Question

Explain artificial methods of vegetative propagation in plants.

Answer 1

Artificial vegetative propagation is the deliberate production of new plants from parts of old plants by humans. This can be done by following

• Layering: In this method, a young branch is bent and pressed into moist soil. After some time roots develop from the covered part. This is called a layer. Now the branch can be cut from the parent and a new plant is produced. This method is used to propagate plants such as jasmine, black raspberries.
• Cuttings: In this method, a healthy young branch with a few nodes and internodes is cut off and most of its leaves are removed. Now the cut end is stuck into some good moist soil. Care is taken that the soil remains moist. The cutting will then develop roots, and grow into a new plant. This method is used to propagate plants like rose, sugarcane and pineapple.
  
• Grafting: is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock