Layering
Definition A form of rooting cuttings in which adventitious roots are initiated on a stem while it is still attached to the plant Occurs naturally The rooted stem is called the layer
History Ancient nursery technique Mound and trench layering used to produce hard-to-root fruit varieties (1900’s) Largely replaced by modern cutting propagation
Advantages Disadvantages Good for difficult to root species Don’t need fancy facilities Avoid the stress that cuttings experience Disadvantages Low number of plants Labor intensive (expensive) Takes some time
Physiology Accumulation of photosynthates & hormones in the rooting area girdling incision bending Exclusion of light blanching and etiolation Apparent rejuvenation Start in spring with dormant hardwood
Techniques Simple layering Tip layering Serpentine (compound) Mound layering or stooling Trench layering Air layering Runners and plantlets
Simple layering
Tip layering http://www.hort.purdue.edu/plantprop/webversion/Layering/5_2.html
Serpentine layering
Mound layering http://www.suttonelms.org.uk/apple72.html
Mound layering in a container
Trench layering
Air layering http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/air-layering/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSSgG3stxQY
Runners and plantlets
Plant Patents! Plant patents To search for plant patents http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/plant/ To search for plant patents http://patft.uspto.gov/
Lab today Do layering methods (3) per the lab handout If hardwood cuttings have foliage, move to the mist in the West greenhouse Observe leaf cuttings (and everything else) Toss dead stuff - can try more if you like Note – Roots? Where? How many? How long? What color?