Questions and Answers
What type of embryos are used to develop artificial seeds?
Artificial seeds are primarily used for the propagation of zygotic plants.
False
What is one reason seed propagation may not be successful in certain crop species?
Heterozygosity of seed, minute seed size, or need for mycorrhizal fungi association.
What is one characteristic of clonal propagation systems?
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Artificial seeds involve the production of tissue culture derived ______ encased in a protective coating.
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What is one advantage of artificial seeds over traditional seed propagation?
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Study Notes
Artificial Seeds and Their Applications
- Artificial seeds are developed from somatic embryos, enabling new agricultural advancements.
- This technique facilitates the propagation of transgenic plants, non-seed producing plants, and polyploids with desirable traits.
- Artificial seeds simplify the labor-intensive selection process of conventional breeding, offering cost-effective solutions to farmers.
Need for Artificial or Synthetic Seed Production Technology
- Micropropagation ensures a plentiful supply of specific plant species.
- Certain species face challenges in seed propagation due to heterozygosity, small seed size, and the need for mycorrhizal fungi for germination (e.g., orchids).
- Seedless varieties, such as grapes and watermelons, typically require vegetative propagation, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Artificial seed production is viewed as an efficient alternative for propagating important agronomic and horticultural crops.
Characteristics of Clonal Propagation Systems
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Micropropagation:
- Low volume and small scale.
- Ensures genetic uniformity of plants.
- Requires acclimatization of plantlets before field planting.
- High cost per plantlet with low multiplication rates.
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Greenhouse Cuttings:
- Similar to micropropagation in volume and scale.
- Maintains genetic uniformity and requires rooting before field planting.
- High cost per plantlet with multiplication rates constrained by mother plant size.
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Artificial Seeds:
- Supports high volume and large scale propagation.
- Maintains genetic uniformity and allows direct field delivery of propagules, eliminating transplant stages.
- Lower cost per plantlet with rapid plant multiplication.
Distinction from Commercial Seeds
- Artificial seeds should not be confused with commercial synthetic cultivars, which consist of advanced generations of open-pollinated populations made from selected inbred clones or hybrids.
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Description
Explore the innovative technique of artificial seeds derived from somatic embryos, a groundbreaking method in plant propagation. This quiz delves into the applications of artificial seeds in agriculture, particularly in the context of transgenic plants and non-seed propagation. Gain insights into how this technology can transform agricultural practices.
