Question

Describe with suitable examples, the following artificial methods of vegetative propagation
A. Stem cutting
B. Layering

Answer 1

All vascular plants go through asexual reproduction and this is known as vegetative propagation. In this type of reproduction, seeds are not used for producing new plants.Stem cutting and Layering are types of artificial vegetative reproduction.

Complete answer:
The artificial vegetative reproduction is carried out by humans in the laboratories and fields.

In Stem Cutting, a piece of plant is used for vegetative reproduction by horticulture. Stem cutting includes the tip of the stem without the apex and one or more nodes from the portion of the parent plant. This creates an exact copy of the parent plant and is a type of cloning. The portion of the plant should be diseased to create the new plant. The stems near the Callus produce the adventitious roots. The cutting is then placed in a suitable medium below the surface. Some plants take time to reproduce whereas, some reproduce readily. Humidity, indirect light, and good soil temperature help in the healthy growth of roots of the new plant.
Layering is a common way of vegetative propagation and is seen naturally too. In some stems when the proper rooting medium is present, the roots start growing from the stem even if they are attached to the parent plant. Some plants naturally propagate through layering and some need assistance. The best way to layer a plant is to create a wound in the stem.

Note:
The medium in which rooting takes place should provide constant aeration and moisture.The artificial methods of propagation help grow many plants from one plant. When the stem is cut from the parent plant the xylem and phloem cells stop the tubes to reduce the flow of precious fluids.