write 4 methods of vegetative propagation with examples.
Answers
What is Vegetative Propagation?
Vegetative propagation is an asexual method of plant reproduction that occurs in its leaves, roots and stem. This can occur through fragmentation and regeneration of specific vegetative parts of plants.
Let us explore the different types of vegetative propagation and its examples in detail.
Types of Vegetative Propagation
Different types of vegetative propagation include:
Natural Vegetative Propagation
This occurs when plants grow and develop naturally without any human interference. Natural vegetative propagation can be enabled by the development of adventitious roots. Thus, new plants may emerge from the roots, stem and leaves of the parent plant.
The vegetative plant structures arising from the stem are known as rhizomes, bulbs, runners, tubers, etc. The plants propagated vegetatively are given below:
Stem
Runners grow horizontally above the ground. The buds are formed at the nodes of the runners.
Roots
New plants emerge out of swollen, modified roots known as tubers. Buds are formed at the base of the stem.
Leaves
Leaves of a few plants get detached from the parent plant and develop into a new plant.
Bulbs
Bulbs have an underground stem to which the leaves are attached. These leaves are capable of storing food. The centre of the bulb contains an apical bud that produces leaves and flowers. Shoots are developed from the lateral buds.
Also Read: Asexual Reproduction in Plants
Artificial Vegetative Propagation
This is a type of vegetative reproduction carried out by humans on the fields and laboratories. The most common types of vegetative reproduction occurring artificially include:
Cutting
In this, a part of a plant, specifically a stem or leaf is cut and planted in the soil. These cuttings are sometimes treated with hormones to induce root development. The new plant is formed from the adventitious roots developing from the cutting.
Grafting
In this, the cutting from some other plant is attached to the stem of plant rooted in the ground. The tissues of the graft become integrated with the tissues of the rooted plant and develop as a single plant over time.
Layering
In this, the stem of the plant is bent to the ground and covered with soil. Adventitious roots emerge from the plant parts covered with the soil. This attached stem with developing roots is known as a layer.
Tissue Culture
In this, the plant cells from different parts of a plant are cultured in the laboratory to develop a new plant. This technique is helpful in increasing the number of rare and endangered plant species that are unable to grow under natural conditions.