Plant Propagation Flashcards

What is the term for growing plants from seeds?

Answer: Sexual propagation

Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds, which are formed through the fusion of male and female gametes. This method results in genetic recombination, leading to offspring that are genetically diverse from the parent plants, allowing for the development of new varieties.

Which propagation method involves using a cutting to grow a new plant?

Answer: Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction where new plants are grown from a part of the parent plant, such as a stem, leaf, or root cutting. This method produces genetically identical clones of the parent plant, ensuring that desirable traits are precisely replicated.

Which plant hormone is commonly used to encourage root formation in cuttings?

Answer: Auxins

Auxins are a class of plant hormones that are crucial for cell elongation, apical dominance, and the initiation of root development. Applying auxins to cuttings stimulates the formation of adventitious roots, significantly increasing the success rate of vegetative propagation.

What is the purpose of stratification in seed propagation?

Answer: To mimic natural winter conditions

Stratification is a process that exposes seeds to cold, moist conditions for a specific period to break dormancy. This mimics the natural winter environment many seeds experience, signaling to the embryo that conditions are favorable for germination in the spring.

Which propagation technique involves bending a branch to the ground and covering it with soil?

Answer: Layering

Layering is a vegetative propagation technique where a stem or branch is encouraged to form roots while still attached to the parent plant. By bending a branch to the ground and covering a portion with soil, the buried section develops roots before being detached to grow as an independent plant.