HOR 211 Plant Propagation

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Presents principles and practices of plant propagation with emphasis on methods used for ornamental nursery stock. Discusses anatomy, physiology and genetics related to plant reproduction. Covers seed propagation, cuttings, grafting, budding, layering, division, specialized roots and stems, and micropropagation. Identifies equipment, tools, and structures required for propagation.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the value of genetic variation relative to the plant and to the horticulture industry.
Identify the parts of a seed and discuss the role of each in seed germination.
Examine the role of auxins in adventitious root formation in cuttings.
Identify equipment, tools and structures necessary to propagate ornamental plants.
Perform standard techniques for propagation using seed, cuttings, division, layering, grafting.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various propagation methods and how they relate to industry practices.

Content Outline

Overview of Propagation
- History
- Methods
- Genetics
Sexual Propagation
- Flower structure and pollination
- Seed development
- Seed dormancy
- Germination
- Environmental conditions
- Disease prevention
- Equipment, tools, and structures
- Media
- Seed and plug production
- Production practices
Asexual Propagation
- Adventitious root formation
  - Use of rooting hormones
- Theory and technique of propagation by woody and herbaceous cuttings, division, layering, grafting, budding and micropropagation
  - Advantages & disadvantages 
  - Procedures
  - Equipment, tools, and structures
  - Environmental conditions
  - Plant material selection
  - Anatomy & physiology 
  - Production practices
Post-Propagation Practices