What is the primary method of propagating potatoes?

The primary method of propagating potatoes is through tubers. Potatoes are a type of tuber that stores nutrients and energy for the plant, allowing them to sprout and grow into new potato plants. When a tuber is planted in the soil, it can develop roots and stems, ultimately producing a new plant. This method of propagation takes advantage of the potato's natural growth cycle and is particularly effective because it allows for the duplication of specific potato varieties, maintaining their desirable traits.

While seeds are a method of propagating many plants, potatoes are usually propagated vegetatively using tubers rather than seeds, which can lead to variability in the offspring. Cuttings, which are more commonly used for plants like herbs or shrubs, are not effective for potatoes since they don't produce the necessary structures for growth. Bulbs are associated with plants like onions and tulips, not potatoes. Therefore, using tubers is the most efficient and reliable method for potato propagation.