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Plant propagation is the process by which new plants grow from various sources, includingseeds,cuttings, and other plant parts. Plant propagation can refer to both man-made and natural processes.
Propagation typically occurs as a step in the overall cycle of plant growth. For seeds, it happens after ripening anddispersal; for vegetative parts, it happens after detachment or pruning; for asexually-reproducing plants, such asstrawberry, it happens as the new plant develops from existing parts.[1]
Countless plants are propagated each day inhorticulture andagriculture.
Plant propagation is vital to agriculture and horticulture, not just for human food production but also for forest andfibre crops, as well as traditional andherbal medicine. It is also important forplant breeding.[2][3]
The term "propagation" comes from the Old Frenchpropagacion "offshoot, offspring" (13c.) and directly from Latinpropagationem (nominativepropagatio) "a propagation, extension, enlargement,".[4] this now means "the act of producing a new plant from a parent plant."[5]
Seeds andspores can be used for reproduction (e.g.sowing). Seeds are typically produced fromsexual reproduction within a species becausegenetic recombination has occurred. A plant grown from seeds may have different characteristics from its parents. Some species produce seeds that require special conditions to germinate, such ascold treatment. The seeds of manyAustralian plants and plants from southernAfrica and theAmerican west require smoke or fire to germinate. Some plant species, including manytrees, do not produce seeds until they reach maturity, which may take many years. Seeds can be difficult to acquire, and some plants do not produce seed at all. Some plants (like certain[6] plants modified usinggenetic use restriction technology) may produce seed, but not a fertile seed.[7] In certain cases, this is done to prevent the accidental spreading of these plants, for example by birds and other animals.[8]
Plantroots,stems, andleaves have a number of mechanisms for asexual orvegetative reproduction, which horticulturists employ to multiply orclone plants rapidly, such as intissue culture andgrafting.[9] Plants are produced using material from a single parent and as such, there is no exchange of genetic material, therefore vegetative propagation methods almost always produce plants that are identical to the parent.
In some plants, seeds can be produced without fertilization and the seeds contain only the genetic material of the parent plant. Therefore, propagation via asexual seeds orapomixis is asexual reproduction but notvegetative propagation.[8]
Techniques for vegetative propagation include:
A heated propagator is a horticultural device to maintain a warm and damp environment for seeds andcuttings to grow in. They generally provide bottom heat (maintained at a particular temperature) and highhumidity, which is essential in successful seed germination and in helping cuttings to take root. In colder climates they are sometimes used for plants like peppers andsweet peas which need warmer environments (about 15°C, for the plants listed) in order to germinate. If excessive condensation forms on the inside of the lid, the gardener can open the ventilating holes to regulate the temperature a little.
Non-electric propagators (mainly a seed tray and a clear plastic lid) are a lot cheaper to purchase than a heated propagator, but without the constant regulated warmth and bottom heat provided by a heated propagator, growth of seedlings tends to be slower and less consistent (with increased risk of seeds failing to germinate).[10][11]
Anelectricseed-propagation mat is a heatedrubber mat covered by a metal cage that is used ingardening. The mats are made so that planters containing seedlings can be placed on top of the metal cage without the risk of starting afire. Another example is aseedling heat mat, multiple layers of durable, water resistant plastic material with insulated heating coils embedded inside (similar to underfloor heating systems, but with rubber mat instead of flooring).[12] In extreme cold, gardeners place a loose plastic cover over the planters/mats which creates a sort of miniaturegreenhouse. The constant and predictable heat allows people to raise seedlings in the winter months when the weather is generally too cold for seedlings to survive naturally outside. When combined with alighting system, many plants can be grown indoors using these mats.[13] This can increase the variety of plants that a gardener can use.
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