FFA Floriculture Practice Test

In horticulture, what does 'propagation' typically refer to?

1. Planting seeds

2. Plant breeding

3. Producing new plants from existing ones

4. Harvesting fruits

The correct answer is: Producing new plants from existing ones

Propagation in horticulture refers specifically to the process of producing new plants from existing ones. This can be accomplished through various methods like cuttings, layering, division, or grafting, in addition to seed planting. The goal of propagation is to create a genetically identical or similar plant while preserving the characteristics of the parent plant. While planting seeds is also a form of propagation, it is more specific and not inclusive of the broader techniques available for creating new plants from existing ones. Plant breeding, on the other hand, involves the genetic manipulation of plants to produce new varieties, which is distinct from the concept of simply producing new plants. Harvesting fruits does not relate to the process of creating new plants but focuses instead on the collection of crops once they have matured. Therefore, the concept of propagation encompasses a wide range of plant multiplication techniques, making it a crucial aspect of horticulture.