What is Vegetative Reproduction in Plants

It is reproduction by mitosis allowing a new, genetically identical individual to be produced. When a very desirable combination of traits is found, sexual reproduction risks losing them in the randomness of the process. Asexual reproduction does not allow genetic variation, but guarantees reproduction (no dependence on others). It rapidly increases the numbers of an organism and keeps its desired combination of traits. Many plants use a combination of sexual and asexual reproduction to get the benefits of both methods.

Most plant organs have been used for asexual reproduction, but stems are the most common.

Stems: In some species, stems arch over and take root at their tips, forming new plants. The horizontal aboveground stems, called stolons in certain plants like that of the strawberry, produce new daughter plants at alternate nodes. Various types of underground stems such as rhizomes, bulbs, corms, and tubers are used for asexual reproduction as well as for food storage.

Leaves: Leaves of certain plants like that of the common ornamental plant bryophyllum acts as the organs for vegetative multiplication. Mitosis at meristems 'along the leaf margins produce tiny plantlets that fall off and can take up an independent existence.

Roots: Some plants use their roots for asexual reproduction. The dandelion is a common example. Trees, such as the poplar, send up new stems from their roots. Sometimes, an entire grove of trees may form all part of a clone of the original tree.

Tags: Bio Technology, Bio Genetics, Reproduction in Plants

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