Question

In rubber plant, horticultural multiplication is carried out by
A. Stem cutting
B. Grafting
C. Air layering
D. Roots

Answer 1

Hint:-Horticultural multiplication is a propagation method used in plants for commercial or aesthetic purposes. Different types of propagation are seen in plants. Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction are seen. In horticultural multiplication, which is a method of vegetative reproduction, propagation of plants occurs without the formation of seeds. The parts of plants like stem, leaves, roots, etc. are used for propagation.

Complete solution:Stem cutting is a vegetative propagation method in which the roots are formed from the stem. A twig of 6 to 8 inches long is cut and planted in soil temporarily in a region without direct sunlight. The roots will be formed after 2 or 3 weeks and the plant is taken and planted in the desired location. In rubber, propagation cannot be done by seed formation. Therefore stem cutting is the preferred method for horticultural multiplication in rubber.
Grafting is a method in which two plant parts are grafted together. Stem from a superior quality plant is grafted into a rooted plant. The part of the plant that is grafted is called scion or graft. The rooted part is called stock or rootstock. Grafting is possible only in plants with cambium.
Layering is the process in which branches produce root while they are attached to the parent plant. In air layering, roots are propagated from the aerial part of the plant, without direct contact with the ground soil. A small wound is made in the branches onto which hormones, soil, mosses are affixed.
Propagation by roots is not possible in rubber.

The correct answer is option (A), Stem cutting.

Note:- There are many artificial methods for vegetative reproduction like layering, grafting, tissue culture, etc. Micropropagation is the method of producing many progeny plants by tissue culture techniques. Stem cutting is the most common method of vegetative reproduction. Grafting is possible only in plants with cambium and the cambium of the scion must coincide with the cambium of the stock.