Asexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction

The production of a new plant from only one parent, resulting in genetically identical offspring (clones).

Genetically Identical

The key genetic outcome of asexual reproduction; the new plants are clones with the same DNA as the parent plant.

Two Types of Asexual Reproduction

1. Apomixis, 2. Vegetative Reproduction

Apomixis

A type of asexual reproduction where seeds are produced without fertilization.

Vegetative Reproduction

A type of asexual reproduction that involves plant parts (like stems or roots) producing buds that grow into a new plant.

Vegetative Propagation

The process within vegetative reproduction involving fragmentation and regeneration.

Fragmentation

A piece of the parent plant (a fragment) breaks off.

Regeneration

The broken-off fragment regrows into a whole new plant.

Adventitious Roots

Roots that grow from a stem or leaf when it touches the soil, leading to a new plant (e.g., sweet potato, dahlia).

Specialized Stems

Plant parts from which new buds grow and develop into new plants.

Rhizome

A horizontally growing, underground stem (e.g., ginger, lotus).

Tuber

A swollen, underground stem that stores food and has "eyes" (axillary buds) that can sprout (e.g., potato, turnip).

Bulb

A short, underground stem surrounded by fleshy leaves, with a central bud that forms the shoot (e.g., onion, garlic, tulip).

Corm

A swollen, vertically oriented, underground stem (e.g., banana, taro/gabi).

Runner / Stolon

A stem that grows horizontally above ground and gives rise to new roots and plants at its nodes (e.g., strawberry, grasses).

Sucker

A lateral (side) branch that grows from the underground part of the stem (e.g., bamboo, pineapple, chrysanthemum).

Cutting (Artificial Propagation)

The most common artificial method where a piece of a plant (stem, root, or leaf) is cut and induced to grow into a new plant.

Layering (Artificial Propagation)

A method where roots are developed on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant (e.g., climbing roses, honeysuckle).

Grafting (Artificial Propagation)

A method that involves joining the tissues of two plants so they grow as one.

Scion

The upper part of the plant used in grafting.

Stock

The lower, rooted part of the plant used in grafting.