Plant Cloning: Vegetative Propagation

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in plant cloning and vegetative propagation.

Vegetative propagation

A form of asexual reproduction where new, genetically identical individuals develop from non-reproductive tissues of a parent plant.

Asexual reproduction

The production of offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, without the fusion of gametes.

Clones

Offspring produced through vegetative propagation that are genetically identical to the parent.

Rhizomes & give example

Specialised horizontal underground stems that store food and can produce new vertical shoots and roots from buds along rhizome (Eg Marram grass)

What are stolons (suckers) & give example?

Stolons are horizontal stems that grow ALONG the soil surface away from the parent plant with nodes or stem tips that can root to form new plant (Eg Strawberries)

Suckers & give example

Shoots that emerge from the shallow root buds of the parent plant (Eg Elm trees)

What are tubers & give example

Form when the tips of the stem become swollen with food which has buds on the tuber surface which can develop into new shoots (Eg potatoes)

Bulbs & give example

Swollen leaf bases that store food and can form new shoots from the bud inside (Eg Daffodil)

Cutting

A section of a stem, root, or leaf taken from the parent plant and planted to grow a clone.

Give the steps for stem cutting:

1. Cut a 5-10 cm piece from the end of a parent plant's stem using a sharp, sterile tool.

2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only one leaf at the top.

3. Dip the cut end in rooting powder

4. Plant the cutting in a suitable growth medium, such as compost.

5. Place it in warm, moist conditions to promote root development.

6. Once rooted, transplant the new clone.

Rooting powder

A substance containing plant hormones that encourage root growth when applied to the cut end of a plant cutting.

Advantages of vegetative propagation

Fast reproduction, high yield, cost-effective, maintains crop quality as new plants have same genetic traits as parents, and allows survival in adverse conditions and regenerate in each season

Disadvantages of vegetative propagation

Lack of genetic variation, susceptibility to diseases, pests, and climate change.