Republic of the Philippines

Department of Science and Technology

PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Subject Code AGRI Basics of Agricultural Science: Appreciation and Application

in a Philippine Setting.
Module Code CP B Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
Lesson Code CP B.1 Methods of Plant Propagation (Sexual Plant Propagation)
Time Frame 30 minutes (1 meeting)

TA
Components Tasks TA (min)b
(min)a
By the end of this learning guide, you should be able to:

Target 1. explain the underlying principles of sexual plant

propagation, 1
2. determine the advantages and disadvantages of sexual
plant propagation, and
3. observe the growth and development of a plant from a
seed.

What did you learn from the previous lesson? Can you recall at 2
least two new concepts from the previous lesson?

Before we proceed with the lesson for today, let us look back at
your fruit-eating experiences.
Hook
Have you experienced eating fruits that are seedless? Can you
name all those seedless fruits that you have encountered? How
about fruits with many seeds? Have you eaten fruits with many
seeds? Or have you experienced eating a fruit with just one seed
that you need to remove first before you could eat the fruit?

After eating the fruit, what did you do with the seeds? What will
happen if you eat the seeds?

Majority of plants proliferate via seeds. In agriculture, plants are 22

propagated intentionally for diverse purposes.

Let us define plant propagation.

Ignite Plant propagation is the method whereby a new plant is formed
from an existing one. It is both an art and a science that needs
expertise, ability, and dexterity that grow better through
experience (Blazich & LeBude, 2018). It uses both sexual and
asexual means to multiply plants. It is a purposeful act. It also
implies seed multiplication with an aim to preserve the essential
characteristics of the mother plant (Scianna et al., n. d.)

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Importance of Plant Propagation

The importance of plant propagation includes the following:

1. It allows the multiplication of various plant species in

huge numbers.
2. It preserves endangered plant species.
3. It improves the characteristics and quality of plants.
4. It generates commercially-grown, quality and stable
plants.

After knowing the reasons why plant propagations are conducted,

we are now ready to learn about the various types of plant
propagation, their advantages as well as challenges. There are two
main categories of plant propagation: sexual propagation and
asexual propagation (Hartman et al., 2010). In this learning
guide, we will focus on sexual propagation only.

Sexual Propagation

The production of most agricultural commodities such as rice and

corn involve sexual reproduction. We can define sexual
propagation as the reproduction or multiplication of plants from
seeds as a result of fertilization. The seeds are formed by the union
of male and female gametes.

Do you still remember the processes of pollination and

fertilization? Do you still remember the parts of the flowers that
are involved in both processes? Refer to Figure 1 and let us trace
these processes, especially that of fertilization.

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Figure 1: The fertilization and pollination of a flower.

Source: Pearson Education, Inc. (2008).

According to Dresselhaus et al. (2016), fertilization is the

“fusion of haploid gametes to initiate the development of a new
diploid organism”. There are several mechanisms involved in
plant fertilization. However, all of these mechanisms end up in
the production of seeds.

The table below describe the advantages and disadvantages of

sexual plant propagation.

Table 1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Plant

Propagation.
Advantages Disadvantages
Mass production of plants is Some seedling plants,
possible. especially hybrids, do not
reproduce same
characteristics as that of their
parents.
It is economical/less Many plants have a hard time
expensive. propagating from seeds.
Seedling plants are productive The juvenile phase of plants
and have greater tolerance to from seeds is longer resulting
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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

adverse environmental in late flowering and fruiting

condition, thus, longer life stage.
spans.
It is a feasible method of Plants from seeds are hard to
propagation for plants not manage (like pruning,
suited for asexual means of spraying and harvesting)
propagation. because they grow taller and
spread more branches.
It produces hybrids and true- Some seeds lose their
to-type plants. viability in a short period of
time.
Plants from seeds are used as Plants are usually producing
rootstocks for asexual inferior quality of fruits that
propagation (grafting). cannot be improved by sexual
means of propagation.
With proper handling, seeds There is no assurance for
could be kept and stored genetic purity of the
longer for future use. offspring.
(Jhade, R., 2019)

Seeds are used in sexual propagation because they are the

products of the union of two gametes. Before we proceed with
the propagation techniques, let us evaluate Figure 2. What do
you think are the functions of the different parts of a seed?

Figure 2. The seed parts (monocot and dicot plant

seeds)
(Photo source: OpenStax.Biology. n. d. License: CC BY:
Attribution)

We need to consider three key parts of a seed (Sorensen and

Garland, n. d.)

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

 The seed coat (testa) is the outer covering of the seed.

Different seeds have different seed coat features. Some
seeds have thick seed coats while other seeds have thin
seed coats.
 Seeds also have an endosperm that stores the food for
the embryonic plant.
 The embryo grows into a plant under certain conditions.
When a seed becomes mature, it germinates and grows
into an adult plant that is also capable of producing
sexually.

Here are several general guidelines in planting seeds.

1. Seeds should typically be planted at a depth of two times the

seed width, or diameter (Figure 3). It will enable the exchange
of gases during germination. For example, if you have a seed
about 1.5 mm thick it should be planted approximately 3 mm
deep.

Figure 3. .Planting using the direct seeding method.

Photo by Mellish (2013) from pexels

2. Large bean seeds which may have a width of up to 12 mm

may need to be planted 25 mm deep. For proper root
formation, the soil should be firm but not compacted (Figure
4).

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Figure 4. Emerging seedlings of beans.

Source: "window board seedlings 03054" by flora.cyclam is licensed
under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
(https://ccsearch.creativecommons.org/photos/425a6281-7444-4f8b-
94c8-1ddc22176685)

3. Place tiny seeds on the surface of the soil and barely cover
them with soil for faster germination. Figure 5 shows sprouted
seedlings planted in soil and covered with coco peat.

Figure 5. Seedlings of wild flowers.

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Source: "It's easy to spot the beats between the wildflowers" by Cy-
V is licensed under CC BY 2.0
(https://ccsearch.creativecommons.org/photos/e8d65942-7c36-45f6-
89c6-f2a3b6fe57e7)

After planting, the seedlings will sprout if they are provided with
the things that they need. The germination of seeds depends on
the species of the plant. The germination rate is usually
computed to determine how many seeds sprouted from all the
seeds planted. For example, if you planted 100 seeds and 75
seedlings emerged after 3 days, then the germination rate is 75%.
A germination rate of 60%-75% is good enough to produce
healthy and vigorous seedlings (Sorensen and Garland, n. d.).

The germination rate is affected by different factors that include

the following: water, oxygen, light, and heat (Sorensen and
Garland, n. d.). In what way do these factors affect seed
germination? Let us understand more the germination process.

1. Water. Imbibition or absorption of water is the first step in

the germination process. To ensure germination, it is
necessary for the seed to have a sufficient, continuous water
supply.

2. Light. This is known to promote or prevent seed

germination. It was determined that light in the red
wavelength of the spectrum usually promotes seed
germination whereas blue light inhibits it (Thompson and
Morgan, n. d.).

3. Oxygen. The supply of oxygen during germination is

crucial. A low or limited oxygen supply will result in
severely retarded seed germination.

4. Temperature. Another essential requirement during

germination is a suitable temperature. Typically, a
temperature range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is
perfect for most plants.

After germination, the seedlings continue to grow. In most

nurseries, there is a transition period for seedlings to adapt to the
prevailing environmental conditions. It is called hardening off.
What do you think is the importance of this period of plant
growth and development in nursery management?

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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Hardening off is done by exposing the young seedlings to wind,

sun and rain in order to thicken the cuticle of the leaves to prevent
transplant shock. It usually lasts for seven to ten days before
transplanting is made (Iannotti, 2020).

If the seedlings are deemed ready for transplanting, what do you

think are the activities that need to be done? Of course, we need
to prepare the land or area where the plants will be transplanted.

Here are some transplanting tips.

1. If the seedlings are planted in a seedling tray, make sure

that the seed soil does not stick to the seedling tray.

2. In removing the seedlings from the seedling tray, be

careful not to break the stem, or roots.

3. Choose seedlings that are healthy and vigorous.

4. If the seedlings have many leaves, trim off or remove

some of the leaves.

5. Place the seedlings into the prepared holes and

completely cover the roots with soil. Press gently the soil
surrounding the base of the seedling.

6. Water the newly planted seedlings.

Transplanting is usually done late in the afternoon so as to prevent

“heat shock” on the seedlings. In some cases, covers are provided
over the newly transplanted seedlings to protect them from the
heat of the sun.

Activity (Not Graded) 4

Now that we have acquired knowledge on the principles behind

sexual plant propagation, it’s time for us to apply what we have
Navigate learned from this lesson. The following are things that you are
going to do and perform. Use gloves and appropriate gardening
tools if you have at home.
1. Acquire seeds of any vegetable, fruit-bearing tree, or
ornamental plant that are available in your home.
2. Prepare your soil media (garden soil, potting soil mix, or
soil with compost) and plastic pots to be used in
planting. Recycling of containers is strongly
encouraged.
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AGRICULTURE (Crop Production and Postharvest Processing) CP B.1a SLG
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

3. Fill up your plastic pots with soil and sow or plant your
seeds. Water generously and place them in a partly
shaded place.
4. Prepare your notebook and start taking records of your
plants’ growth and development as soon as they
germinate. Water your plants as often as necessary.
5. Observed your plants’ growth and development until the
seedling stage.
6. Share pictures or videos of your activities in Moodle or
in social media.

This activity will surely allow you to experience how to

propagate plants from seeds. I am sure that you will discover a
lot of new things. You will definitely find joy in being able to
grow plants this pandemic.

In this learning guide, we have learned the following salient 1 minute

features. Let us remember them.
1. Plant propagation is the art and science of multiplying
plants.
2. Plant propagation multiplies the different species in large
Knot numbers for commercial or personal purposes while
maintaining or enhancing healthy and desirable plants
characteristics.
3. Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds which are
the result of fertilization.
4. The propagation of plants from seeds has both its
advantages and disadvantages.

References:
Blazich, F. & LeBude, A. (2018). North Carolina extension gardener handbook. North Carolina: NC
State Extension Publications

Dresselhaus, T., Sprunck, S., & Wessel, G. M. (2016). Fertilization Mechanisms in Flowering
Plants. Current Biology : CB, 26(3), R125–R139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.12.032

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 1997. Market Gardening. Better Farming
Series 19. Rome.

Hartmann, H., Kester, D., Davis, F., Jr., & Geneve, R. (2010). Hartmann & Kester's Plant
Propagation: Principles and Practices (8th ed.). London, England: Pearson.

Iannotti, M. (2020). How to Harden Off Plants for Transplanting. Retrieved August 17, 2020, from
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-harden-off-plants-1402554
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 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Science and Technology
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM

Jhade, R. (2019). 0704202017511907. Sexual Propagation- Advantages and Disadvantages (1).pdf

[PDF]. Chhindwara, India: Dr. Rupendra Kumar Jhade. Retrieved from
http://www.jnkvv.org/PDF/0704202017511907.%20Sexual%20Propagation-
%20Advantages%20and%20Disadvantages%20(1).pdf

Mellish (2013) pexels (Online Image) Retrieved from https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-planting-

plant-169523/

OpenStax College, Biology. OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from

https://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]:TLiQXlRO@5/Pollination-and-Fertilization

Scianna, J.D., Winslow, S.R., Majerus, M.E., Gruber, L.M., Reid, S.A., n.d. Asexual Plant
Propagatioin: Special Techniques and Considerations for Successful High Altitude
Revegetation. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/pmpubs/pdf/mtpmcsysecout.pdf

Sorensen, D.C. and Garland, K., n.d. (Eds) Plant Propagation. University of Maine: Cooperative
Extension: Garden & Yard Retrieved from
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/propagation/plant-propagation/

Thompson and Morgan. (n. d.) The Effect of Light on Germination and Seedlings. Retrieved from
https://www.thompson-morgan.com/effect-of-
light#:~:text=Suffice%20it%20to%20say%20that,whereas%20blue%20light%20inhibits%20
it.

Prepared by:

(Sgd.) ME LAMERA GALATE

Position: SST II
Campus: PSHS-CVC

Reviewed by:

(Sgd.) MELISSA ANN B. KINDIPAN

Position: SST II
Campus: PSHS-CARC

(Sgd.) ARFE G. CASTILLO (Team Leader)

Position: SST V
Campus: PSHS-CARC

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