Plant propagation and establishment

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from various sources - this includes seeds, cuttings, and other plant parts.
Sexual propagation involves utilisation of seeds produced by flowers after fertilisation.
- Advantage: Plants resulting from sexual propagation have genetic diversity.
- Disadvantage: The results might be unpredictable due to this diversity.
Asexual propagation involves creating new plants from vegetative parts like roots, stems and leaves.
- Advantage: Plants resulting from asexual propagation are genetically identical to the parent plant.
- Disadvantage: Genetic similarity means susceptibility to same pests and diseases.
Micropropagation is a type of asexual propagation utilising small parts of a plant in laboratory conditions.
Relevant propagation tools are a must for efficient results and may include items like pruning shears, propagation trays, flat surfaces, and gloves.
Effective propagation requires knowledge of optimum conditions for germ development such as temperature, light, and humidity.

Plant establishment is the process of setting plants in a location where they can grow well.
It includes steps like soil preparation, planting correctly, watering, and care during the establishment period.
Preparing the soil involves tilling to loosen it, adding necessary amendments to enrich it, checking pH and correcting if necessary.
Planting is done at the right depth with roots spread evenly and the plant set straight.
Watering regimes should be established post-planting, typically newly established plants require frequent but moderate watering.
Mulches can be used around plants to conserve water, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature.
Protection from pests, diseases, and severe weather conditions is often necessary to ensure successful establishment.

In seed propagation, techniques such as stratification (cold treatment to break dormancy), scarification (mechanically breaking seed coat), and soaking seeds in water can be employed to enhance germination.
For cuttings, techniques such as use of rooting hormones, appropriate cutting type (stem, leaf, root) and adequate moisture and temperature control can enhance success.
Grafting is a common technique where parts from two different plants are joined so they continue their growth together.
Layering is a propagation method where a branch attached to the plant is induced to root, before being severed and established as a new plant.

Some plant species propagate better through certain methods than others, recognising the best method for each plant is essential.
Proper timing is critical for successful propagation and establishment – different methods and plants have ideal seasons and conditions.
Knowledge of pests and diseases, their symptoms, how to prevent them, and how to tackle them can significantly increase the success rate of propagation and establishment.

Remember, practical application and experimentation often yield better understanding and success in both propagation and establishment.