Plant Propagation Plant Propagation The process of increasing the numbers of a species, - PowerPoint Presentation

Plant Propagation

Plant PropagationThe process of increasing the numbers of a species, maintaining a species, or preserving the vigor of a plant.

Successful Plant PropagationKnowledge of technical skillsThe art of plant propagation Knowledge of plant biology Morphology, anatomy, physiology, etc. Knowledge of plants Selected method related to conditions and techniques to propagate an individual plant

Plant PropagationSexual PropagationRecombination of genetic materials to form uniquely genetic individual Asexual Propagation Use of vegetative organs to create plantlets genetically identical to parent plant

Sexual Propagation

Propagation by SeedBiology Pollination Anatomy Germination Applied Purchasing Starting Transplanting Collecting Storing

PollinationPollination: transfer of pollen from anther (male part) to stigma (female part) in a flower. Exchange of genetic material

Monocots vs. Dicots

PollinationSelf pollination: Transfer on same flower From different flowers on the same plant o From flowers on different plants of the same cultivar Examples: Beans, peas, lettuce, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes

PollinationCross pollination: Transfer of pollen on plants of different cultivars of the same species Examples: Onions, cucumbers, corn, pumpkins, squash, broccoli, beets, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, melons, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard and turnips

PollinationFertilization the union of a male reproductive cell and a female reproductive cell that is capable of developing into an new individual

AnatomyEmbryo: miniature plant in arrested developmentEndosperm (Cotyledons): built-in food storage Seed Coat: hard out covering for protection, prevents water from entering and initiating germination before proper time.

Anatomy

Embryo Endosperm Seed Coat

GerminationThe process of seed growth and development

GerminationDormancyViable seed that will not germinate when in proper environment Due to internal or external cause

GerminationQuiescentRipened seed, ready to germinate, waiting for the proper environmental conditions for germinations Allows seed to survive over periods of time

GerminationScarificationPhysically altering the seed coat to allow moisture penetration Natural scarification processes: passing seed through GI tract of animals, weathering of coat Artificial scarification processes: hot water bath, sandpaper, etc. Breaks seed coat allowing moisture to enter!

GerminationStratificationExposing a seed to moisture and specific temperatures (cold) in order to encourage germination Degrades chemical inhibitors causing dormancy

GerminationFactors affecting germinationWater (moisture) Light (or dark) Oxygen Heat

GerminationWater (moisture)Penetrates seed coat--- Imbibition Endosperm swells- seed coat splits Dissolves nutrients to initiate germination

GerminationLight (or dark)Can stimulate or inhibit germination Check seed package for planting instructions

GerminationOxygenRequired for respiration Facilitated with light, well aerated soil mix

GerminationHeatOptimum range for germination Many seeds have wide range Check catalog or seed package for instructions Drives metabolic process

Propagation by SeedBiology Pollination Anatomy Germination Applied Purchasing Starting Transplanting Collecting Storing

Purchasing SeedChoose superior cultivars High quality seed Disease resistant cultivars when available Garden centers Mail order Obtain by mid-February

Purchasing SeedGermination ratesExpected percentage of seed to germinate Generally, 65-80% will germinate 60-75% will grow into useful seedlings May affect density of planting

StartingIndoors Small seeds Long season plants Supplies needed Grow lights Clean containers (with drainage) Sterile seed starting medium Location with proper ventilation and temperature

StartingGrowing mediaLoose, uniform, fine texture Mixes labeled for seed starting Pasteurized (sterile) May be low in fertility

StartingContainersAny container will do Disinfested Good drainage Adequate root space

StartingContainersCompressed peat pellets Peat pots Paper pots Plastic cell packs Flats

StartingSowingAccount for seed germination in timing factor and growing time 2 weeks to germinate, 6 weeks to transplant date - 8 weeks for full development time. Sow in mid-March or April depending on plant species and growing conditions

StartingFill container to within ¼ inch of the top of the rim with moistened seed-starting medium

StartingLarge seeds directly in pots or cell packsSquash, cucumber, watermelon – 2 per pot Use pencil or dibble to make hole for seeds Cover with media related to seed size

StartingSmall seeds scatter on surface of large cell packs or other containers for later transplant Sprinkle more potting media over seeds or sphagnum moss (sphagnum moss helps prevent damping off) Mix small seeds with sugar or extremely fine sand to help with equal distribution

StartingWateringWater from below in tray before seeds germinate and when seedlings are very small Allow drying between waterings Helps prevent damping-off Standing water in flats leads to disease problems Don’t allow seedlings to wilt Cell damage can occur that is permanent

StartingMoisturePlastic covers are useful to trap moisture Retains moisture Remove to promote hardening of tissues

StartingSupplemental lighting3” – 4” from light source Cool white and warm white fluorescent lights Move lights as plants grow or move plants 14 – 16 hours a day Timers are inexpensive and very useful High intensity and quality light less leggy plants

StartingTemperatureNights 60 –68 F and 75 F Good rule of thumb-day temperatures 10 degrees warm than night. Cool season crops cooler day/night temps 55 degrees night – 65 degrees day Warm season crops higher day/night temps 65 degrees night – 75 degrees day Heating mats

StartingFertilizationAfter germination Go ½ rate, avoid burn Two week intervals

StartingTransplantingMove to larger container when first set of true leaves form Lift seedlings from containers with small flat tool Tease apart tangled plants/roots Handle by true leaves