What is the purpose of a propagule in plant propagation?

The purpose of a propagule in plant propagation is to serve as a portion of a plant used to generate a new plant. This can include seeds, cuttings, bulbs, tubers, or any other part of a plant that can grow into a new individual. By using propagules, growers can reproduce desired plant traits and characteristics, ensuring genetic consistency. This process is essential for horticulture, agriculture, and forestry, as it allows for the multiplication of plants in a controlled manner, ensuring the maintenance and improvement of particular plant varieties.

The other choices focus on different concepts: a genetic variant refers to a specific genetic makeup within a species, which does not directly relate to how plants are propagated; methods of pest control involve techniques to manage pests, not plant reproduction; and soil quality improvement pertains to agricultural practices aimed at enhancing soil health, which is unrelated to the concept of propagules.