Question

Explain artificial methods of vegetative propagation in plants.

Answer 1

Vegetative propagation is a mode of reproduction that is asexual. The creation of new plants from the parts of the old plants is artificial vegetative propagation. In horticultural practices, it is used extensively.

Complete answer: The mechanism by which new plants are produced from sections of the old plants is vegetative propagation or asexual reproduction. In horticultural crop nurseries, it is mainly used. There are three ways it can be done: layering, grafting, and cutting. As no gamete formation takes place, the offspring of the plants are clones of the original plant. Artificial vegetative propagation is the intentional development by humans of new plants from sections of old plants.
a. Layering: In this process, though still attached to the parenting plan, a portion of an aerial stem develops roots and gradually detaches itself and grows as an individual plant. Layering is carried out using two techniques, ground layering, and air layering. Examples include oranges, roses for climbing, etc.
b. Grafting: a plant stem is cut off in this process so that the roots are still in the soil. Stock is called this cut section. On the stock, a stem cutting is mounted from another plant that is called the scion. Generally, one part produces a wound or depression, and another part is inserted into it so that the tissue of each plant may grow together. Grafting, splice and whip grafting, whip and tongue grafting, and approach grafting can be accomplished in three ways.
c. Cutting: One of the simplest methods of dissemination is cutting. A small part of the stem or leaf is cultivated in the soil in this process, and it grows roots and forms a new plant. This is possible with Bougainvillea , rose, etc.

Note: Vegetative propagation is useful for the development of new plant varieties. For growing a plant, no seed is needed. In the development of plants that are difficult to propagate using seeds, this technique is also useful. Nevertheless, asexual reproduction does not lead to evolution.