Transcript Copy of RLO Air layering in pomegranate

Introduction
• Layering also known as Gootee, means inducing roots on a stem
while it is still attached to the plant and detaching it after rooting for
transplanting.
• This method is used for propagation of litchi, pomegranate, guava,
mango, persimon, kagzi lime etc. However, only pomegranate is
commercially propagated by air layering.
Selection of Mother Plant
• Healthy, disease and pest free mother plant from high yielding and
desired variety should be selected.
Procedure:
•
Select pencil thick stick having free sap flowing condition and
remove all leaves 30-45 cm below from the tip of the stick.
•
Remove one cm wide circular bark without disturbing the inner
part of wood i.e. xylem.
•
Application of 3000-5000 ppm Indol Butyric Acid (auxin) on
wounded part of stem induces early and profuse rooting in the
layer.
•
Cover the wound with a handful of wet sphagnum moss and tie
it with transparent broad polythene paper strip. Root formation
takes place in the upper portion of the cut.
Procedure:
•
2 to 2.5 months old rooted layers should be detached from the
mother plant and remove all leaves from the layer to avoid
transpiration.
•
Remove polythene paper from layer and transfer these layers
in polythene bag containing potting mixture and water them as
and when required.
•
Layers will sprout and ready for transplanting into the field after
2-3 months. Rainy season from June to September is the best
time for plantation.
Air layering in Pomegranate
A.
B.
Removal of circular bark from the stick
Cover sphagnum moss and tie with
polythene paper.
C.
D.
Rooting takes place from upper part.
Layer ready for transplanting in field
Air layering in Pomegranate
Advantages:
1. Early and profuse rooting found in air layering.
2. Early bearing of fruits.
3. Commercial method of Mass production of plants.
Disadvantages:
1. Skilled manpower is required for this operation.