(a) State five different methods used in vegetative propagation in plants giving an example in each case. State five (i) advantages and (ii) disadvantages o...

Answer Details

(a) Five methods of vegetative propagation with an example of each

Also acceptable: corm (cocoyam), runner/stolon (grass), budding and grafting (mango, citrus), and leaf propagation (Bryophyllum).

(b)(i) Five advantages of vegetative propagation

1. Offspring are genetically identical to the parent, so desirable qualities are retained.
2. Reproduction is faster; the plant matures and yields earlier than from seed.
3. Seedless plants and those that produce few or no viable seeds can still be propagated.
4. Only one parent is needed; no pollination or fertilization is required.
5. The new plant is well nourished from the parent's food store, so it establishes quickly.

(b)(ii) Five disadvantages of vegetative propagation

1. There is no variation, so the plants cannot readily adapt to changes in the environment.
2. Diseases present in the parent are passed on to all the offspring.
3. Overcrowding occurs because the new plants develop close to the parent.
4. The plants lack the dormancy and dispersal advantages of seeds.
5. The clones weaken over successive generations and may lose vigour.