Question

Describe the natural methods of vegetative reproduction. Write down its importance.

Answer 1

Vegetative reproduction

1. Vegetative reproduction is a mode of asexual reproduction where new plants grow without fusion of male and female gamete and from vegetative parts of the body.
2. Vegetative propagation may be natural or artificial.

Natural methods of vegetative propagation occurs by

Stem tubers:

1. They are underground modified stems to store nutrients.
2. At the node region new plants are developed by growing adventitious roots.
3. Example- potato, onion

Root tubers:

1. They are modified roots that store nutrients for a long period.
2. Example- Dahlia, sweet potato.

Suckers:

1. It is modified stem arises on the surface from the underground stem.
2. Example- Roses, raspberries, gooseberries.

Bulbs:

1. They are shortened, underground structures that store nutrients.
2. The stem is enclosed by fleshy leaves.
3. They produce adventitious buds that grow into new plant.
4. Example- Onion, garlic

Bulbils:

1. Small plants that developed from axillary buds of parent plant's stem.
2. Example- lilies, onion.

Leaves:

1. In Bryophyllum adventitious buds arises from the sides of leaves.
2. Later these buds grow into small plantlets.

Runners or stolons:

1. These are stems grow horizontally along the ground and have roots at node region that ultimately give rise to a new plant.