Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants? 1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population. 2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus. 3. Vegetative propagation can be practised most of the year. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is Correct: Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction where new plants are grown from the vegetative parts (roots, stems, or leaves) of a single parent. Since there is no fusion of gametes, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent, forming a clonal population.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: This method does not eliminate viruses; rather, it tends to propagate them. If the parent plant is infected with a virus, the pathogen is typically transmitted to the new plant because the offspring is developed directly from the infected parent's tissues.
Statement 3 is Correct: Unlike sexual reproduction, which is dependent on specific seasonal cycles of flowering, pollination, and seed formation, vegetative propagation can be practiced throughout most of the year as it relies on mature vegetative organs that are often available regardless of the plant's reproductive phase.