Breeders are the first to develop a new plant
line by conducting massive evaluation trials for
selection of premium genetic material. After a
plant has been selected for replication, its numbers
are increased through stock plant or mother plant
production. Offshore production of stock plants,
mainly in Central America, has been the strategy
in which to take advantage of ideal environmental
conditions and low labor costs. Cuttings are
harvested from these plants and are shipped to the
U.S. to either rooting stations or grower locations.
Propagation firms have established networks of
specialized propagators who root cuttings and
ship to clients either regionally or nationally.