Plant Propagation

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Plant Propagation
An introduction to the proper, propagation of
plants!
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What Is Asexual Reproduction?

• Asexual reproduction in plants involves the
  reproduction of new plants using only the
  vegetative parts of the parent plant
• Also called Plant Propagation

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Why Should We Propagate?

• What if the plant is difficult to germinate or
  doesnt create a viable seed?
• Think about an orchid!
• What if the plant that you want more of is
  perfect? You want it to be true to seed.

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• This form of reproduction produces plants that
  are identical to the parent plant

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• Asexual propagation may be faster than
  propagation by seed
• Germination and growth of seedlings is often slow
  compared to propagation by cuttings
• It may also be more economical to produce plants
  asexually and in many cases it is easier

So lets learn more about propagation!!!!!
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Propagation, Interrogation

• Leaf stem cutting
• Division, Separation, and Layering
• Grafting and Budding
• Tissue Culture

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All of these put together are great ways to
propagate just about any plant!!!!
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Review of Plant Parts
bud
stipule
stem
midrib
node
axil
internode
blade
petiole
node
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Leaf and Leaf-Bud Cuttings

• A leaf cutting is a piece of a leaf blade, or a
  leaf blade with a petiole attached

A leaf-bud cutting consists of a leaf blade, the
petiole, and a short piece of stem with an
attached bud
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Leaf Cuttings

• Healthy leaves that have just reached maturity
  should be used for leaf cuttings
• Some plants may be propagated using only the leaf
  blade or a section of the leaf
• The leaf is cut from the parent plant and the cut
  edge placed on top of the rooting medium or
  inserted into the medium
• New plants develop along the edge of the leaf.

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Leaf Cuttings Continued

• Some plants require that both the leaf blade and
  petiole be removed from the parent plant
• These cuttings should be placed deep enough in
  the medium to keep the cutting upright
• Moisture is very important for the growth of the
  cutting
• The cuttings cannot absorb water quickly so they
  must be kept moist
• However, too much water will cause the cuttings
  of most plants to rot

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Processing the Cutting

• What you should do with the cutting before
  planting to ensure less water loss?
• Process it immediately
• If not possible put the cut into water and bag it
  up. Put it into direct sun.
• Remove some of the leaves. About 1/2 to 2/3 of
  the leaves. If large leaves are left, cut them
  in half.
• Place in the rooting medium, put pot in a bag
  (keep the bag off of cutting), and put the
  processed cutting in the greenhouse. Keep it out
  of direct light.

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Rooting Medium and Root Formation

• Rooting Medium- The substance that allows maximum
  root growth. Usually consisting of different
  parts water absorbers and aerators.
• A good rooting medium should consist of 50
  vermiculite and 50 perlite. This will hold
  sufficient air and water for maximum root growth.
• To encourage root formation, apply a rooting
  hormone to the edge of the cutting.
• Keep your cuttings at temperatures between 65 and
  75 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Now lets get goin into the greenhouse and
practice some cuttings in our groups!!!!!