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Propagation. The art of asexually reproducing plants. Intro. Propagation is the process of making a new plant also called a clone genetically identical to the parent plant that it originated from. Germination.
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Propagation The art of asexually reproducing plants
Intro • Propagation is the process of making a new plant also called a clone genetically identical to the parent plant that it originated from.
Germination • An optional step of propagating seeds is to germinate the seed outside of soil before planting. • This ensures a successful start for your plants.
Germination Needs • For germination to be initiated, two conditions must be fulfilled. • First, the seed must be alive and capable of germination. • Second, the seed must meet the appropriate environmental conditions: available water, proper temperature, a supply of oxygen, and sometimes light.
Seed PropagationGerminating • A good way to do this is to fold the desired seed in a wet paper towel. • Let it sit inside the wet paper towel until roots begin to sprout out of the seed. • When 2-3 centimeters of root is showing it is ready to be planted.
Seed Propagation(continued) • Place the seed (root down) in the recommended depth of soil which is about twice the seed length. • Cover with soil and pack down lightly. • Make sure to water enough to saturate the soil but not to much for it can cause the seed to drown or promote mold growth.
Seed Propagation • Some prefer to simply take the desired seed, push into the soil and water gently. • This method works but the survival and growth rate are lower than if the seeds are germinated first.
Division • Division is close to the layering method of propagation. • This method is executed differently for different types of stems. • Stolons, runners, and offset stems are used for this method of propagation.
Division(continued) • Stolons and runners are treated relatively the same. • Stolons are separated from the leaf axil. • Runners form plantlets at their ends which begin to root before separation.
Division(continued) • Offset stems create plantlets like runners. • The plantlets are located at the base of the stem or leaf axil unlike runners. • They also can grow roots before separation like runners.
Cuttings • In cutting propagation, a portion of the stem, root, or leaf is cut from the parent plant and is induced to form roots and stems by chemical, mechanical, and/or environmental control. • The new plant produced is referred to as a clone, which is identical to the parent plant • The three parts used in this method are; roots, stems, and leaves. There are multiple techniques for each.
Cuttings(continued) • Stem cuttings can be divided into four groups according to the nature of the wood used: hardwood, succulent, softwood, and herbaceous.
Cuttings(continued) • All cuttings must survive without roots, until the roots form, the rooting environment must support the new clone. • Speed of handling and placing of material into an environment that will enhance root development is needed for success. • When the roots are developed the plant can now independently grow and thrive.
Importance of cuttings • Cuttings are the most important means of propagating ornamental shrubs; deciduous species, as well as the broad and narrow leaved evergreens. • Cuttings are also used in commercial greenhouse propagation of many florists crops such as poinsettias, chrysanthemums, geraniums, foliage crops, certain fruit crops and some vegetables.
Importance of cuttings • Many clones can be started in a limited space from a few parent plants • It is inexpensive, rapid, and simple, and does not require the special techniques necessary in grafting, budding, or micropropagation
Disadvantages of Cuttings • It is not always desirable to produce plants on their own roots by cuttings even if it is possible to do so. • Cutting propagation, like any other asexual technique, may potentially increase risk and susceptibility to disease.
Making a Cutting • First you must have your media prepared in pots. • For the media to be ready it should be damp and have important ingredients such as vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss.
Making a Cutting • Second you need to have a healthy mature plant. • Take one branch that is in good condition and find a node.
Making a Cutting • A node is where a bud or branch emerges from the stem.
Making a Cutting • Clean the leaves off up to three inches up the branch. • Gently push the cutting into the moistened media 2 inches • Lightly press down the soil around the cutting to ensure the support of your newly planted clone