Question

For propagating forest trees of economic importance which of the following techniques is being widely used?
A. Grafting
B. Layering
C. Micropropagation
D. Root cutting

Answer 1

Hint:Various forest trees are of great economical importance. They are used for their wood, fiber, fruit, and many secondary metabolites. With the increasing population, the demand for trees is increasing. Hence, they need to be multiplied at a faster rate and larger scale. A modern tissue culturing technique is the most preferred way of doing so.

Complete answer:The forest trees are known for their economic importance in human lives. They are used to obtain wood, fruits, pulp, fiber, phytochemicals, etc. The growing population demands more need for forest trees. Forests are vanishing day by day and there is a need for a method that can fastly restore the forest trees population.

The grafting technique refers to the joining of tissues of plants together so that they can continue growing further. It is an old propagation technique and takes time as the cut tissue needs to adapt to its new surroundings. Layering is also an old propagation technique in which the wound part of the stem is bent down and buried in the soil. Later the exposed part of the stem starts forming roots and makes a new plant. It is a time taking process and does not ensure the efficacy of the procedure. The root cutting method utilizes the roots of a plant to grow it further. It is also a time taking procedure.
Micropropagation is a modern propagating technique based on plant tissue culturing in tissue culture experiments. It involves the propagation of plants in small test tubes and then transplanting them into the soil. It is a fast and efficient method. Suitable growth-promoting substances and pest inhibitors can be applied to growing plants. Tissues of plants are used to grow a whole tree. This is advantageous over any other old propagation technique as conditions can be controlled. Propagating forest trees of economic importance is cheap, easy, and faster by this method.

Hence, option C is correct.

Note: Plant tissue culturing offers many benefits over traditional culturing techniques. Plants propagated through micropropagation require less land and they grow faster. Also, plants can be stored for a longer period. Pest and pathogen protection is ensured through culturing.