Introduction:

• In Layering method of plant propagation, roots are produced on an

aerial plant parts like stem/branches. Rooted layer is then detached

and planted as an independent plant.

• Layering method has a high success rate and produces large number

of plants. It as an important method of propagation in fruit crops.

Air Layering in Guava

Methods of Layering:

• A growing branch of fruit trees is given a

tongue shaped upward cut and bent to the

ground.

• Cut portion of the branch is buried in soil,

leaving the terminal branch exposed in air.

• Rooting takes place at the wounded part of

branch after which the layer is separated from

mother plant using sharp knife. e.g. Guava.

Simple or Tongue Layering:

Simple Layering

Tongue Layering

Compound / Serpentine Layering

• Compound layering is similar to simple layering

except that the branch is alternately buried in

soil / growing media and exposed along its

length.

• Stem / Branch to be operated for compound

layering must be longer and flexible to be

layered at different locations.

• Creepers, Climbers and Vines like Grapes,

Clematis, Wisteria, etc. can be propagated by

Serpentine method of layering.

Compound Layering

Compound Layering

• Plant stems are cut back at the ground level during the dormant

season and allow them to sprout new shoots.

• Circular ring of bark is removed from the tender shoots and the

wound is treated with plant growth regulator like Indol Butyric Acid

( IBA).

• Wound on shoot is buried in mound of soil. Injured part of shoot

develops roots and are separated from mother plant. e.g. Apple

Mound / Stool Layering

• Air layering is method of root formation on aerial

plant parts / shoots.

• Circular bark on branch is removed and rooting

medium like sphagnum moss is tied on branch.

• Roots initiate on the upper side of the wound

where Sphagnum moss supply moisture till root

initiation. e.g. Pomegranate

 

Air or Gooty Layering:

Air Layering

Air Layering

• Selected branch of plant is bent in a shallow

trench in horizontal position and shoots are

covered in soil for rooting.

• Rooted layers are separated from mother

plants and planted in a nursery.

• Trench layering is successful in woody fruit

crop species like Apple, Pear, Cherry etc.

Trench Layering

Trench Layering

Trench Layering

Tip Layering:

• In tip layering, rooting takes place near the tip

of current season growth. Shoot tips are

buried 2 to 5 cm deep in soil.

• These shoot tips grow upward to produce a

bend in the stem and roots initiate at the

curve of stem.

• Rooted tips are separated from the mother

plant and maintain in nursery or planted in

field. e.g. Blackberries, Raspberries.

Tip Layering

Selection of Shoot for Layering