Plant Propagation Techniques

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to lab techniques in plant propagation, including layering, grafting, bulbs, tubers, and tissue culture protocols.

Layering

A method of vegetative propagation where a stem is encouraged to develop roots while still attached to the parent plant.

Grafting

A technique where tissue from one plant (scion) is inserted into another plant (rootstock) to grow together.

Necrotic Plate

The discolored area on a graft that may prevent successful union between scion and rootstock.

Scion

The upper part of the graft that contains the desired cultivar.

Rootstock

The lower part of the graft that provides root support.

Aseptic

Free from contamination by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms; important in tissue culture.

Explant

A piece of plant tissue used to initiate a culture.

Agar

A gelatinous substance used as a growth medium in plant tissue culture.

True Bulbs

Specialized underground storage organs with a short stem and fleshy leaves (e.g., onions, lilies).

Corms

Underground storage organs that are solid and filled with starch (e.g., gladiolus).

Tubers

Swollen storage stems that grow underground (e.g., potatoes).

Tuberous Roots

Modified roots that store nutrients (e.g., sweet potatoes).

Rhizomes

Horizontal underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots (e.g., iris, canna).

Shoot Multiplication

The process of producing multiple shoots from an explant in tissue culture.

Stage IV Acclimatization

The final stage of tissue culture where plants adjust to external conditions before being planted in soil.