Asexual Propagation by Cuttings
Table of Contents
 Introduction to Plant Propagation
 Sexual Propagation
 Asexual Propagation
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Stem, Leaf, Cuttings
Layering
Separation & Division
Tissue Culture
Budding and Grafting
Asexual Propagation
What is it?

The reproduction or
multiplication of a plant without a
seed…not a sexual process
Reasons to Use Asexual
Propagation
 To produce uniform, superior plants
 Many plants don’t come true from
seeds
 Some plants don’t produce viable
seeds
 Take advantage of useful “freaks of
nature”
Mutant
Tissue
 A group of plants derived from a
single individual plant.
Disadvantage:
NO Genetic Diversity!
(All of the plants have
identical genes.) Why is this
a problem???
 Most common type of asexual
propagation
Common Types of Cuttings:
 Stem Cuttings
 Leaf Cuttings
 Leaf Bud Cuttings
Cut part of the plant
Roll in a hormone.
Place in media (SOIL).
Keep cutting moist
until it has its on roots.
Rules for Cuttings
 Typically take cuttings from New
Growth
 Collect cuttings early in the morning
 Collect cuttings from healthy stock
plants
 Provide proper environment for rooting
The Proper Environment...
The Media
 Must be sterile
 Must provide air exchange
 Must hold moisture
The Atmosphere
 Need HIGH relative humidity
Rooting Hormones
Indoleacetic Acid (IAA)
 natural plant hormone
 causes roots to form on stems
IBA & NAA
 Most commonly used
 Comes in powder or solution