Question

Serpentine layering is found in
A. Clematis
B. Walnut
C. Mulberry
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Plants reproduce by various methods. One method of reproduction is vegetative propagation. This method can be performed naturally as well as by artificial means. Layering is a type of artificial vegetative propagation where the stem when on touching the soil forms adventitious roots.

Complete Answer:
The process of producing new plants from plant parts is known as vegetative propagation. This method can be done naturally or by artificial means. The process of artificial vegetative propagation involves human intervention. It can be of various types- layering, cutting and grafting.

Layering is one method where the new roots arise on the stems when they come in contact with the soil. A layer is the part of the stem which gets rooted after getting detached from the parent. The soil which acts as the rooting material should provide good air and moisture supply to the developing part of the plant. Layering can be of many types- Simple layering, tip layering, serpentine layering, mound layering, air layering.

Serpentine layering is also called compound layering. In this process, several layers are formed from a single stem. The procedure involves- bending of stem to the soil and alternative covering and exposing the stem parts. Each section should have one bud exposed and one bud covered with the rooting medium. It is most commonly used in plants such as pothos, wisteria, grapes and Clematis.

Grafting is used in the propagation of walnuts. In this method two different plants are chosen. One of the plants consists of good root properties and another plant consists of good stem and leaves. Both the plants are joined together to obtain both the properties in one plant or tree. Mulberry trees can be grown from cutting type methods of vegetative propagation.

So, the correct answer is option (A) Clematis.

Note: Different plants are grown with different layering methods. Simple layering can be done in plants such as climbing rose, honeysuckle. Tip layering is done like simple layering with a hole dug 3 to 4 inches deep in soil. Mound layering also called stool layering is done in plants with heavy stem, closely branched shrubs. Air layering is done in plants such as croton and rubber plant and in plants which have lost most of the leaves located in the lower region of the plant.