Layering as a method of plant propagation

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. There are different methods of plant propagation including seed propagation, cutting, grafting, budding and layering. In this question, the method used to produce a new plant from the stem of a plant without detaching it from the plant is being asked. The correct answer is option 'B' which is layering.

Layering

Layering is a method of plant propagation in which a stem of a plant is bent and pinned to the ground. The portion of the stem that is in contact with the soil forms roots and a new plant is produced. This method can also be done by covering a portion of the stem with soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. Layering is a natural method of propagation that occurs in some plants like strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

Advantages of layering

1. Cloning: Layering produces a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant. This means that the new plant will have the same desirable traits as the parent plant.

2. Easy and inexpensive: Layering is an easy and inexpensive method of propagation that does not require any special equipment or tools.

3. Faster growth: Layered plants tend to grow faster and are more mature than those grown from seeds.

4. Increased yield: Layering can be used to increase the yield of a plant by producing more plants from a single parent plant.

Conclusion

Layering is a simple and effective method of plant propagation that is easy to do and does not require any special equipment. It is a natural method that can be used to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.