Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of propagation methods in fruit crops. Step 2: Detailed Explanation: Apple is commonly propagated by stooling (also called mound layering).
Stooling/layering:
- Used to produce rootstocks.
- Mother plant is cut back and mounded with soil.
- New shoots produce roots.
- Rooted shoots are separated.
Other propagation methods for these crops:
- Pear (A): Usually propagated by budding or grafting on rootstocks.
- Plum (B): Propagated by budding or grafting.
- Peach (C): Propagated by budding or grafting.
Apple rootstocks like Malling (M) series and Malling-Merton (MM) series are produced by stooling.
Layering is also used for:
- Mango: Air layering (gootee).
- Grape: Cutting, layering.
- Fig: Cutting, layering.
Thus, apple is propagated by stooling/layering. Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the fruit crop propagated by stooling/layering is apple, which corresponds to option (D). [0.5cm]