Transcript Propagation

Plant Propagation
SEXUAL AND ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
Plant Anatomy
FLOWERS, SEEDS, AND SHOOTS
Flower Parts
Dicot Seed
Plant Anatomy
Dicot Stem Cross Section
Stolon vs. Rhizome
Stolon
Rhizome
Propagation
Sexual Reproduction
 Reproduction
involving the
exchange of genetic
information, i.e.
seeds and spores.
Asexual Reproduction
 Reproduction
without the
exchange of genetic
information
resulting in an
identical clone, i.e.
cuttings and
division.
Propagating by Seeds
 Seed harvesting and storage
 When to sow
 Seed treatments
 Depth
 Temperature
 Media
 Transplanting seedlings
 Pathogens
Seeds Collection and Storage
Harvesting
 When harvesting no
longer impairs
germination
Storage
 Dry seeds
 Prevent excessive
moisture
 Maximum dry
weight
 Cool temps
 Rh + Temp < 100
When to sow seeds
Seeding
Direct sow
 Saves time and space
 Many cool season
crops such as lettuce
and spinach
Transplant
 Improve
germination
 Plants that mature
slowly
 Plants with tap roots
such as peas and
radishes
 Increase yield or
promote flowering
Seed Treatments for Germination
 Scarification
 Stratification
 Soaking
Depth
 Light requirements
 Twice as deep as the size of the seed
 Too shallow is better than too deep
Temperature
 Some seeds need certain temperature cycles to break
dormancy.
 Some crops, such as eggplants, need temps in excess of
80 degrees
 As a general rule, temperatures in the mid 60’s are ideal.
 Bottom heat can accelerate germination and plant
growth.
Media
 Seed germination media should be fine,
retain moisture, and drain readily.
 Fafard Superfine Seed Germination Mix is a
good choice.
 Avoid media with coarse perlite and large
pieces of bark.
Transplanting
 Soil temps- plants can take up nutrients when soil temperatures
are above 40, but soil temps of 50 for warm season vegetables
and perennials is preferred.
 Evaluate roots- transplant when roots and reached the side of
the container and have started to turn down. Avoid letting
transplants become pot bound.
 Handle young seedling by their leaves only. It is very easy to
crush a stem during transplanting.
 Attempt to spread roots out so they are not bent.
 Manage shock- maintain consistent moisture. If using fertilizer
wait until at least 3 irrigations have occurred before fertilizing.
Pathogens and Pests
 Damping off
 Insects
 Fungus
 Animals
Asexual Propagation
 Tissue Culture/Micro-propagation
 Layering
 Grafting/Budding
 Division
 Cuttings
Tissue Culture
Layering
Simple Layering
Air Layering
Grafting
Whip and Tongue
Budding
Division
 Timing- typically right after flowering
 Balance- maintain a balance between root
and shoot
 Manage shock- maintain consistent moisture
until established.
Cuttings

Competence: Competent cells found in nodes or basal plate

Timing: Specific to every plant

Condition of stock plant: Disease and pest free. Usually active but not vigorous
growth

Cone of Juvenility: Juvenile tissue roots easier. Can be important with hard to
root species. Mature tissue fruit or flowers faster, important with grafting fruit
trees.

Ripeness: Semi-ripe wood usually roots best

Auxin : Cytokinin

Media- well draining: retains moisture

Temperature- bottom heat will greatly increase rooting speed/

Humidity- maintain high humidity but not standing water in leaves.
Cone of Juvenility
Phytohormones: Auxin
 Auxins root ‘em : Cytokinins shoot ‘em
 Auxin is synthesized in small amounts in the apical
meristem and then transported down the dark side
of the plant.
 Auxin is photosensitive.
 There are numerous forms of synthetic auxin.
Phytohormones: Cytokinin
 Cytokinin is synthesized in the roots and promotes
cell division.
 The relative amount of auxin to cytokinin are key to
plants regulating growth.
Plant Anatomy
References
 The Complete Book of Plant Propagation,
Clark and Toogood, 1992
 Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices,
Hartmann and Kester, 1983
 Seed Starter, Heffernan, 1996