Identify the vegetative material shown, the process of preparing it for planting, and describe the procedure for this preparation.

Here's the solution to the question:

a) The vegetative material illustrated is a potato tuber.

b) The process involved in the preparation of potato tubers for planting is called chitting (or sprouting).

c) The procedure for preparing the planting materials (potato tubers) is as follows:

1. Select and arrange: Choose healthy, disease-free seed potatoes and place them in a single layer, with the 'rose' end (the end with the most eyes) facing upwards, in shallow trays or egg cartons.
2. Provide conditions: Store the trays in a cool (around 7-10°C), well-lit, and frost-free environment. This encourages the development of short, sturdy, green sprouts (chits) from the eyes, rather than long, weak ones.
3. Prepare for planting: Allow the chits to grow to about 1-2 cm in length. Larger seed potatoes can be cut into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one or two healthy chits, and then allowed to heal for a day or two before planting.