Dr. Joseph Dallon, Jr.
Office: G-324
Phone: (201) 684-7730, Secretary's extension: 7748

SBIO 0234 PLANT PROPAGATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course examines the art and the science of the reproduction of seed-bearing plants by both conventional and aseptic methods.  Essential aspects of morphology, anatomy, and nutrition are presented for a more complete understanding of the process of root and shoot initiation and development, both under natural and in controlled environments.   Emphasis is on advances in cutting-edge techniques in biotechnology for increasing populations and improving plant  quality for consumption, as building materials, for fiber, aesthetic purposes, and for drugs and medicines.  Principles of disease pests management are also considered for the purpose of minimizing their spread through propagation practices.  Live plant materials are used to illustrate propagation practices and conditions regulating the development of newly propagated plants.

GOALS OF THE COURSE:

    1.     To introduce the student to the basic aspects of plant reproduction via sexual and asexual means

    2.    To observe the effects of genetic and environmental effects on plant reproduction

    3.    To introduce the student to non-conventional methods of propagation

    4.    To survey applied aspects of biotchnology in commercial applications in plant reproduction

COURSE OUTLINE

I.    FUNDAMENTAL ASPECTS OF PROPAGATING SEED-BEARING PLANTS

        A.    Introduction
        B.    The art and science of propagation
        C.    Propagation structures, containers, and media
        D.    Propagation methods and techniques
        E.    Anatomical and morphological influences
        F.    Pre-treatment: handling seeds, cuttings, and specialized structures

II.    MIST AND OTHER PROPAGATION SYSTEMS

        A.    Advantages and disadvantages of mist systems
        B.    Effects of temperature, humidity, media, and light intensity
        C.    Disease control [bacteria, fungi, viruses]
        D.    Nutrient depletion
        E.    Drainage

III.   ASEXUAL PROPAGATION METHODS

        A.    Conventional methods
        B.    Clonal propagation
        C.    Anatomical and physiological basis for root-initiation
        D.    Rooting cofactors
        E.    Juvenility factors
        E.    Principles of grafting and budding: selecting rootstocks and scions, timing, techniques, pre- and post-treatment
               considerations

IV.   SEXUAL PROPAGATION

        A.    Seed germination
        B.    Dormancy factors
        C.    Genetic factors: Physical limitations, physiological factors, hormonal influences
        D.    Seed treatment and storage

V.    MICROPROPAGATION

        A.    Media selection and preparation
        B.    Propagation environment
        C.    Explant preparation
        D.    Hormones and organ differentiation

VI. HYBRIDIZATION

        A.    Conventional practices
        B.    Inbred lines
        C.    Self pollinated and Naturally cross pollinated plants
        D.    Establishing genetic purity
        E.    Somatic hybridization

VII.  GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLANTS

        A.    History
        B.    Present status
        C.    Future outlook

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

    Unit exams (2)                                      33%
    Laboratory exercises                            33%
    Final exam                                            33%

Required text:  Hartmann, H. T., et al. 1994.  Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices.  Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

TENTATIVE LECTURE-DISCUSSION OUTLINE

Week 1 Introduction Course requirements, the art and science of propagation, applications of commercial                      practices.   Life cycles in terrestrial, aquatic, and epiphytic plants.
Week 2 A survey of natural and commercial methods of propagation in seed- and spore-bearing plants.   Anatomical and morphological features of seed- and spore-bearing plants.   Plant parts suitable for propagation.
Week 3 Construction and preparation of propagation structures.  Propagation media.
Week 4 Mist systems
Disease control 
Rootability of nutrient depleted cuttings caused by misting.
Week 5 Anatomical and physiological basis of root-initiation
Clonal propagation: advantages and disadvantages
Rooting cofactors and hormonal effects on root-initiation
Unit Exam 1
Week 6 Seasonal effects and juvenility factors in root-initiation 
Week 7 Grafting and budding
Week 8 Requirements for seed germination
Week 9 Seed dormancy
Week 10 Seed treatment and storage
Unit Exam 2
Week 11 Micropropagation: media preparation
Meristem culture and explant preparation
Week 12 Hormones and organ differentiation
Week 13 Hybridizing by conventional and advanced methods
Week 14 Establishing genetic purity
Week 15 Producing genetically altered plants
Week 16 Final exam

 

Dr. Joseph Dallon, Jr.
Office: G-324.  Hours [By appointment]: M, R 10:00 - 11:30, 2:00 - 4:00; T: 10:00 - 12:00
Phone: (201) 684-7730, Secretary's extension: 7748

SBIO 0234 PLANT PROPAGATION - LABORATORY EXERCISES

I.      Analytical Concepts

II.    Micropropagation [African violets, basil, chrysanthemum]

III.  Conventional Propagation [Chrysanthemums; effects of root-inducing chemicals,
        media, and intermittent mist]

IV.   Seed Germination [vernalization and media effects]

V.    Air layering [rubber plants, schefflera, diffenbachia]

VI.   Grafting and Budding [Dogwood and apple]

VII.  Rooting Hardwood Cuttings

VIII. Rooting Gymnosperms

IX.    Rooting Cofactor Effects [Weeping willow]

X.     Seed Viability Tests

XI.    Phytochrome effects on Seed Germination

XII.   Polarity

Click here to go to courses