Asexual Propagation by Cuttings Plant Propagation Original work from “Applied Technologies” edited and used with permission by Dr. Teri Hamlin Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July 2002

Table of Contents Introduction to Plant Propagation Sexual Propagation Asexual Propagation Stem, Leaf, Cuttings Layering Separation & Division Tissue Culture Budding and Grafting

Asexual Propagation What 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 plants Many plants don’t come true from seeds Some plants don’t produce viable seeds Take advantage of useful “freaks of nature”

Mutant Tissue

What is a CLONE? A group of plants derived from a single individual plant. Disadvantage: NO Genetic Diversity!

Most common type of asexual propagation Common Types of Cuttings: Stem Cuttings Leaf Cuttings Leaf Bud Cuttings

Rules for Cuttings Typically take cuttings from New Growth Collect cuttings early in the morning Collect cuttings from healthy stock plants Provide proper environment for rooting

The Proper Environment... The Media Must be sterile Must provide air exchange Must hold moisture The Atmosphere Need HIGH relative humidity

Rooting Hormones Indoleacetic Acid (IAA) natural plant hormone causes roots to form on stems IBA & NAA Most commonly used Comes in powder or solution

Plant Propagation