What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with vegetative propagation?
Another term for vegetative propagation is asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, a single individual gives rise to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This form of reproduction does not involve the union of gametes. Instead, stems, leaves, and roots give rise to new individuals when they become separated from the rest of the plant. Because they are rooted in one place and often rely on insect pollinators, plants have limitations when it comes to finding suitable “mates” for sexual reproduction. Since asexual reproduction only requires one parent, this is not a concern. However, natural populations have to keep adjusting to a constantly changing environment. The genetically identical offspring of asexually-reproducing plants lack recombination and genetic variability. As a result, these populations are not able to adjust as readily to changing conditions as populations that can reproduce sexually.
