Question

In vegetative propagation by tubers, which of following characteristic/s remains constant through generations?

• A. Morphology
• B. Vigour only
• C. Vigour and morphology only
• D. Morphology, vigour and disease resistance

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Morphology, vigour and disease resistance

Tubers are underground stems which exist under the soil surface. They function as storage tissue for food and nutrients, propagation of new clones and perennation ( survival from one growing season to the next ). Plants use underground stems to multiply their number by asexual reproduction or vegetative propagation and to survive from one year to next, usually over the period of dormancy. Axillary buds, commonly known as ‘eyes ‘ form over the tuber surface and produce shoots that grow into a new plant.

The main advantage of vegetative propagation is that the genetic material of the only parent is passed to next generation.So the new plants are essentially the clones of the mother plant and they bear the same morphology, vigour and disease resistance as the mother plant.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.