Brilio.net - Vegetative reproduction is one way for plants to reproduce without going through the process of fertilization. This method allows plants to produce offspring that are genetically identical to their parents. Vegetative reproduction can occur naturally or artificially. In natural vegetative reproduction, plants use parts of their bodies such as roots, stems, or leaves to produce new individuals. Meanwhile, artificial vegetative reproduction involves human intervention to propagate plants with certain techniques.
Vegetative propagation has many advantages, especially in terms of speed and efficiency. Plants that reproduce vegetatively can produce offspring in a relatively short time and in large quantities. In addition, this method also allows plants to maintain the superior characteristics of their parents. Therefore, vegetative propagation is often used in agriculture and horticulture to multiply plants that have high economic value.
For that, brilio.net has summarized from various sources, Wednesday (18/9) will explain the various types of natural and artificial vegetative propagation, complete with their definitions. By understanding the various methods of vegetative propagation, deeper insight can be gained into how plants reproduce and how these techniques can be utilized in agricultural and horticultural practices.
Definition of vegetative reproductionVegetative reproduction is a process of reproduction in plants that occurs without going through the process of fertilization. In vegetative reproduction, plants produce new individuals from parts of their bodies such as roots, stems, or leaves. This process can occur naturally or with human assistance.
Various types of natural vegetative reproduction1. Shoots
A shoot is a part of a plant that grows into a new individual from a part of the parent body, such as a stem or root. Shoots can grow from leaf axils or from the base of the stem.
For example, banana and bamboo plants reproduce by budding. The buds that grow from the base of the stem will form a new individual that is identical to the parent.
2. Rhizome
Roots are stems that grow underground and have segments that can produce new shoots. Rhizomes function as food storage organs and reproductive organs.
For example, ginger and turmeric plants reproduce with roots. Rhizomes that grow underground will produce new shoots that grow into new individuals.
3. Stem tubers
Tubers are stems that are swollen and function as food storage organs. Stem tubers can produce new shoots from the buds on their surface.
One of them is potato and sweet potato plants reproduce with stem tubers. The buds on the stem tubers will grow into new shoots that develop into new individuals.
4. Stolon (Stolon)
Stolon is a stem that grows creeping above the ground surface and produces new shoots at each node. Stolon functions as a means of plant reproduction and distribution. Like strawberry plants and nutsedge reproduce with stolons. Shoots that grow on each stolon node will form a new individual that is identical to the parent.
5. Bulbs.
Bulbs are swollen stems composed of layers of fleshy leaves. Bulbs function as food storage organs and reproductive organs.
One of them is that shallots and garlic reproduce with bulbs. Shoots that grow from bulbs will form new individuals that are identical to their parents.
Types of Artificial Vegetative Propagation1. Grafting.
Grafting is an artificial vegetative propagation technique in which a part of the plant stem is peeled and wrapped in a planting medium until roots grow. After the roots grow, the stem is cut and planted as a new individual. For example, mango and guava plants are often grafted to reproduce plants with superior properties. This technique allows plants to produce offspring that are identical to their parents in a relatively short time.
2. Cuttings.
Cuttings are an artificial vegetative propagation technique in which a part of a plant's stem, leaf, or root is cut and planted to produce a new individual. Cuttings can be done on various parts of the plant depending on the type. Like roses and cassava plants are often propagated by stem cuttings. The planted stem pieces will grow new roots and shoots, forming a new individual that is identical to the parent.
3. Grafting.
Grafting is an artificial vegetative propagation technique in which the bud of one plant is attached to the stem of another plant. This technique is often used to combine the superior characteristics of two different plants. One of them is citrus and rose plants are often propagated by grafting. The bud of a plant that has superior characteristics is attached to the stem of another plant to produce a new individual with the desired characteristics.
4. Grafting (top grafting).
Grafting is an artificial vegetative propagation technique in which the upper stem of one plant is joined to the lower stem of another plant. This technique is often used to combine the superior traits of two different plants. For example, apple and grape plants are often propagated by grafting. The upper stem of a plant that has superior traits is joined to the lower stem of another plant to produce a new individual with the desired traits.
5. Tissue culture.
Tissue culture is an artificial vegetative propagation technique in which plant cells or tissues are grown in a culture medium to produce new individuals. This technique is carried out in a laboratory under sterile conditions. - Example: Orchids and bananas are often propagated by tissue culture. Plant cells or tissues are grown in a culture medium to produce new individuals that are identical to their parents.
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