For each of the following questions, four choices have been provided. Select the correct alternatives. Tapioca can be propagated vegetatively using (a) Stem (b) Root (c) Leaves (d) None of the above

Asexual reproduction is a process where a new plant is created without the fusion of reproductive cells (gametes). This means there's no mixing of genetic material from two different plants, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant, known as clones. One common method of asexual reproduction is vegetative propagation. This approach leverages the plant's ability to grow new individuals from various vegetative parts, such as stems, roots, and leaves.

Examples of vegetative propagation include the development of runners in strawberry plants, tubers in potatoes, and bulbs in onions. Each method relies on different plant parts but achieves the same result: the growth of new, independent plants that retain the genetic makeup of their parent. This strategy is valuable for rapidly increasing plant numbers and preserving desirable traits, such as specific flower colors or fruit sizes.

Tapioca cultivation has a significant standing in agriculture within tropical regions. Tapioca is produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta), a plant well-suited to conditions in these areas. It requires a warm climate and can even tolerate poor soil conditions, which makes it a staple crop in many developing countries.

The process of growing cassava for tapioca involves careful practices to ensure plant health and yield. It starts with selecting healthy and disease-free stem cuttings, which are then planted in well-prepared soil. Over the growth period, cassava requires plenty of sunlight, moderate watering, and occasional weeding. Throughout this time, the roots of the cassava plant accumulate the starch that will eventually be processed into tapioca pearls, flakes, or flour. These products are not only used in cooking but also in various industrial applications, such as the manufacturing of biodegradable bags and as a thickening agent in food.

Cassava plant propagation is integral to tapioca cultivation, mostly done through vegetative means for efficiency and consistency. The method predominantly used is stem cutting. Farmers select healthy stems from mature cassava plants and cut them into sections, each containing several bud nodes.

These cuttings are then planted in fields, where they will eventually develop roots and shoots. This form of propagation ensures that the produced cassava plants will have the identical characteristics as the parent, such as disease resistance or root quality. The use of root cuttings is less common but still practiced in situations where stem cuttings are not available or feasible. By focusing on asexual reproduction through stem cuttings, farmers can maintain the quality and yield of their cassava crops season after season, contributing to the stability of the food supply in many regions.