Asexual Propagation by Cuttings

Table of ContentsIntroduction to Plant PropagationSexual Propagation Asexual Propagation

Stem, Leaf, Cuttings Layering Separation & Division Tissue Culture Budding and Grafting

Asexual PropagationWhat is it?

The reproduction or multiplication of a plant without a seed…not a sexual process

Reasons to Use Asexual Propagation

To produce uniform, superior plantsMany plants don’t come true from

seedsSome plants don’t produce viable

seedsTake advantage of useful “freaks of

nature”

MutantTissue

A group of plants derived from a single individual plant.

Disadvantage:

NO Genetic Diversity!(All of the plants have

identical genes.) Why is this a problem???

Most common type of asexual propagation

Common Types of Cuttings:Stem CuttingsLeaf CuttingsLeaf Bud Cuttings

Cut part of the plant

Roll in a hormone.

Place in media (SOIL).

Keep cutting moist until it has its on roots.

Rules for Cuttings

Typically take cuttings from New Growth

Collect cuttings early in the morningCollect cuttings from healthy stock

plantsProvide proper environment for

rooting

The Proper Environment...

The MediaMust be sterileMust provide air exchangeMust hold moisture

The AtmosphereNeed HIGH relative humidity

Rooting Hormones

Indoleacetic Acid (IAA)natural plant hormonecauses roots to form on stems

IBA & NAAMost commonly usedComes in powder or solution