Question

The cut part of a plant stem, without roots, used in grafting is called as:
A. Stock
B. Scion
C. Upper graft
D. Cutting

Answer 1

Hint: Grafting is an artificial method of vegetative propagation. It is used for combining the characteristics of two different plants or two different types of the same plant species.

Complete answer: Grafting is an artificial vegetative propagative technique wherein the tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another.
This is done to facilitate the amalgamation of two sets of vascular tissues and joining them together.
The plant that is selected for its roots is called the stock while the other plant that is selected for its stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits is known as the scion.
In modern-day horticulture, grafting is used for a variety of purposes:
1. To repair injured trees and shrubs
2. To produce dwarf trees known as bonsai and shrubs
3. To strengthen the plants' resistance to certain diseases
4. To retain varietal and beneficial characteristics
5. To adapt plant varieties to adverse soil types or climatic conditions
6. To ensure effective pollination
7. To produce the desired harvest and disease-free plants

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Artificial vegetative propagation is carried out in laboratories.
The following are some examples of artificial vegetative propagation:
1. Cutting: In this process, a portion of the desired plant is cut and planted in the soil.
This cut portion is usually a stem or a leaf.
These cuttings are occasionally treated with growth hormones to induce root growth.
The new plant originates from the adventitious roots growing from the cutting process.
2. Layering: In this method, the stem of the plant is bent into the ground and covered with a layer of soil. Adventitious roots emerge from the plant parts covered with the soil.
3. Tissue Culture: In this method, the plant cells from various parts of a plant (explants) are cultivated in a laboratory setup. This technique is useful in growing and increasing the number of rare and endangered species of plants that cannot grow under natural conditions in the wild.