Vegetative propagation material is in general much more sensitive to desiccation and other damages than seeds. Special care must be taken during handling. The physiological characteristics of the propagation material should be taken into account. Following measures should be taken:
Material should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Material should be taken as close in time and space to the operation as possible.
Long storage should be avoided. If storage is necessary, it should be in a cool and moist place.
Prevention measures against desiccation should be taken during all transport and storage.
The material should be handled carefully so that buds will not be damaged.
All flowers and flower buds should be removed from the material.
Vegetative material possesses polarity, i.e. physiological difference between distal and proximal end. In vegetative propagules where it is difficult to distinguish the two ends, one end should be marked.
