Roots that grow from somewhere other than the original seed or the main root are called adventitious roots. When plants are grown from other parts of a plant, such as a stem, leaf, or root cutting, this is called vegetative propagation and results in the plants being genetically identical to their parent.
In the case of seedless fruits, vegetative propagation methods are employed to maintain desirable traits in cultivated varieties. For example, seedless grapes are propagated through cuttings or grafting, while seedless bananas are usually propagated through suckers (small shoots that develop from the base of the parent plant). These propagation techniques allow farmers and horticulturists to reproduce plants with the same genetic characteristics as the parent plant, including the seedless fruit trait.
Tissue Culture: Also known as Micropropagation, which involves growing new plants from tiny pieces of plant tissue in a laboratory setting. This technique allows for rapidly producing large numbers of plants genetically identical to the parent plant.
Hybridization: In some cases, fruits without seeds are produced through controlled crossbreeding techniques. Combining two plants’ genetic material creates a hybrid variety that produces seedless fruits. This method requires careful selection and breeding of plants with desired traits.
Budding: Like grafting, budding involves joining a bud from one plant onto the stem or branch of another plant. The bud, which contains specialized tissue capable of developing into a new plant, is carefully inserted and secured onto the plant’s stem. Over time, the bud grows and forms a new plant.
It’s important to note that while fruits without seeds can reproduce through these methods, they are mostly propagated by humans rather than naturally through pollination and seed dispersal. These techniques are used in commercial agriculture to ensure the desired characteristics of the fruit are maintained in successive generations.
Air Layering involves encouraging a branch or stem of the parent plant to form roots while it is still attached to the main plant. This is done by bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil or by making a small cut or nick on the stem and applying rooting hormone before covering it with soil.
Learn more: https://www.wikihow.com/Air-Layer-a-Tree
Grafting: Grafting is a technique where one plant’s stem (scion) is joined with another plant’s root system (rootstock). The two plant parts are carefully connected to grow together and form a single plant. This method is commonly used in fruit tree cultivation to propagate varieties with desirable traits. This method requires careful selection and breeding of plants with desired traits.
New stock available!
Black Aronia (black chokeberry)
It grows to a height of approximately 1,5 mt with a spread of 3 metres and is ideal for a hedge.
Aronia berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. They have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being. Scientific research on the health benefits of Aronia berries is ongoing.
The small, dark purple to black berries grows in clusters and have a tart flavour. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. The leaves turn brilliant shades of red in autumn, creating an ornamental display.
Aronia berry plants thrive in various climates and are adaptable to different soil types. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aronia plants are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures.
When planting an Aronia berry plant, choosing a well-draining soil that retains moisture is essential. Space the plants about a metre apart for proper air circulation.
Aronia berry plants are relatively low maintenance once established. They require regular watering during the first year to help establish a strong root system. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and promote new growth. The berries are harvested at peak ripeness in late summer or early autumn. They can be used in various culinary applications, including juices, jams, jellies, syrups, baked goods, and wine. They are known for their tart taste, so they are often combined with sweeter fruits.
Strawberry Plants.
Growing strawberry plants can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
We at Just Berry Plants currently have stock of the Selecta variety of strawberry plants. The Selecta variety is a vigorous grower and makes many runners. They produce fruit in winter and a bumper harvest in summer.
Strawberry plants thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Before planting, remove any weeds or grass from the area.
Work the soil thoroughly and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. If possible, add 20% dry chicken manure.
Strawberries will thrive whenever they are planted. Dig holes deep enough to accommodate the roots and place the plants at the appropriate spacing, at least 20cms apart. Ensure the crown is level with the soil surface. Never cover the crown of the strawberry plant.
After planting, water the strawberry plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote disease.
Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or pine needles, around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and protect the fruit from soil contact. Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature. Mulching keeps the fruit from laying on the soil, attracting pests, and spoiling the fruit.
Feed your strawberry plants with a balanced fertiliser. We recommend Talbourne Organics 3. 1. 5, fruit and flower, or their liquid Nourish fertiliser. Apply the fertiliser in early spring and again after the first harvest. Be cautious not to over-fertilise, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Remove any runners (long stems that produce new plants) to encourage the parent plant to focus on fruit production. Also, remove any damaged or diseased leaves to promote air circulation. Should you desire to extend the life of your strawberry plants, wait until the runners produce seedlings with roots, and then cut the runner and plant the new strawberry plant.
Watch out for common pests like slugs, snails, and aphids. Monitor your plants for diseases such as grey mould or powdery mildew and take necessary action if detected. We recommend Organic EM Control with or without neem oil to repel most pests.
Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripe with a bright red colour.
