Questions and Answers
What is the main advantage of vegetative propagation compared to sexual propagation?
Which method of propagation involves rooting a severed piece from a parent plant?
What are the primary materials needed for air layering?
Which of the following is NOT a concern related to vegetative propagation?
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What is the ideal media composition for rooting cuttings?
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In layering, why is it beneficial to use difficult to root plants?
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Which tool is NOT typically used for collecting materials in vegetative propagation?
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What is one of the main requirements for successful cuttings?
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What is one purpose of plant propagation?
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Which method of propagation results in genetically identical plants?
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What is an advantage of seed propagation?
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Which factor does NOT affect seed germination?
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What is a recommended condition for storing seeds?
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When is the best time to transplant seedlings?
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Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of seed propagation?
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Which characteristic is crucial for seedling media?
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Study Notes
Purposes of Plant Propagation
- Increase the number of a species.
- Ensure species continuity and survival.
- Maintain plant vitality and youth.
Types of Propagation
- Sexual Propagation: Involves seeds, requires union of pollen and egg.
- Asexual Propagation: Involves vegetative methods, creates genetically identical offspring from stems, roots, or leaves.
Seed Advantages
- Ability to generate numerous seedlings from one parent plant.
- Seeds can be stored for future use.
- Facilitates breeding for new varieties and hybrid vitality.
- Helps prevent disease transmission.
Seed Disadvantages
- Genetic inconsistency in offspring.
- Hybrid seeds cannot be saved for future planting.
- Longer growth period before maturity, particularly for woody plants.
- Presence of irritants in some seed coverings.
Seed Storage
- Store seeds in sealed, moisture-free containers.
- Refrigerate at 40°F to maintain viability.
- Seed viability can last up to 5 years but varies by species.
- Prior to planting, check the germination percentage of stored seeds.
Factors Affecting Germination
- Water: Essential for seed hydration (imbibition).
- Oxygen: Necessary for respiration in viable seeds.
- Light: Some seeds require light (e.g., impatiens) while others need darkness (e.g., pansy).
- Temperature: Different seeds have optimal temperature ranges for germination.
Seedling Media Requirements
- Media should have fine, uniform particle size.
- Must provide good drainage and be free of contaminants (insects, diseases).
- Low in soluble salts.
- Garden soil is unsuitable due to its heaviness and lack of sterility.
Transplanting Seedlings
- Transplant when plants are less prone to shock, typically after true leaves develop.
- Seedlings can remain longer in cell packs or containers.
- Wait 1-2 weeks to fertilize post-transplantation at a low rate.
Asexual (Vegetative) Propagation Methods
- Cuttings: Taking a piece from a parent to grow roots.
- Layering: Rooting a stem attached to the parent plant.
- Division: Splitting multi-crown plants for multiple new specimens.
- Grafting and Budding: Joining two plant parts.
- Tissue Culture: Culturing plant tissue under aseptic conditions.
Vegetative Advantages
- Faster growth leading to larger, fuller plants.
- Maintains genetic consistency with the parent.
- Necessary for propagating certain species.
- Avoids juvenile growth stages.
Vegetative Propagation Concerns
- Requires significant effort for collecting and preparing materials.
- May demand specific structures and sufficient water.
Cuttings
- Efficient production of multiple plants from few parents in small spaces.
- Requires proper structure and moisture management.
- Some plants are more challenging to root and might need wounding or rooting hormones.
Tools and Materials for Vegetative Propagation
- Shears, saws, and specific tools depending on plant size.
- Containers such as trays, pots, and sleeves.
- Suitable media for rooting.
Media Requirements
- Must be sterile, low in nutrients, and well-draining.
- Retains moisture effectively.
- Common mixes include peat/perlite and vermiculite/perlite in equal parts.
Propagation Structures
- Simple: Plastic bag over a container with moist peat.
- Backyard: Enclosed structure with misting systems.
- Large: Structures covered with plastic and equipped with mist systems.
Layering Techniques
- Useful for hard-to-root plants; produces larger root systems.
- Minimal material required from parent plants, but involves time investment.
Air Layering Process
- Utilize sharp knives to create two deep cuts around the branch, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Peel off bark and disrupt cambium layer for successful rooting.
- Secure wet sphagnum moss over the cut area, then wrap with plastic or foil.
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Description
Explore the essentials of plant propagation, including its purposes, such as multiplying and perpetuating species, as well as maintaining plant health. This quiz covers both sexual and asexual propagation methods, detailing how each process works and its significance in horticulture.
