.

* Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It doesn't involve the creation of new genetic material, but rather the use of existing plant parts to create new individuals that are genetically identical to the parent. Grafting is one such method.

How Grafting Works:

Grafting involves joining a section of one plant (the scion, which contains the desired traits) to the root system of another plant (the rootstock). The scion and rootstock must be compatible (related species), and the cambium layers (the growing tissue) of both plants are carefully aligned.

Over time, the scion and rootstock grow together, forming a single plant. The rootstock provides the foundation and support, while the scion contributes the desired characteristics, like fruit type, flower colour, or disease resistance.

Why Use Grafting?

Grafting is used for various reasons:

* To propagate plants that are difficult or slow to reproduce from seed.

* To combine the desirable traits of two different varieties of plants. For example, grafting a disease-resistant rootstock with a fruit-producing scion.

* To produce new plants with specific characteristics, like dwarfing or fast-growing varieties.

It's important to understand that grafting is a form of asexual propagation, meaning the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. It does not involve the combining of genetic material from two parent plants as seen in sexual reproduction.