Question

The stem branch used in layering is the

• A. Upper branch.
• B. Young branch.
• C. Soft basal branch.
• D. Hard basal branch.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Soft basal branch.

The development of roots on a stem while the stem is still attached to the parent plant is called layering. The heavy and closely branched stems of trees like fruit producing trees can be layered by the method of mound layering. The plants are cut near the soil level when they are not growing. Dormant buds on stem produce new shoots in spring. The new shoots are soft basal branches of the stem. When these shoots are covered with mound of soil they grow roots at the bases of shoots.

Covering of shoots helps in etiolation. Etiolation is the formation of plant parts or roots in absence of light.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.