Budding

Definition

A mode of asexual reproduction in which a new individual arises as an outgrowth from the parent body, enlarges, and eventually detaches to live independently. The offspring is typically a genetic clone of the parent, barring somatic mutations. In arthropods, true budding is rare; the term is sometimes applied loosely to describe the production of propagules in certain mites and parthenogenetic insects, though these processes more commonly involve oviparous or viviparous parthenogenesis rather than the classic budding seen in cnidarians or yeast.

Etymology

From Middle English budde, referring to a swelling or sprout on a plant; extended to biological reproduction by analogy with vegetative outgrowth.

Example

In the gall midge Lasioptera rubi, a form of paedogenesis produces multiple larvae within a single parent larva through polyembryony-like processes that resemble budding, though technically distinct; true budding is more characteristic of some parasitic mites where small daughter individuals bud from the mother's integument.

Synonyms

• blastogenesis

Related Terms

• asexual reproduction
• Parthenogenesis
• Paedogenesis
• Polyembryony
• fission
• fragmentation
• Clone

Usage Notes

Distinguish from 'budding' in virology (viral egress) and horticulture (grafting technique). In entomology, 'budding' is sometimes used informally for colony fission in social insects (e.g., honey bee swarming), but this is dispersal behavior, not reproductive budding. True budding in arthropods is limited; most apparent cases are better described as parthenogenesis or larval proliferation.