Introduction :

1. 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

2. Methods of Layering: Simple or Tongue 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. Tongue Layering Simple Layering

3. 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

4. Mound / Stool 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

5. Air or Gooty 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 Layering Air Layering

6. Trench 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

7. 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. Selection of Shoot for Layering Tip Layering