ANNUAL CROPS

Planting Materials

Planting materials are the parts of a plant used for propagation and establishment in the field. The type of planting material used depends on the crop species and the method of propagation (sexual or asexual).

Selecting the right planting material is crucial for achieving high germination rates, healthy plant development, and optimal yields.

Types of Planting Materials

1. Seeds and Seedlings

Seeds: Fertilized mature ovules used for plant propagation through sexual reproduction.

Seedlings: Young plants grown from seeds in a nursery before being transplanted.

Importance:

·       Enable wide genetic diversity (important in breeding).

·       Easy to handle, store, and transport.

·       Cost-effective and suitable for large-scale propagation.

·       Used in cereals (e.g., maize, rice), legumes (e.g., beans), vegetables (e.g., tomatoes), and some fruits.

2. Splits

Splits are sections of a mature plant that include both roots and shoots, divided for propagation.

Importance:

·       Ensure the new plant maintains the characteristics of the parent.

·       Commonly used in crops like lemongrass, banana, and sugarcane.

·       Faster establishment compared to seeds.

3. Crowns

Crowns are the basal portions of a plant from which roots and shoots emerge. Used for propagating some herbaceous perennials.

Importance:

·       Used in crops like pineapple.

·       Allow for relatively quick establishment.

·       Maintain varietal purity.

4. Slips

Slips are small shoots or suckers that develop on the stem or near the base of a plant and can be used for propagation.

Importance:

·       Commonly used in pineapple propagation.

·       Faster and more uniform growth than from crowns.

·       Reduce planting costs and promote early maturity.

5. Cuttings

Cuttings are plant parts (usually stem, root, or leaf) cut and planted to regenerate into a whole plant vegetatively.

Importance:

·       Retain all genetic qualities of the parent plant.

·       Common in crops like cassava, sugarcane, and grapes.

·       Quick and easy method for mass propagation.

 

6. Suckers

Suckers are shoots that emerge from the base or underground part of a mature plant and can be separated and replanted.

Importance:

·       Used in banana, plantain, and pineapple.

·       Produce uniform plants.

·       Suckers are vigorous and well-adapted to local conditions.

7. Vines

Vines are trailing stems of plants that are used in vegetative propagation, often by cutting and planting sections.

Importance:

·       Common in crops like sweet potato.

·       Easy to establish with rapid growth.

·       Effective in areas with short growing seasons.

8. Stem Tubers

Stem tubers are thickened underground stems (with buds or "eyes") that serve as storage organs and propagation units.

Importance:

·       Used in potatoes and yams.

·       Each piece with a bud can grow into a new plant.

·       Provide food reserves that support early growth.