Vegetative Reproduction or Vegetative Propagation - Artificial Vegetative Propagation

The process in which a part of a plant is detached from the mother plant by humans and grown independently into a new plant to quickly produce plants while retaining the mother plant's qualities is called artificial vegetative propagation. It is done by cuttings, layering, and grafting.

In this method, a piece of stem, root, or leaf is cut from the parent plant and planted in soil or another suitable medium. Under proper conditions, it develops roots and shoots and grows into a new plant.

• A stem cutting is most commonly used.
• The cutting must be taken from a healthy parent plant.
• It is a simple and quick method.
• It is useful for producing many plants in a short time.

Examples

• Rose
• Bougainvillea
• Sugarcane
• Blackberry

Cutting

In layering, a branch of the parent plant is bent towards the ground and covered with soil while still attached to the plant. Roots develop from the buried part, and later the branch is cut off to grow as an independent plant.

• The branch remains attached to the parent plant during early root formation.
• This increases the chances of survival because the branch continues to receive nourishment.
• It is useful in plants with flexible branches.

Examples

• Jasmine
• Grapevine
• Litchi

Layering

In grafting, a part of one plant is joined to the rooted stem of another plant so that both grow as one plant. The upper joined part is called the scion, and the rooted lower part is called the stock.

• The scion is selected for desirable flowers, fruits, or shoots.
• The stock is chosen for its strong roots and better adaptability.
• This method combines useful characters of two plants.
• It is widely used in horticulture.

Examples

• Mango
• Apple
• Pear
• Rose

Grafting

Micropropagation is the production of many plants from a small piece of plant tissue under sterile laboratory conditions. It is also called tissue culture propagation.

• It is useful for rapid multiplication of disease-free plants.
• A very small amount of tissue can produce many plants.
• It is highly useful for commercial plant production.

Examples

• Banana
• Orchids

Micropropagation of Banana