Question

Name three common methods which are used for the artificial propagation of plants.

Answer 1

Artificial reproduction/propagation is the creation of new life by other than the natural means available to an organism. Cutting plants' stems and placing them in compost is also a form of artificial reproduction. The process of growing many plants from one plant by man-made methods is called artificial propagation of plants. The three common methods for the artificial propagation of plants are; cuttings, layering, and grafting.

1. In layering, a branch of the plant is pulled towards the ground and a part of it is covered with moist soil leaving the tip of the branch exposed above the ground. After some time, new roots develop from the part of the branch buried in the soil. The branch is then cut off from the parent plant. The part of the branch which has developed roots grows to become a new plant (just like the parent plant).
2. Grafting is a method in which the cut stems of two different plants are joined together in such a way that the two stems join and grow as a single plant. This new plant will have the characteristics of both the original plants. Their part of the plant with root is called stock and the one without roots is called Scion.
3. In cutting, a particular stem is cut taking care of its nodes. the part that is cut is treated with auxins are lowered into the soil. This results in the formation of a new plant.