Question 3
The diagram below illustrates a method of vegetative propagation in crops. Study it carefully and answer the questions that follow.
(a) (i) Identify the method of propagation illustrated in the diagram. (1 mark)
(ii) Name the parts labelled I, II and III in the diagram. (3 marks)
(b) Outline five steps to be taken in performing the illustrated method of propagation. (5 marks)
(c) State three precautions to be taken in performing the illustrated method of propagation. (3 marks)
(d) Name three crops that could be propagated using the illustrated method of vegetative propagation. (3 marks)
Observation
This question was quite unpopular among candidates.
- Most of the candidates displayed poor knowledge of layering as a method of vegetative propagation as they were unable to identify the diagram as well as label its parts.
- Many candidates could not give the steps involved in performing layering while some
candidates mentioned maize as a crop that could be propagated by layering.
The expected answers include:
3. (a) (i) Identification of illustrated method of propagation
- Layering
(ii) Name of labelled parts
I - Stem/parent plant/trunk
II - Branch/bent branch
III - Peg
(b) Steps taken in performing the illustrated method of propagation
- Bend the growing shoot to touch the ground
- Make a slit on the node
- Peg the bent branch down to the soil
- Cover the node with soil
- Observe as adventitious roots emerge from the node
- Allow the roots to be well established
- Separate/cut the branch from the stem
- Plant the separated branch on the field
(c) Precautions to be taken in performing the illustrated method
- One or two nodes must touch the ground
- Peg the bent shoot to secure the part in position;
- Make a slit in the node to encourage the growth of adventitious roots
- Cover the node with moist soil
- Choose a branch that is relatively close to the ground
- Avoid breaking the branch
(d) Crops that could be propagated using the layering method of vegetative propagation
- Cocoa - Coffee - Kola
- Cashew - Citrus - Apple
- Pear - Rubber - Bougainvillea
- Bitter leaf - Fluted pumpkin - Mango
- Guava