Question

State disadvantages of vegetative propagation
For 15 points

Answer 1

Advantages of vegetative propagation
1.For propagation of plants that produce little or no viable seeds
2.Many fruits are cross pollinated, so to provide consistent quality without variation vegetative propagation is preferred
3.Most often easier, rapid and more economical method
4.Flowering period is short compared to seed propagated plants
5.Method of choice in propagating plants in unfavourable environmental condition
6.Method of choice for plants to be grown in orchards and gardens due to its small size
7.Qualities of two plants can be successfully combined to form a superior hybrid plant in vegetative propagation
Disadvantages of vegetative propagation
1.Vegetative propagated plants are short lived, small compared to seed propagated plants
2.No new varieties can be produced
3.Skilled persons are required and often expensive compared to seed propagation
4. More susceptible to diseases as the entire plant may get affected as there is no genetic variation

Answer 2

Disadvantages. A major disadvantage of vegetative propagation is that it prevents species genetic diversity which can lead to reductions in crop yields. The plants are genetically identical and are all, therefore, susceptible to pathogenic plant viruses, bacteria and fungi that can wipe out entire crops.