Sexual propagation

• Multiplication of plants by using seed is called as sexual propagation
• In sexual process male and female gametes are fused to produce seeds
• The plants produced from sexual propagation may or may not be similar to their parents and the propagated plant may also differ from each other

Advantages:

a) The propagation process is simple and easy and the plant raised by seed is planted lived

b) They are hardy with deep root system, so they are vigorous in growth

c) Seed produced plants are long lived, productive and show greater tolerance to adverse soil, climate and disease endemics

d) Some plants like citrus, mango and jamun have polyembryony. Polyembryonic seeds produce seedlings from integument tissues and nuclear cells of embryo.

e) Such seedlings being free from the effect of fertilization are identical to mother plant. Thus, there is no need of practising asexual propagation in polyembryonic seeds

f) Seed propagation is necessary when vegetative propagation is unsuccessful or expenses e.g. papaya, coconut and Areca nut

g) Roots stocks are usually raised by seed e.g. Rangpur lime and Jamberi for citrus

h) When seedling is required in large number, seed propagation is the only easy mean e.g. Dry land fruit, and Forest spp

Disadvantages

a) When progenies are not true type an so they become inferior because in the commercial orchard, it is necessary to have uniform quality, growth and yielding capacities

b) Choice tree or any hybrid trees cannot be perpetuated true to type by seed

c) Seedling has a long juvenile period. In crops like citrus, coca, and rubber. The seeds must be sown afresh. i.e. immediately after extraction. Many varieties are seedless

d) Seeds loose its viability in short period