Question

Vegetative propagation in Pistia occurs by

• A. Stolon
• B. Offset
• C. Runner
• D. Sucker
  

Answer 1

The correct option is B Offset

Sucker
The sucker originates as a lateral branch from the underground axillary bud of an aerial shoot.
It grows underground obliquely for some distance before emerging upwards.
Suckers bear axillary buds at the nodes, which can give rise to new plants, e.g, Mint, Chrysanthemum, etc.

Runners
Runners arise from the basal internodes of the aerial branches and run horizontally over the ground.
A runner has long and thin internodes and branches creep over the surface of soil.
Adventitious roots develop at the nodes and aerial branches arise from the axils of scale leaves present at the nodes.
On getting separated from the parent plant, the daughter plants propagate in a similar manner.
Examples: Grasses, Oxalis, etc.

Offset
Offsets have lateral branches with short internodes.
At nodes, rosettes of leaves develop and roots below.
Upon detaching from the parent plant, each branch can grow into a new plant.
Examples: Pistia, Eichornia (Water Hyacinth).


Stolon
Stolon is a weak lateral branch that arises from the base of the main stem.
After growing aerially for sometime it bends downwards to touch the ground, where its terminal bud gives rise to a new shoot and adventitious root, e.g, strawberry.

Final answer:
(c) offset