Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?

1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.
2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

Vegetative Propagation:

• Vegetative propagation refers to a type of asexual reproduction that occurs in different parts of the plant, including the leaves, roots, and stem.
• This method of reproduction is typically used when crop plants fail to produce viable seeds or when the seeds have a long dormancy period.
• One advantage of vegetative propagation is that it can be practiced throughout most of the year.
• The widespread use of vegetative propagation results in the spread of viruses through propagates such as cuttings, tubers, runners and bulbs.

Clonal Propagation:

• Clonal propagation is another form of asexual reproduction used to create genetically identical copies of plants.
• This process involves either apomixis or vegetative reproduction.