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.

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.

• 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.

Procedure:

A. Removal of circular bark from the stickB. Cover sphagnum moss and tie with

polythene paper.

Air layering in Pomegranate

C. Rooting takes place from upper part.D. Layer ready for transplanting in field

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.

Air layering in Pomegranate