TRANSPLANTING LETTUCE SEEDLINGS
INSTRUCTIONAL SHEET FOR STUDENTS
PROPAGATION BY AIR-LAYERINGOBJECTIVESStudents should be able to:
Demonstrated the steps involved in Air-layering propagation.
Explain the reason for using rooting hormone and scraping of
cambium
layer on stem.NOTESPROPAGATION BY AIR LAYERINGAir layering or
marcotting is a form of asexual plant propagation. This is a form
of propagation that involves the use of plant parts, other than
seeds to produce new plants. The process of Air-layering involves a
system whereby new plants are formed on a stem while still being
attached to the parent plant.
SAFETY WARNING1. Care should be taken when using the budding
knife so as not to cause injury to oneself or others.
2. Gloves should be worn at all times to insure that rooting
hormone does not come into contact with skin.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED:1. Plants to layer
2. Rooting hormone
3. Secateurs
4. Sharp sterilized budding knife
5. Damp cocoa moss
6. Clear plastic wrap
7. String
8. Brush
9. Latex gloves.STEP INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF AIR-LAYERING
1. Select a branch from a healthy plant. Stems of pencil size
thickness or larger are best and remove any leaves that are
present.
2. The chosen stem is girdled i.e. using a sharp budding knife
two circular cuts are made on the stem at 3c.m. apart.
3. A third cut is then made to join both circular cuts and the
bark of the stem is removed. (See Figure A)
1
2
3
Figure A: Diagram showing the three procedures made to remove
the bark at the layering site on the plant
4. The cambium layer is gently scraped at the exposed region.The
cambium is gently scraped to prevent re-generation of phloem
tissues as the plant will try to heal the wound created for root
development
5. The exposed layer is covered with rooting hormone using a
paint brush. Rooting hormone stimulates rooting at the layering
site
6. Moistened cocoa moss is applied around the exposed area.
7. The plastic polythene is then wrapped around the cocoa moss
and tied at both ends with string.
8. Leave to set for 3-4 weeks to allow for callus and root
formation
9. Sever the layered plant from parent with secateurs, remove
plastic and transplant new plant.
POST OPERATION
Remember to clean working area, wash tools, return them to the
storage area and thoroughly wash hands.