1. Sexual Plant Propagation

2. Definition
Propagation-to reproduce or increase in number

3. Types of Propagation: Sexual Uses seeds
Requires the union of pollen (male sex cells) and egg (female sex cell) in the ovary
Asexual
Produces exact duplicates of the plant
Uses part of the plant, such as leaf, stem, or root
Asexual propagation is possible because each individual cell of a plant has all characteristics of the entire plant and can re-grow missing parts

4. Propagation from Seeds:
Benefits
Quick
Inexpensive
Easy
Special requirements
Scarification-weakening of the hard seed coat
Ex: sandpaper, scratching or acid bath
Cold shock-moist, cold rest period for 8 weeks or longer
Light
Darkness
**Therefore, always follow the planting instructions**

5. Composition of seeds: Seed coat
Outside covering that protects the embryonic plant
Makes transportation and storage possible
Endosperm
Stored plant food
The first start of growth in a seed
Embryo (embryonic plant)
New plant that is developed as a result of fertilization
Extends root and seed leaves to form a new plant

6. What’s needed for Germination?
Temperature
Moisture
Air
Light or absence of it

7. Process of Germination
Seed absorbs water
Seeds proteins activated
Radicle (root) emerges
Plumule or embryonic shoot emerges
Leaves form and food production begins

8. Monocot Seeds Seed coat-protection Endosperm-a source of energy
Embryo-miniature plant that has:
Epicotyle-shoot above cotyledon
Hypocotyl-part of stem below the cotyledon
Radicle-primary root, supports seedling

9. Monocot Germination Seed swells Radicle grows down
First internode and epicotyl grows upward
New leaves form and food production starts
New root system develops
Temporary root system ceases to function and dies

10. Dicot Seeds Seed coat-protection Embryo-miniature plant
2 cotyledones-seed leaves
Epicotyl-true leaves
Hypocotyl-first stem, pulls seed upward
Radicle-forms roots

11. Dicot Germination Seed swells Radicle grows down
Hypocotyl forms arch that breaks soil surface
Hypocotyl reaches light and straightens up
Cotyledons turn green and make food
As new leaves develop, cotyledons dry up and fall off

12. Seeding

13. Selection of Seeds: Identify seeds grown locally
Check germination ability
Purchase from a reliable dealer
Chose hybrid varieties for greater vigor, uniformity, and flowering ability
Select uniform heavyweight or primed seeds

14. Improving Germination of Seeds:
Sorting
Seed quality
Weight
Heavier seeds tend to grow faster and produce larger plants
Primed or enhanced
Soaking in salt solutions of KCl or ethyl alcohol
Causes growth hormones to become active
More uniform, germinate sooner

15. Germination Medium Soil characteristics Firm Porous Uniform in texture
Sterile
Free of weeds, insects, and disease organisms

16. Soil Composition Loam composed of: What is loam? 45 % mineral matter
5 % organic matter
25 % air
25 % water
What is loam?
Equal parts of sand, silt, and clay

17. Germination Media: Peat moss
Partially decomposed vegetation that has been preserved under water
Collected from marshes, bogs or swamps
Has high capacity for holding water
Sphagnum moss
Dehydrated remains of acid bog plants
Sterile and lightweight, controls disease and has excellent water-holding capacity
Perlite
Volcanic origin that expands when heated
Improves aeration and drainage of media

18. Germination Media: Vermiculite Neutral pH High water-holding capacity
Jiffy mix
Composed of sphagnum moss, peat, fine grade vermiculite, and nutrients
To make your own media:
Good grade, sterilized topsoil
Proper drainage from sand or perlite
Peat, moss or vermiculite to add water-holding capacity
1/3 soil, 1/3 drainage material, 1/3 water-holding material
Sterilized or pasteurized by heating at 180°F for one-half hour