Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants? 1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal population. 2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus. 3. Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is option C (Statements 1 and 3 only).

**Statement 1 is correct:** Vegetative propagation produces plants that are genetically similar enough to the parent plant to have all its characteristics[1], meaning they form a clonal population of genetically identical individuals.

**Statement 2 is incorrect:** Vegetative propagation does **not** eliminate viruses. Since vegetative propagation uses parts of the parent plant (roots, stems, or leaves), any systemic viruses present in the parent will be transmitted to the offspring. The documents mention that tissue culture allows many plants to be grown from one parent in disease-free conditions[2], but this refers to controlled laboratory conditions with special techniques, not standard vegetative propagation methods.

**Statement 3 is correct:** Vegetative propagation can be achieved by layering, grafting, or rooting semi-hardwood cuttings[3], and these methods can generally be practiced throughout most of the year, unlike seed propagation which is often season-dependent. This makes vegetative propagation a flexible agricultural technique.

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.2.5 Vegetative Propagation > p. 117
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > Tissue culture > p. 118
3. [3] https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/micropropagation+seed+propagation