Clonal propagation

Abstract

There are two methods of propagation, sexual and vegetative. Sexual propagation provides the basis for breeding. Breeding has the advantage that, once good combiners have been identified, large numbers of genetically improved seeds can cheaply be produced, provided there is a good level of fertility. Unfortunately, for many tree species genetically improved seeds cannot be produced in abundance at low cost. For these species, cloning of selected, mature specimens is sometimes an option. Cloning can be very effective if used in conjunction with breeding. Clones are also used to study the effects of genotype and environment on the phenotype (Ahuja et al. 1988, Glock 1988) and are an integral part of most genetic engineering procedures. These aspects are discussed in detail later.