Vegetative Reproduction. 



197 



1 On the theory that newer tissues might be able to regenerate roots. 



2 A melga is a bed with a deep border to facilitate irrigation by flooding, 

 irrigated in this way. 



Alfalfa is frequently 



methods. In many instances they will produce new shoots, the size of 

 which varies directly with the volume of the piece. Consequently, exami- 

 nation of the above-ground parts might 

 easily persuade the uninitiated that 

 growth, including that of the roots, had 

 taken place. The fact remains that in 

 no case had the pieces regenerated roots, 

 and in consequence the cuttings all died 

 sooner or later. 



3. Root - cuttings may live and 

 become permanently established, but 

 under the conditions used the number 

 was small (plate 20, Ai). In these, too, 

 new shoots may be produced without a 

 commensurate growth of new roots, and 

 the cuttings may therefore die after 

 starting. 



4. Sectorial cuttings made by split- 

 ting the lower part of the plant in such 

 a manner as to involve root and stem 

 tissue grow most readily (plate 20, fig. 

 A, 2 to 4). The pieces heal completely 

 without decaying (fig. 18), and new 

 growths of normal extent under irriga- 

 tion will be formed, these flowering 

 abundantly the first season. Under 

 favorable conditions about 75 per cent 

 may be expected to live. 



5. Stem-tissue may be forced to regenerate roots by planting the 

 basal portions of plants, trimmed close to the top of the tap-root (plate 

 44, fig. A). Branches which then start out will generally behave as the 



Fig. 18. 



A successful sectorial root-stem cut- 

 ting, showing complete healing. 



