PLANT PROPAGATION TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Question 1

This method of propagation uses sections of plants to start new plants.

Answer 1

Asexual propagation (vegetative)

Question 2

Heat applied to the rooting or propagation medium to hasten growth.

Answer 2

Bottom heat

Question 3

A method of sowing seed by sprinkling it randomly over the surface of the medium, as opposed to sowing in rows.

Answer 3

Broadcast sowing

Question 4

A method of propagation in which clumps of roots or bulbs are pulled apart.

Answer 4

Division

Question 5

The resting stage of seed or plant.

Answer 5

Dormancy

Question 6

The first true leaves that develop after the cotyledon leaves.

Answer 6

First true leaves

Question 7

The next stage in the growth of the flower after bud initiation

Answer 7

Floral bud development

Question 8

The process of changing from a vegetative growing condition to a flowering stage of growth.

Answer 8

Floral bud initiation

Question 9

Development of a seed from a resting stage to a stage of growth.

Answer 9

Germination

Question 10

The media (soil or soilless mixtures) in which seed is germinated.

Answer 10

Germination media

Question 11

A mixture of several materials in which plants are grown.

Answer 11

Growing medium

Question 12

A toning and strengthening process in which the temperature is lowered and/or water is “withheld from the plants.

Answer 12

Hardening off.

Question 13

Plant breeders combine two hybrids to produce an improved cultivar.

Answer 13

Hybridization

Question 14

A method of propagation that produces a new plant while the stem being rooted is still attached to the mother plant; the mother plant serves a life support function.

Answer 14

Layering

Question 15

A small section of the stem with a leaf attached; the new shoot arises from the axillary bud.

Answer 15

Leaf-bud cutting

Question 16

A single leaf from which new plants arise.

Answer 16

Leaf cutting

Question 17

Potting plants or bulbs.

Answer 17

Panning

Question 18

Soil organisms kill seedlings shortly after they emerge from the medium.

Answer 18

Post-emergent damping-off

Question 19

Soil organisms kill seedlings shortly before they emerge from the medium.

Answer 19

Pre-emergent damping-off

Question 20

To reproduce by any means.

Answer 20

Propagate

Question 21

The increase of a plant species through generation after generation.

Answer 21

Propagation

Question 22

The bench containing the rooting medium into which the cuttings are stuck to develop roots.

Answer 22

Propagation bench.

Question 23

The area where the propagation bench is located.

Answer 23

Propagation environment.

Question 24

The first true root that emerges from the seed.

Answer 24

Radicle

Question 25

The vegetatively propagated part of the plant that develops roots.

Answer 25

Rooted cutting

Question 26

A root-stimulating substance that is applied to the base of a cutting; rooting hormones are available in several strengths.

Answer 26

Rooting hormone

Question 27

The process of scratching a hard seed coat so that it can take up water.

Answer 27

Scarification

Question 28

The upper part of a grafted plant; this is fastened to the root stock.

Answer 28

Scion

Question 29

Newly developing plant, started from a seed.

Answer 29

Seedling

Question 30

This procedure uses seeds of plants for producing new plants.

Answer 30

Sexual propagation

Question 31

A group of plants maintained to produce vegetative propagation material (cuttings).

Answer 31

Stock plants

Question 32

The most commonly used method of propagation, in which the stem tip is rooted.

Answer 32

Terminal cutting

Question 33

Moving plants from one container to another; usually the container size increases; also, shifting seedlings from seed flats to packs.

Answer 33

Transplanting

Question 34

The lower part of the grafted plant

Answer 34

Understock (rootstock)