Plant Propagation

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Abstract

In this subject, students will explore the principles and practices associated with the commercial propagation of plants. Students will develop their understanding of the biology of plant propagation by examining a range of techniques such as seed and cutting propagation, budding, and grafting, separation and division as well as micro-propagation techniques such as tissue culture. The combination of theoretical knowledge, active research in areas of interest relating to plant propagation and hands-on practical experience will provide students with real-world applications in production horticulture.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: 1. The biology of plant propagation;2. The propagation environment;3. Seed development;4. Principles and practices of seed selection, production and handling;5. Seed propagation;6. Cutting propagation;7. Grafting and budding techniques;8. Layer propagation;9. Propagation by stems and roots;10. Principles of clonal selection;11. Principles of tissue culture … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

1. The biology of plant propagation;
2. The propagation environment;
3. Seed development;
4. Principles and practices of seed selection, production and handling;
5. Seed propagation;
6. Cutting propagation;
7. Grafting and budding techniques;
8. Layer propagation;
9. Propagation by stems and roots;
10. Principles of clonal selection;
11. Principles of tissue culture and micropropagation; and
12. Micropropagation techniques.

Assessment items

1. Knowledge check quizzes

2. Essay

3. Practical reports

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

describe the theoretical aspects of a variety of sexual and asexual plant propagation techniques and relate the use of those techniques to plant anatomy and physiology;

appraise a plant propagation technique and investigate its use within the horticultural industry both globally and within an Australian context;

investigate physical dormancy breaking mechanisms in seeds and discuss how this impacts germination;

examine a variety of plant propagation techniques within a professional enterprise and benchmark that enterprise against industry best practice; and

apply sound research skills and critically evaluate contemporary literature pertaining to plant propagation.

Enrolment restrictions

Pre-requisite

Learning activities

Intensive school

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Prescribed text: Hartmann, H. T. (2014) Hartmann & Kester's plant propagation: Principles and practices (8th ed.). Pearson Education Limited. ISBN: 9781292034133 Students attending compulsory intensive schools will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.