Producing Cuttings (OCR A Level Biology): Revision Note

Practical: Producing Cuttings

• Many perennials, shrubs, and herbs can grow adventitious roots from their cut stems

• The use of cuttings is a straightforward propagation technique that can expand plant stock at a very low cost

• Desirable characteristics of the plant are guaranteed in the progeny because propagation is a form of asexual reproduction

• Cuttings can grow to full-sized plants much quicker than plants grown from seeds

• Equipment needed:

  • Sharp scissors or secateurs

  • Potting compost

  • Pots to house new plants

  • Hormone rooting powder

  • Plastic bag to cover cutting

• Hormone rooting powder contains auxins that promote mitosis and cell differentiation in the new root growth

• If the cut is made just below a stem node, meristem tissue forms at the lower end of the cut

The process of taking cuttings