why do some plants go for vegetative propagation even though they are flower
ing plant
Answers
A mode of reproduction in plants in which a vegetative part, like the stem, root, leaves develop into new plant under favourable conditions is called vegetative propagation. It is also considered as a type of asexual reproduction as only one parent is involved.
Natural Methods of Vegetative Propagation
1. From Root
Tuberous roots of sweet potato and asparagus become swollen due to storage of food. This forms the new plants in the next season.
2. From Stem
Underground and subaerial stems are modified for vegetative propagation.
Examples
Tuber of potato is an underground stem which stores food. It has buds in the depression called eye which can give rise to a new plant.Vegetative Propagation
Rhizome is an underground stem that bears buds. Ex ginger, turmeric.
Vegetative Propagation
Bulb is a small disk-like stem surrounded by scale leaves.It is found in onion. In this, a new plant can arise from the stem.
Vegetative Propagation
An aerial stem of grass mint and strawberry may give rise to new plant by vegetative propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
3. By leaves
Leaves of bryophyllum bear adventitious buds in the Notches in the margin of the leaf. When leaf follows the ground beef buds grow to form the independent plant.
Artificial Methods of Vegetative Propagation
1. Cutting
In this method, the healthy branch having leaf Buds is planted in the moist soil. The cutting develops roots and grows into a new plant. Example Rose, bougainvillaea, sugarcane
2. Layering
In this process lower branch of the plant is bent towards the ground and covered with moist soil. The tip of the branch comes out of the soil. After some days the roots are developed. The branch is cut and allowed to grow at a new place. Example Jasmine
3. Grafting
This is a common method used to develop new varieties. In this method, a branch of desired variety of a plant called scion is grafted with a plant of the same type having a well-developed root system (stock).After some days the tissues of the stock and scion join to form a new plant. Example: Mango.
Advantages of Vegetative Propagation
It allows quick and easy propagation.
Plants can bear flowers, fruits earlier than those produced from seeds.
It is only the possible method of reproduction of such plants which have lost the capacity to produce viable seeds.
The offspring is an exact copy of the parent.