Question

Vegetative propagation in mint occurs by
A. Sucker
B. Runner
C. Offset
D. Rhizome

Answer 1

Hint:
Plants reproduce sexually and asexually. In asexual reproduction, there is only one parent and the offspring is identical to the parents. The parent may either die off after reproduction or can live. The daughter plant/bud slowly grows and develops into a full plant.

Complete answer:
What is vegetative propagation? It is an asexual method of reproduction in which a new plant grows from a fragment of the parent plant. The offspring are identical to the parents. It can be done artificially also. There are various parts of the plant which can be used for this kind of reproduction.
Let us learn about the parts of the mint plant.
Option A: Sucker: It is the non-green soft slender branch of the plant. It arises from the underground base of the shoot. It grows horizontally at the level of the ground and comes out to form a new plant. Mint has a sucker which helps to give rise to a new plant.
Option B: Runner: They are the modified plants. They are also called stolons. They grow just below the soil surface. The buds on the modified stems will give rise to roots and shoots when they propagate.
Option C: Offset: It is a small, daughter plant that has been developed from the parent plant. They are genetically identical. They divide mitotically.
Option D: Rhizome: The modified plant stem that gives out roots and shoots from its node is a rhizome. They are also called creeping root stalks. They grow horizontally. They can produce new shoots in the upward direction.

So the answer is option A: Sucker.

Note:
The asexual reproduction is done by layering, micropropagation, budding, cutting etc. some can occur naturally while some are interfered by humans. Cutting is the most ancient method of reproduction. There are various advantages of asexual reproduction as it gives identical same offsprings. There is no wait for the fertilization. There is no requirement for any contact between plants.