Introduction:

Plant propagation is an important facet of horticulture

nursery management. It requires a lot of skill,

knowledge and experience to propagate plants

economically. Plant propagation is necessary for mass

production of plants for sale, production of new and

better varieties, improve the quality of plants.

A mode of reproduction involving the fusion of female

gamete and male gamete to form a zygote that potentially

develops into genetically distinct offspring.

The characters of Sexual Propagation:

• Reproduction of plants with the use of seeds.

• Requires the union of pollen and egg to produce the

seed.

• Improvement of plant characters is possible.

• May require years to produce the desired seed

Sexual Propagation:

Parts of a Seed

Sexual reproduction takes place through seeds. There are 2

methods of planting seeds,

1. Direct Seeding:

Seeds are planted directly into the soil outdoors where the

plants are intended to be grown.

2. Indirect Seeding:

Seeds planted indoors or in protected conditions in containers

of germination medium. Once germinated and grow into

seedling, then transplanted outdoors into permanent location.

Types of Sexual Reproduction:

1. Site selection: With adequate sunlight & soil drainage.

2. Seedbed preparation: Need loose, fine soil free from

weeds and stones.

3. Time of Planting: Determined by germination temperature

required by seeds.

4. Planting depth and spacing- Need to be sown at proper

planting depths and spacing to promote good growth of

root system. If unknown, plant 3 to 4 times width of seed.

Maturity size and number of plants is optimum with

optimum spacing.

5. Moisture: Water when first planted. Keep soil moist, but

avoid water logging.

Criteria of Successful Seed Germination

1. Moisture- proper moisture is necessary for germination.

Mist after planting and when media dries.

2. Temperature- most seeds germinate best at the

temperature of 21 to 27oC.

3. Light- needed by some plants, move seedling trays to

direct sunlight.

Desirable Conditions for

Germination:

• Seed coat: Often needs to be scarified, broken or softened.

• Embryo: May need certain temperature exposure called

stratification.

Measures to Avoid Seed Dormancy

• Handle carefully to avoid injury of the stem, leaves, or roots.

• Need to be hardened-off.

• Exposure to cooler temperatures and less frequent watering

to prepare for transplant shock

Care to be taken while transplanting seedlings: