JSS2 Agricultural Science First Term Topic: Crop

Propagation and Cultural Practices

Detailed Lesson Note for JSS2 Agricultural Science: Crop

Propagation and Cultural Practices (First Term)

Topic
Crop Propagation and Cultural Practices (JSS2, First Term - as outlined by the
Nigerian NERDC curriculum and supported by recent, curriculum-compliant web-based
lesson resources)1.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define crop propagation and cultural practices.
2. Differentiate between sexual and asexual methods of crop propagation.
3. List and explain examples of crops propagated by sexual and asexual means.
4. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual
propagation.
5. Identify key cultural practices in crop production.
6. Describe pre-planting, planting, and post-planting operations in detail.
7. Perform and demonstrate basic propagation and cultural practices in the
school farm or demonstration plot.

Teaching Materials / Aids

 Sample seeds (maize, groundnut, okra, cowpea, tomato, etc.)
 Stem cuttings (cassava, sugarcane, yam, pineapple suckers)

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 Charts and diagrams showing crop propagation techniques
 Farm tools (hoe, cutlass, rake, hand trowel)
 Polythene bags and trays for nursery demonstration
 Multimedia or video clips showing propagation (grafting, budding, etc.)
 Live plants or seedling samples
 Board and chalk/marker
 Posters illustrating pre-planting, planting, and post-planting activities23

Key Terms and Definitions

 Propagation: The process of reproducing or multiplying plants, either by seeds
(sexual) or by vegetative organs (asexual).
 Cultural practices: The various farm operations done before, during, and after
planting to ensure healthy crop growth and good yield.

Lesson Content

1. Meaning and Importance of Crop Propagation

Crop propagation refers to all the methods employed to multiply plants for food,
industrial raw materials, or ornamental purposes. Propagation ensures the continuity
of plant species, helps maintain desirable characteristics, achieves uniformity in crop
production, enables mass production of planting materials, and supports food security 4.
The importance of crop propagation includes:
 Ensuring a constant supply of crops and planting materials.
 Allowing for the selection and improvement of desirable plant traits.
 Facilitating high yields and resistance to pests/diseases through improved varieties.
 Supporting commercial farming by enabling rapid multiplication of plants.
Understanding propagation equips students with core knowledge for further studies and
practical agriculture.

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2. Methods of Crop Propagation
Crop propagation is classified as:

A. Sexual Propagation (By Seed)

Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to produce new plants. This method
requires the union (fertilization) of male (pollen grain) and female (ovule) plant cells,
resulting in seeds. It introduces genetic variation among plants, which can be
beneficial for adaptation but may not always produce uniform traits56.
 Definition: Production of new plants via seeds after fertilization.
 Key characteristics:
o Offspring exhibit variation due to the mixing of genes.
o Essential for creating new varieties and maintaining biodiversity.
o Common in annual and biennial crops.

Advantages of Sexual Propagation:

 Seeds are easy to store, transport, buy, and handle.
 Enables mass multiplication at low cost.
 Naturally prevents certain diseases (since seeds may escape vegetative-borne
pathogens).
 Allows development of new and improved varieties through breeding.

Disadvantages of Sexual Propagation:

 Plants may not be true to type due to genetic recombination.
 Some seeds have dormancy challenges and require special treatment for
germination.
 Slow maturity and fruit production in some species (especially tree crops).
 Requires good seed viability and conducive germination conditions.

Examples of Crops Propagated Sexually:

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 Propagation Type Method Crop Examples

Maize, cowpea, okra, wheat,

Direct sowing (in-situ, seed beds) Seeds sown in field
melon, millet

Tomato, tobacco, rice, onion,

Nursery raising and transplanting Seeds in nursery pepper, oil palm, cocoa,
citrus

Direct sowing is often used for crops with large, robust seeds that can withstand field
conditions, while nursery raising applies to delicate or small-seeded crops that benefit
from initial protection and care before field transplanting7.

B. Asexual (Vegetative) Propagation

Asexual propagation, also called vegetative propagation, involves using parts of an
existing plant (stem, leaf, root, tuber, sucker, corm, etc.) to grow new plants. Offspring
are genetically identical (clones) to the parent plant, aiding the maintenance of
desirable characteristics and uniformity89.
 Definition: Reproduction of new plants from vegetative organs without fertilization.
 Key characteristics:
o True-to-type plants identical to parent.
o Quicker crop establishment and earlier maturity.
o Used for plants that do not easily produce viable seeds, or whose seeds are
difficult to handle.

Advantages of Asexual Propagation:

 Ensures uniform crops with consistent traits (important in commercial agriculture).
 Results in earlier establishment and quicker maturity.
 Enables propagation of plants that rarely produce or set seeds.
 Useful for reproducing hybrids or elite varieties whose seed does not breed true.

Disadvantages of Asexual Propagation:

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 May transfer diseases or pests from parent plant to offspring.
 No genetic variability; crops are susceptible to the same pests, diseases, or adverse
conditions.
 Bulky propagation materials (cuttings, tubers, etc.) can limit transport and storage.
 Labour-intensive process compared to sowing seed.

Main Asexual Propagation Methods and Examples:

Method Technique Crop Examples

Stem Cutting Planting sections of stems Cassava, sugarcane, potato

Root Cutting Planting sections of root Sweet potato, yam

Leaf placed in soil or water to sprout

Leaf Cutting Bryophyllum, African violet
roots and shoots

Inducing a branch to root while still

Layering Jasmine, guava, blackberry
attached to parent plant

Grafting a bud onto another plant's

Budding Citrus, rose
stem/rootstock

Joining a scion onto a rootstock to

Grafting Mango, orange, apple, cocoa
combine desirable traits

Shoots arising from plant base or roots

Suckers Banana, plantain, pineapple
are separated and planted

Growing plantlets from tiny tissue

Tissue Culture Banana, yam, pineapple
pieces in sterile conditions

Practical Example 1: Cassava stem cuttings should be mature, healthy, with at least 3-
4 nodes. The lower part of stems yields better crops for propagation10.
Practical Example 2: Grafting is extensively used for commercial fruit tree
multiplication in Nigeria, such as mangoes and citrus. The scion wood is joined to a
disease-resistant rootstock to ensure faster fruiting and higher productivity11.

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3. Examples of Crops and Their Propagation Methods

Sexually Propagated Crops (By Seed)

 Maize (direct sowing)
 Cowpea (direct sowing)
 Okra (direct sowing)
 Tomato (nursery then transplant)
 Rice (nursery then transplant)
 Onion (nursery then transplant)
 Pepper (nursery)
 Oil Palm (nursery)

Asexually Propagated Crops (By Vegetative Organs)

 Cassava (stem cutting)
 Sugarcane (stem cutting)
 Sweet potatoes (root cutting, vines)
 Banana (suckers)
 Pineapple (suckers, crowns)
 Yam (tubers)
 Orange/Citrus (budding/grafting)
 Mango (grafting)
 Guava (air layering, cuttings)
 Rose (cuttings, budding)
 Cocoa (grafting)

4. Agricultural Cultural Practices

Cultural practices are essential farm operations performed before, during, and after
planting to ensure optimal crop growth, protection from pests and diseases, and good
yields.

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Overview of Main Categories
 Pre-Planting Operations: Land preparation, clearing, tillage, seed treatment,
ridging, nursery practice, plot layout, stumping.
 Planting Operations: Sowing of seeds or placing cuttings, determining planting
date, depth, spacing, seed rate, and field arrangement.
 Post-Planting Operations: Thinning, supplying, fertilizing, watering, mulching,
weeding, pest/disease control, staking, pruning, harvesting, and basic
processing/storage124.

A. Pre-Planting Operations
Pre-planting operations are necessary steps carried out before actual sowing or planting
to prepare the field for successful crop establishment124.
Key Pre-Planting Practices:
8. Choice of Site: Select land with fertile soil, adequate sunlight, and good drainage to
suit the intended crop. Consider accessibility for transport and water supply.
9. Clearing: Remove bush, grass, and unwanted trees either manually (cutlass, hoe)
or mechanically (bulldozer). This prepares the area for subsequent activities.
10. Stumping: Remove tree stumps and deep roots to facilitate ploughing and future
farm mechanization.
11. Tilling (Ploughing and Harrowing): Tilling breaks up and turns the soil, aiding
aeration, root penetration, and moisture retention. Ploughing is usually followed by
harrowing to achieve a fine tilth ideal for sowing small seeds.
12. Ridging/Bed Formation: Create ridges for crops such as yam, cassava, and
potatoes. Beds are used for tomatoes, peppers, and vegetables to improve drainage
and facilitate root development.
13. Plot Layout: Divide farmland into plots for better crop management and rotation,
often using a measuring tape and marker pegs.
14. Seed Selection and Treatment: Choose viable, healthy, disease-free seeds or
planting materials. Treat seeds where necessary using chemicals, pre-soaking, or
scarification to enhance germination.

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15. Nursery Preparation: For crops requiring nursery (e.g., tomato, pepper, oil palm),
prepare seedbeds, pots, or trays, and incorporate good watering and weeding
practices.
16. Fencing: In some cases, erect fences to protect crops from animals.
Importance of Tillage and Land Preparation:
 Enhances aeration and water infiltration.
 Controls weeds and exposes pests.
 Mixes fertilizers and organic matter into soil.
 Provides a suitable seedbed for sowing.
Teaching Aid: Diagrams showing before and after land clearing, ploughing, ridging;
display various seed types and treatment methods for hands-on practice13.

B. Planting Operations
Planting operations involve the precise placement of seeds, seedlings, or crop cuttings
into the soil at appropriate depth and spacing for optimal growth. Key aspects include:
 Planting Time: Carry out planting at the beginning of the rainy season or as
recommended for the crop’s ecological requirements.
 Planting Distance and Spacing: Determine intra-row (within row) and inter-row
(between row) spacing according to crop type to prevent overcrowding and promote
uniform development.
 Planting Depth: Plant seeds and cuttings at recommended depths-shallow for small
seeds, deeper for large/tuberous planting materials.
 Number of Seeds/Setts per Hole: Normally, 2-3 seeds per hole for crops like
maize, thinning to one healthy seedling after emergence.
 Seed Rate: The quantity of seed required per hectare varies by crop (e.g., maize:
25kg/ha).
 Transplanting: Move seedlings from nursery to permanent site when they reach
suitable growth stage, ensuring minimal root disturbance.

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Practical Activities: Demonstrate direct seeding, nursery sowing, and transplanting
using the school’s demonstration farm. Group students to measure and peg spacing on
sample plots144.

C. Post-Planting Operations
Post-planting operations ensure successful crop establishment, good plant health, and
high yields right up to the point of harvest. They typically involve maintenance and
management activities after seeds or planting materials have been set in the soil124.
Key Post-Planting Practices:
17. Thinning: Remove excess or weak seedlings, especially where multiple seeds were
sown, to provide adequate space and allow the strongest plants to flourish.
18. Supplying (Beating Up): Replant or replace seeds or seedlings where initial ones
have failed to germinate to maintain uniform plant population.
19. Mulching: Cover the soil surface around plants with dry leaves, straw, or polythene
to retain moisture, suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion, and regulate temperature.
20. Irrigation/Watering: Apply water manually (watering can, hose) or mechanically
(irrigation system) during periods of inadequate rainfall to protect plants from drought
stress.
21. Manure/Fertilizer Application: Use organic manures (compost, animal droppings)
and/or chemical fertilizers (NPK, urea, superphosphate) to enhance soil fertility and
promote vigorous plant growth. Application can be by broadcasting, banding, or spot
placement.
22. Weeding: Remove competing weeds by hand, hoe, or chemical herbicides, often 2-
3 times before harvesting, to reduce competition for water, nutrients, and light.
23. Staking: Provide vertical support (especially for climbing or vining crops such as
tomatoes, peppers, and beans) using sticks or bamboo to prevent lodging and ease
harvesting.
24. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor crops regularly and use physical, chemical, or
biological means to control insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

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25. Pruning/Trimming: Selectively remove unwanted plant parts to improve air
circulation, promote productivity, and reduce disease.
26. Harvesting: Collect mature plant parts at the right stage to maximize yield and
quality. Delayed harvesting may lead to losses due to spoilage or pest infestation.
27. Processing and Storage: Clean, process, and store harvested crops using barns,
silos, cribs, or polythene bags to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
28. Observation and Record-Keeping: Maintain notes on crop growth, pest attack,
application of inputs, and yield to inform future practices.
Paraphrased Example: Timely weeding and appropriate fertilizer application have
been shown to significantly increase maize and vegetable yields on Nigerian school
farms, while mulching and irrigation are critical in dry seasons for crops like tomatoes
and yam.

5. Activities / Class Demonstrations

Planned Classroom and Farm Activities:
 Seed and Propagule Identification: Provide a variety of seeds, stems, suckers,
and allow students to classify them as sexual or asexual propagation materials.
 Propagation Demonstration: Demonstrate stem cutting using cassava and show
sowing of maize or okra seeds in the soil.
 Nursery Setup: Guide students to prepare nursery beds using polythene bags for
tomato or pepper; water and shade as needed.
 Measuring Plot Layout: With tape and pegs, students measure sample planting
distances for crops like cassava (1m x 1m) or maize (75cm x 25cm).
 Weeding and Thinning: Allow students to practice thinning in a seedbed and weed
a plot manually.
 Farm visit or field tour: Observe established fields and nursery to reinforce
theoretical aspects with practical examples.
Each activity would be followed by structured class discussions reviewing what was
observed or practiced.

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6. Evaluation and Assessment Questions
Sample Evaluation Questions (Objective and Theory):
29. Define crop propagation.
30. List and explain two methods of crop propagation with examples.
31. Distinguish between sexual and asexual propagation (2 differences, 2
examples each).
32. Mention three pre-planting operations and explain their importance.
33. State five considerations in planting operations (time, spacing, depth, seed
rate, viability).
34. List and explain four post-planting operations and their significance.
35. Describe the process of stem cutting in cassava propagation.
36. What is the main advantage of asexual propagation for commercial fruit
farming?
37. Explain ‘thinning’ and give two reasons why it is carried out.
38. Describe three methods used in weeding a crop field.
39. Why is mulching important in crop production?
40. Give the correct spacing for planting maize and explain why spacing is
important.
41. Explain the difference between ‘supplying’ and ‘thinning’.
42. State two disadvantages each of seed (sexual) and vegetative (asexual)
propagation.
43. Describe how to prepare and plant a seedbed for nursery crops like tomato.
Assessment Activity: Provide a mixture of seeds, stem cuttings, and tools-ask
students to demonstrate preparation and planting, then write a short report identifying
the method used and justifying their choice.

Summary Table: Sexual vs. Asexual Crop Propagation

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 Asexual (Vegetative)
Feature Sexual (Seed) Propagation
Propagation

Stem, root, leaf, sucker, corm,

Propagation Material Seeds
tuber, etc.

High (offspring differ from

Genetic Variation Low (offspring identical to parent)
parents)

Uniformity Low High

Slower (especially in woody

Maturity Time Rapid, early maturity
perennials)

Risk of transmitting diseases

Disease Resistance May start disease-free
from parent

Higher, more labour-intensive

Cost and Labour Lower, easier handling
and bulky materials

Annual, biennial, easy-seeding Perennial, seedless, difficult-to-

Suitability
crops seed, or hybrid crops

Maize, okra, tomato, cowpea, Cassava, sugarcane, banana,

Crop Examples
rice pineapple, citrus, yam

After the table, it is critical to elaborate that sexual propagation supports adaptation and
evolution through genetic diversity. This is beneficial in uncertain or variable climates
and for breeding improved varieties. On the other hand, asexual propagation is vital for
commercial farming of fruits and industrial crops where consistency, quality, and speed
of production are prioritized. In Nigeria, both methods are extensively used, based on
the specific requirements of the crop and the goals of the farmer.

References to Current Nigerian Curriculum and Online Standards

This lesson directly reflects the Nigerian Educational Research and Development
Council (NERDC) Agriculture Curriculum for JSS2 and embodies procedures and
content recommended by leading web-based lesson resources popular among Nigerian

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secondary schools144. It also aligns with up-to-date online agricultural science teaching
notes and recognized best practices reported in nationwide educational resources and
demonstration programmes.

Conclusion and Takeaway for Students

Crop propagation and the associated cultural practices form the cornerstone of
good agricultural practice and food production in Nigeria. By mastering both the
theory (definition, methods, examples, and principles) and practice (actual sowing, plot
measurement, nursery, weeding, thinning, and fertilization), students not only fulfill
curriculum requirements but also acquire practical skills that are highly relevant for food
security and agri-business in the country.
Remember: Successful farming demands sound land preparation, the right propagation
technique, correct planting, and diligent maintenance through post-planting cultural
practices. In the next lesson, students will study more advanced systems such as
cropping patterns, farm management, and pest and disease control.

End of Lesson Note

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