Table of Contents
Introduction
Air layering, also known as marcotting or gootee, is a popular method of propagation in litchi (lychee) trees. This technique involves rooting a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant.
It is the way to create a new litchi tree from the branch of an existing one. This process takes place on the branches above ground, which is why it’s called “air” layering. July-October is the most appropriate time (after the harvest of the fruits).
The new tree will be genetically identical to the parent, maintaining the same species and cultivar, rather than becoming a hybrid with uncertain fruit and growth traits.
When you come across a tree with particularly desirable fruit or characteristics, it’s highly beneficial to replicate this tree quickly, rather than waiting the 10 to 15 years it typically takes for lychees to grow from seed to fruit.This method is easier, faster and economical as well.
Materials Required :
- Sharp knife or Pruning Shears
- Sphagnum moss/Soil
- Plastic wrap or polyethylene sheet
- Fine tying ropes
Steps :
Selection of Healthy branch :
Choose a healthy and mature branch which is around the thickness of a pencil size and has vigorous growth. The branch should be at least a year old.
Girdling the branch :
Make two parallel cuts around the branch about 1 to 2 inches apart with the help of a sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove the bark around a complete circular section of the branch and fully expose the xylem layer. The cambium, i.e. the vascular layer of plant tissue just below the bark is to be removed.
The rooting hormone can be applied directly to the cambium or can be mixed with the rooting materials (Optional). This hastens the growth of roots.
Wrapping the Gridled area:
Moisten a handful of Sphagnum moss mixed with soil (2 parts of sphagnum moss and 1 part of soil from the foot of an old litchi tree is best suited) and cover the gridled area.
Securing the moss :
Wrap the moss-covered area tightly with a plastic wrap or polythene sheet to retain the moisture. Tie both the ends of the sheet with fine rope or rubber bands to make it practically air tight.
The polythene sheet should be transparent in order to monitor the moisture in the moss and root development of roots. Rooting will take place in around 4-8 weeks. When the sufficient number of roots are developed as seen from the transparent polythene sheet, the branch is cut below the covered area. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the branch and carefully remove the polythene sheet and the moss. The new litchi plant is potted in a nursery and water it well.
It is suggested that at least 6 months old marcotted (air layered) plants should be planted in the permanent field preferably in monsoon. It is necessary to cut the top of the branch, so as to secure the proper proportion of leaves to root.
Apart from litchi, Air layering can also be done in various plants like guava, mango, citrus, fig, pomegranate, and so on. This method increases the chances of successful propagation and often leads to a more mature plant quickly than from seeds or cuttings.