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 practiced most of the year. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Vegetative propagation (cuttings, grafting, tubers, tissue culture) produces plants genetically identical to the parent — a clonal population (statement 1) — and can be done in most seasons, unlike seed propagation tied to flowering (statement 3).
• Statement 2 is wrong: because it copies the parent tissue, vegetative propagation transmits viruses present in the parent; only meristem-tip culture can produce virus-free plants.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 3 is also correct: it can be practised most of the year.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: viruses are transmitted, not eliminated.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.