Plant Propagation Quiz

Asexual Propagation and Plant Propagation Methods

Key Concepts

  • Asexual Propagation Parts

    • Not Used: Seeds

Hybrid Plants Characteristics

  • More Productive than open-pollinated varieties

  • Less Disease-Prone: Contrasted with open-pollinated varieties

  • Genetic Diversity: Not inherently true-to-type when saved seed used

Storing Seeds

  • Important Storage Guidelines:

    • Keep seeds in a cool, dry place

    • Avoid maintaining temperatures at 70°F and high humidity

Seed Germination Processes

  • Scarification:

    • Definition: Process of breaking or softening the seed coat to allow water entry

  • Seed Starting Media:

    • Care: Must not dry out once germination begins

    • Nutritional Quality: High fertility levels not required

  • Dormancy Breaking Method (Stratification):

    • Definition: Involves moist perlite and refrigeration for 10-12 weeks

Seed Sowing Guidelines

  • Medium Sized Seeds:

    • Best sown at a depth three times their diameter

Transplanting Guidelines

  • Ideal Timing for Seedlings:

    • When first true leaves appear

Hardening Techniques

  • Methods to Harden Plants:

    • Lowering temperatures

    • Decreasing humidity

    • Giving less water

    • Not Recommended: Applying high nitrogen fertilizer

Plant Cutting Methods

  • Types of Stem Cuttings:

    • Fall/Early Winter: Hardwood cuttings

    • Root Cuttings:

      • Best taken during dormant season with carbohydrate supply

Layering Method

  • Type of Layering:

    • Simple Layering: Involves bending a stem to the ground for rooting

Bulb Formation

  • Bulb Care Technique:

    • Removing entire basal plate of a bulb is referred to as Scooping

Propagation Techniques for Specific Plants

Plant Types and Methods

  • Crocus and Gladiolus:

    • Propagated from Corms

  • Dahlias:

    • Best propagated by cutting tubers into sections with at least one eye

  • Grafting Basics:

    • Scion Definition: Shoot with dormant buds grafted onto rootstock

Successful Grafting Conditions

  • Necessary conditions include:

    • Compatibility of scion and rootstock

    • Cambial layers meeting

    • Mistaken Point: Graft union does not need to remain dry

Grafting Techniques

  • Whip or Tongue Grafting:

    • Used for plant materials between ¼ to ½ inch in diameter

Fern Propagation

  • Fern Spores:

    • Clusters of small dots or stripes called Sori

Difficult to Propagate Plants

  • Orchids and Others:

    • Commonly propagated through Tissue Culture