Question

The most significant feature of vegetative propagation is that
A. It enables rapid production of genetic variation
B. It is a means of producing a large population of individuals genetically identical to the parent
C. It ensures that the progeny are safe from attack of diseases and pests
D. It is an ancient practice

Answer 1

Hint: Vegetative propagation is the type of asexual reproduction takes place in plants. It is done with the help of the structure called as vegetative propagules which gives rise to the new plant. The vegetative propagules include runner, rhizome, sucker, tuber, offset, bulb and so on.

Complete Answer:
Vegetative propagation is called as a method of asexual reproduction because in this no gametes are required for the production of the new plant. It is exhibited by the higher plants as a means of asexual reproduction. Since they originated from the parent plant directly therefore it produces a large population of individuals that are genetically identical to the parent.

The correct option is B i.e. It is a means of producing a large population of individuals genetically identical to the parent.

Additional information: It is an ancient practice that is performed from 1000’s of year. Some common examples are:
- Eyes of potato
- Rhizome of ginger
- Bulbil of Agave
- Leaf buds of Bryophyllum plant
- Offset of water hyacinth and so on.

Note: Although the vegetative propagation is cost effective and most convenient method of reproduction but it is also responsible for some natural hazards like we all have heard about the terror of Bengal that is nothing but the enormous growth of the aquatic plant ‘water hyacinth’. Since it propagates vegetatively at a very phenomenal rate. Thus, it acts as the most invasive weed which grows wherever there is standing water. It is responsible for draining the oxygen from the water leading to death of fishes. It is mainly introduced in India because of its beautiful flowers and shape of the leaves.