Question

Stem cuttings are commonly used for propagation of
A. Banana
B. Rose
C. Mango
D. Cotton

Answer 1

Hint: Plant Propagation is the process in which new plants are produced from a wide range of sources such as seeds, loose cuttings, bulbs and other plant parts. It can also be referred to as artificial or natural dispersal of plants. Seeds and spores can be used for reproduction.

Complete answer: Stem cuttings are commonly used for the propagation of a rose plant. It is a mode of vegetative propagation. The stem is utilized in growing a whole new plant similar to that of the parent plant. It is referred to as cloning. For successful cloning, the stem section should be free of diseases and pests. The stem should have at least one node. It should be taken from the end part of the plant. The removed stem is planted in a pot having soil that later grows into a new plant. A cutting is a section of a plant such as the modified stem, leaf or roots used for vegetative propagation that form adventitious shoots. There are four types of cuttings; stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, root cuttings and single-node cuttings.
a) Stem cuttings: Segments of shoots containing lateral or terminal buds. Hardwood stem cuttings are obtained from mature and dormant stems of both deciduous and evergreen species. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings are produced from new growth in the current growing season after it begins hardening. Softwood stem cuttings are produced from soft and succulent shoots emerging early in a new growing season.
b) Leaf cuttings are obtained from the leaf blades.
c) Root cuttings are obtained from sections of roots.
d) Single node cuttings are obtained from a section of the shoot with a leaf blade, petiole and a piece of stem with an attached axillary bud.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Stem cuttings can be placed horizontally on moist sand and stored in a cool environment for two to three weeks. The cuttings undergo a process known as etiolation, which results in elongated shoot and root formation. New shoots and roots will be a yellow colour. Etiolation increases the chance of successful rooting in stem cutting propagation.