R2104 3.1 Role of Vegetative Reproduction in Plant Prop

Question 1

What is meant by “vegetative reproduction”?

Answer 1

From of asexual reproduction which entails growing a new plant from part of an existing plant. New plant has same characteristics as parent plant and is a clone (genetically identical material)

Question 2

Benefit to plant of asexual reproduction?

Answer 2

Fertilisation is unnecessary

Question 3

Benefit to gardeners of vegetative propagation?

Answer 3

Retains characteristic of parent plant
Quicker to reach maturity
Avoids seed dormancy problems.
Some cultivars can only be reproduced by vegetative means

Question 4

Limitations of propagating by vegetative means

Answer 4

Limited availability of material
Lack of variation 
Transmission of disease 
Different propagation requirements and skills 
Need stable clones that won't revert

Question 5

Types of naturally and artificially occurring vegetative reproduction

Answer 5

Bulbs - compacted stem Narcissus
Corms - swollen stem - crocus vernus crocosmia masonorium
Stolons - stems growing horizontally close to ground and puts down roots from nodes (also called runners) ranunculus repens
Rhizomes - stems grow under surface of soil and develop roots and shoots at nodes - Aegopodium podagraria
Stem tubers - solanum tuberosum
Root tubers - Dahlia
Division - Rhus typhina Alchemilla mollis Hosta
Layering - Ficus elastica Cotinus Clematis Montana
Cuttings - leaf, leaf bud, root