HOR 212 Advanced Plant Propagation

Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 2

Presents advanced principles and practices of plant propagation with emphasis on seed propagation and tissue culture. Emphasizes plant propagation techniques employed early in the growing season. Identifies equipment, tools, and structures required for advanced propagation techniques.

Prerequisite: HOR 211 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify equipment, tools and structures necessary for tissue culture of ornamental plants.
Perform techniques for propagation using seed, softwood cuttings, division, tip layering, budding and tissue culture.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of propagation methods and how they relate to industry practices.
Explain the process of hybridization and characterize its use in the horticulture industry.
Prepare a production schedule for tissue culture of a specific plant.

Content Outline

Review of basic propagation
- Seed
- Cuttings
- Division
- Layering
- Grafting and budding
- Tissue culture
Advanced Propagation Techniques
- Seed
  - Stratification
  - Scarification
  - Hybridization
- Tissue Culture
  - Facilities
  - Media preparation
    - Transfer
    - Culture
    - Storage
  - Methods and materials
    - Plant materials
      - Selection
      - Sterilization
    - Culture initiation
      - Media
      - Timing
    - Shoot proliferation
      - Media
      - Growing conditions
    - Rooting
      - In vitro
    - Greenhouse acclimatization
  - Production scheduling
  - Advantages and challenges
- Grafting - field techniques
- Propagation of aquatic plants
Early Season Propagation Techniques
- Seed - bedding plant plug production
- Division - spring perennials and scaly bulbs
- Layering - tip layering
- Cuttings - softwood
- Budding - spring budding
Evaluation of Winter Propagation
- Seed
- Air layering
- Hardwood cuttings