How does tangerine reproduce?

Tangerines, like other citrus fruits, typically reproduce through seeds. When a tangerine is consumed, and the seeds are swallowed, they can pass through the digestive system and remain viable for germination. These seeds can be planted in soil, and with proper care, they will grow into new tangerine trees.

2. Vegetative Propagation:

Tangerines can also reproduce vegetatively, which involves growing new plants from existing plant parts. This method is often preferred by commercial growers as it allows for the propagation of desirable traits and ensures genetic uniformity. There are several vegetative propagation techniques used for tangerines:

a. Cuttings: Stem cuttings are taken from mature tangerine trees and planted in a suitable rooting medium. Under favorable conditions, these cuttings will develop roots and grow into new plants.

b. Air Layering: This technique involves wounding a branch while still attached to the parent tree and covering the wounded area with a moist rooting medium. Once roots develop, the new plant can be severed and grown independently.

c. Grafting: This method involves joining the stem of a tangerine cultivar (scion) to the rootstock of a related citrus species. Grafting allows the desirable characteristics of the scion to be combined with the rootstock's disease resistance or other advantageous traits.

3. Tissue Culture:

Tangerines can also be propagated through tissue culture, a laboratory technique that involves growing plant cells or tissues in a controlled environment. This method allows for rapid propagation of disease-free plants and the preservation of valuable genetic material.

It's worth noting that the success of tangerine reproduction depends on various factors such as environmental conditions, proper cultivation practices, and the specific cultivar being propagated.