What does propagation in horticulture refer to?

Propagation in horticulture specifically refers to the process of growing new plants from seeds, cuttings, or various parts of existing plants. This fundamental practice allows horticulturists to reproduce plants and is essential for both commercial cultivation and personal gardening. It can involve various methods, including sexual propagation (using seeds) and asexual propagation (using cuttings, grafts, or division), each of which has its advantages based on the type of plant and the desired outcomes.

The other options focus on different aspects of horticulture: marketing of plants deals with the business side of horticulture and the activities involved in selling and distributing plants; preservation of plant species relates to conservation efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems; and transplanting mature plants involves the careful relocation of established plants, which is a separate activity from the propagation process itself. Understanding propagation is vital for anyone interested in plant cultivation, breeding, or landscaping.