Describe with suitable examples, the following artificial methods of vegetative propagation

(i) Stem cutting

(ii) Layering.

Artificial reproduction/propagation is the creation of a new life by other than the natural means available to an organism. The process of growing many plants from one plant by man-made methods is called artificial propagation of plants.

(i) Stem cutting: Stem cutting refers to a process used during vegetative propagation whereby a piece of the plant’s stem is rooted in a growth medium such as moist soil. The stem cutting will thrive and grow as a new plant, which is entirely independent of the mother plant provided that the conditions are suitable. Plants like sugarcane, eggplant, black pepper, etc are propagated through stem cutting.

(ii) Layering: In this method, a branch of the plant is pulled towards the ground and a part of it is covered with moist soil leaving the tip of the branch exposed above the ground. After some time, new roots develop from the part of the branch buried in the soil. Plants like Jasmine, rose, black raspberries, etc.