Name: Reproduction: An Introduction
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 2 min 56 s
Description: Reproduction is the production of offspring. There are two main forms: sexual and asexual reproduction. know more about it in this video.

Question

Describe the various methods of vegetative reproduction.

Accepted Answer

Natural methods Vegetative Propagation
This occurs when plants grow and develop naturally without any human interference. Natural vegetative propagation can be enabled by the development of adventitious roots. Thus, new plants may emerge from the roots, stem, and leaves of the parent plant.

The vegetative plant structures arising from the stem are known as rhizomes, bulbs, runners, tubers, etc. The plants propagated vegetatively are given below:

Stem
Runners grow horizontally above the ground. The buds are formed at the nodes of the runners.

Roots
New plants emerge out of swollen, modified roots known as tubers. Buds are formed at the base of the stem.

Leaves
Leaves of a few plants get detached from the parent plant and develop into a new plant.

Bulbs
Bulbs have an underground stem to which the leaves are attached. These leaves are capable of storing food. The center of the bulb contains an apical bud that produces leaves and flowers. Shoots are developed from the lateral buds.

Artificial methods Vegetative Propagation
This is a type of vegetative reproduction carried out by humans in the fields and laboratories. The most common types of vegetative reproduction occurring artificially include:

Cutting
In this, a part of a plant, specifically a stem or leaf is cut and planted in the soil. These cuttings are sometimes treated with hormones to induce root development. The new plant is formed from the adventitious roots developing from the cutting.

Grafting
In this, cutting from some other plant is attached to the stem of the plant rooted in the ground. The tissues of the graft become integrated with the tissues of the rooted plant and develop as a single plant over time.

Layering
In this, the stem of the plant is bent to the ground and covered with soil. Adventitious roots emerge from the plant parts covered with the soil. This attached stem with developing roots is known as a layer.

Tissue Culture
In this, the plant cells from different parts of a plant are cultured in the laboratory to develop a new plant. This technique helps increase the number of rare and endangered plant species that are unable to grow under natural conditions.

Describe the various methods of vegetative reproduction.

Important Questions on Reproduction in Plants and Animals

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