Plant Cutting Methods for SS 1

Question 1

What is the primary characteristic of cutting as a vegetative propagation method?

Accepted Answer

Cutting is a vegetative propagation method where a portion of a parent plant is severed and stimulated to grow roots and shoots, forming a new, independent plant.

Question 2

What is the genetic relationship between a new plant produced from a cutting and its parent plant?

Accepted Answer

The new plant produced from a cutting is genetically identical to the parent plant.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key advantage of using cutting for plant propagation?

Accepted Answer

It preserves desirable characteristics of the parent plant and allows plants to reach maturity faster.

Question 4

Cuttings are classified based on the part of the plant from which they are obtained. What are the three primary methods of cutting?

Accepted Answer

The three primary methods are stem cutting, leaf cutting, and root cutting.

Question 5

Which type of stem cutting is prepared from mature, woody, and dormant stems that are firm and do not bend easily?

Accepted Answer

Hardwood cuttings are prepared from mature, woody, and dormant stems.

Question 6

Sweet potato, waterleaf, and coleus are examples of plants commonly propagated by which type of stem cutting?

Accepted Answer

Sweet potato, waterleaf, and coleus are propagated by softwood or herbaceous cuttings.

Question 7

Which cutting method involves using a leaf blade, or a leaf with its petiole, to produce a new plant, often for indoor ornamental plants like Sansevieria?

Accepted Answer

Leaf cutting involves using a leaf blade or a leaf with its petiole.

Question 8

Breadfruit and guava are examples of plants that can be effectively propagated using which cutting method, typically during their dormant season?

Accepted Answer

Breadfruit and guava are propagated by root cuttings.

Question 9

What is the primary function of secateurs (pruning shears) in preparing plant cuttings?

Accepted Answer

Secateurs are used for making clean, sharp cuts on hardwood and semi-hardwood stems without crushing plant tissues.

Question 10

Which tool is specifically recommended for preparing softwood, herbaceous, and leaf cuttings due to its precision?

Accepted Answer

A sharp knife is used for preparing softwood, herbaceous, and leaf cuttings.

Question 11

What is the purpose of a rooting medium in plant cutting propagation?

Accepted Answer

A rooting medium provides aeration, support, and moisture retention for developing roots.

Question 12

What is the function of rooting hormone when used in plant cutting preparation?

Accepted Answer

Rooting hormone stimulates rapid root initiation at the base of the cutting.

Question 13

When preparing a stem cutting, what is the recommended angle for the basal (bottom) cut, and why?

Accepted Answer

The basal cut should be at a 45-degree angle immediately below a node to increase surface area for root development and prevent water pooling.

Question 14

Why should leaves be removed from the lower half of a stem cutting before planting?

Accepted Answer

Removing lower leaves reduces transpiration (water loss) and prevents them from rotting in the soil.

Question 15

When preparing leaf cuttings, especially for plants like Sansevieria, why is it crucial to keep track of the polarity (original top and bottom) of each leaf section?

Accepted Answer

Planting a leaf section upside down will prevent root formation.

Question 16

For root cuttings, how should the cuts be made to maintain correct polarity for successful propagation?

Accepted Answer

A straight cut at the end closest to the plant crown (proximal end) and a slanted cut at the outer end (distal end).

Question 17

What is the critical aspect of moisture management for plant cuttings in the rooting medium?

Accepted Answer

The rooting medium must be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Question 18

Why should plant cuttings be kept in a semi-shaded area away from direct sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Direct sunlight increases transpiration and can scorch the unrooted cuttings.

Question 19

What is the key characteristic of Semi-Hardwood Cuttings?

Accepted Answer

Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from woody stems that are partially mature, usually after a flush of growth has completed, and are firmer than softwood but not as woody as hardwood.

Question 20

What is the purpose of covering propagation pots with clear plastic bags for softwood and leaf cuttings?

Accepted Answer

Covering with clear plastic bags helps to retain high humidity around the foliage.

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