1. Greenhouse Mrs. Michaud
Plant Propagation
Greenhouse
Mrs. Michaud

2. Cuttings
Separation/Division
Seeds
Plant Propagation
Grafting
Budding
Layering

3. What is Propagation Reproducing Plants
Most common way to propagate is through seeds
A sexual process through the union of pollen (male sex cell) with the egg (female sex cell)
Can be through self-pollination and cross-pollination

4. What is Propagation
Propagating by seed will not always produce exact duplicate of parent
Hybrids are the offspring of two different cultivars
To get exact duplicates asexual reproduction must be used
Sexual reproduction involves the seed, fruit, and flower
Asexual reproduction involves the roots, stems, and leaves

5. What is Propagation Asexual Reproduction
Cuttings
Separation and division
Grafting
Layering
Budding
Each single plant contains the exact set of DNA as the parent plant
Tissue culture is also asexual reproduction

6. Propagation of Plants from Seed
Seeds of annual plants (plants that complete their life cycle in one year) generally come true to seed
Named cultivars are specific individual plants that have been named to indicate their particular traits
(impatiens shown left)

7. Special Treatment of Seeds for Germination
Seeds must go though scarification before they can germinate (this meaning their hard seed coat is soaked or scratched)
Others need a moist, cold rest period before germination (below 37 degree F)
Always follow directions on seed package

8. Composition of Seeds Seed Coat Endosperm (food supply)
Embryo (baby plant)

9. Identification and Selection of Seed
Identify seeds grown locally
Select seeds tested for germination ability/purity
Purchase seeds from a reliable dealer
Chose hybrid varieties for greater vigor
Select uniform heavyweight or primed seeds

10. Improvement of Seeds
Seed quality has been improved and seeds sorted by weight
Seeds are primed or enhanced (soaked in KCl to make enzymes active)
This allows for a more uniform and successful crop

11. Germination Medium Soil Sand Peat moss Sphagnum moss Perlite
Vermiculite
Jiffy mix
Want medium that is firm, porous, uniform in texture, and sterile

12. Review from Friday What is propagation?
What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction in plants?
What are the three parts of a seed?
What parts of the plant are used in sexual reproduction?

13. Indirect Seeding
Process in which seed is sown in a place separate from where the plants will eventually grow to maturity
Often grown in flats

14. Flats Flats are plastic and in many shapes and sizes
Medium is placed in flat and leveled out about ½ to ¾ “ from top
Seeds are sown in rows

15. Individual Cells in Cavity Seedling Trays
Small cell like pots are available
Machines plant one seed at a time in each cell
Cells are deep and narrow
Easier to transplant with less root damage

16. When to Seed Depends on the date when needed or season when needed
Check the back of your seed packet so that you know when to plant your seeds

17. When to Seed Example Eggplant – 8 weeks before transplanting
If you want them ready to plant outside by June 1 then you should plant them inside by April 1

18. Sowing Seeds Sow seeds directly into rows from packet
Plant one or two seeds per cell or per hole
After sown, cover seeds with moss or light coating of potting soil

19. Sowing Seeds
As soon as seeds are sown, label them with name, variety, and date
Label with pencil or waterproof marker
                                                        

20. Watering the Seed Flat
Water is needed to make the seed coat soft so that the plant can break through
Best way is to set flat in a tub and water in taken up through capillary action
If watered from top be careful not to wash seeds out of flat

21. Conditions for Germination
                                                            
Should receive a bottom heat of degree F
After germination soil must be kept moist but not wet
Seedlings should be fed weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer

22. Conditions for Germination
As seedlings get to transplanting size; a cooler temperature is required to prevent shock (55-60 degrees F)
Known as hardening off
May now be sold as plugs

23. Transplanting Seedlings
Once germinated, seeds develop cotyledons or seed leaves
They should produce their first true leaves before they are transplanted

24. Transplanting Seedlings
When handling; hold them by their true leaves with thumb and forefinger never by the stem
Use a label to push roots out; do not yank roots out of soil
Do not shake off medium from roots
Plant seedlings one by one about two inches apart in a flat or in separate cells

25. Transplanting Seedlings
Make a hole in the medium and put the seedling in the hole
Gently press the medium around seedling
Water soil surface with a gentle stream of warm water to allow soil to settle around roots
Label pots with name, variety, and date

26. Direct Seeding Sowing seeds into permanent growing area
Remove lumps of large soil or rocks
Prepare soil by making improvements in composition (manure, compost)
Check to make sure it is right time to plant seeds

27. Review Questions
What is the difference between direct seeding and indirect seeding?
When can you determine if plants are ready to be transplanted?
What is the importance of labeling plants recently planted?
Concept Question
How important is growing plants from seed in regards to plant propagation?