Question

Ginger is propagated by means of :

• A. Rhizomes
• B. Corms
• C. Tubers
• D. Stem

Hint:

Seed rate for ginger cultivation is relatively high, usually requiring $1,500$ to $2,500\text{ kg}$ of seed rhizomes per hectare, depending on the planting system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many horticultural crop species are propagated vegetatively to maintain clonal purity and bypass seed dormancy or low seed viability.
Different underground modified stem structures are used depending on the crop species.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial herbaceous crop grown for its aromatic and pungent underground stem.
It is commercially propagated vegetatively using seed rhizomes.
A rhizome is a horizontally growing underground stem that stores carbohydrates and contains nodes from which shoots and roots arise.
During planting, healthy rhizome pieces (called "sets" or "bits") containing at least one or two active buds (eyes) are selected and sown.
Let us examine the other propagation structures listed:
- Corms are used to propagate crops like Taro (Colocasia) and Yam (Amorphophallus).
- Tubers are used to propagate Potato.
- Stems (stem cuttings) are used for sugarcane and cassava.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Ginger is propagated by means of Rhizomes.