This document discusses various methods of asexual plant propagation including cutting, budding, and grafting. It describes in detail: 1. The different types of cuttings - stem, root, and leaf cuttings - and provides examples of plants propagated through each method. 2. The main types of budding - shield, patch, chip, ring, and modified ring budding - and the plants commonly propagated using each technique. 3. The different grafting methods like veneer grafting and details the importance of matching scion and rootstock thickness and sealing the graft union.

1. 1
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi
Vidyapeeth , Akola
COURSE TITLE – TROPICAL AND DRYLAND FRUIT
PRODUCTION
COURSE NO. – FSC 501
TOPIC – METHODS OF ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
SUBMITTED BY – ADITYA D. INGOLE
HORTICULTURE ( FRUIT SCIENCE)
ROLL NO – PG19FSC-2222
SUBMITTED TO – Dr. S. R. PATIL

2. 2
Separationof a portionfrommotherplantandplantingitina mediumsuitablysothatit mayconstitute
a newplantsuccessfullyistermedascutting.TYPESOFCUTTING Dependinguponsource of origination,
cuttingisof three types:
(A) Stemcutting (B) Root cutting (C) Leaf cutting
(A) STEM CUTTING A portionof stemis takenforpropagation.
It is of four types:
(i) Hard wood cutting
(ii) Semi-hard wood cutting
(ii) Soft wood cutting
(iv)Herbaceous cutting
(i) Hard wood cutting.
In thismethod,one yearoldandmature shootsare selectedforthe purpose of propagation.The
selectedshootshouldbe healthyandshouldnotbe toovigorouslygrowing.The shootof longinternodal
lengthshouldnotbe selected.The shootgrowinginshade ininnerside of the tree isalsonotgood for
preparingcutting.The lengthof cuttingiskeptto 10 to 45 cm- The cuttingmust possessatleasttwoto
three buds.The lowercut ismade roundjustbelow the node andthe uppercut is givenaboutI to 2 cm
above the uppernode inslantingmanner.Cuttinginthismannerhelpsinidentifyinglowerandupper
portionof cutting(polarity).The Towerportionof cuttingisplantedinsoil.Grape,fig,pomegranate,
morus,and rosesare propagated throughhard woodcutting.The cuttingis takenduringNovember-
Februarybefore commencementof sprouting.
(ii) Semi-hard wood cutting.
In thistype of cutting 4 to 9 monthsoldshootof semi- hardnature isusedforraisingnew plants.
Shootsof 7 to 20 cm lengthare usedforpreparingcuttings.Basal leavesfromthe shootsare removed.
Terminal 2 to 4 leavesare leftintactwithroot,Mostlythistype of cuttingsispreparedduringrainy
METHODS OF ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
CUTTING

3. 3
season.Highhumidityduringseasonpreventsdryingof cuttings.Mistchamberalsoprovidessuitable
growingconditionsforsuchtype of cuttings.Thistype of cuttingisusuallypracticedforevergreenplans
like mango,guava, jackfruit,lemon,aonlaetc.The cuttingsrespondwellaftertreatingwithrooting
hormone.Treatmentof IBA at the rate of 5000 ppm iseffective ininducingrootinginsuchtype of
cuttings.
(iii) Soft wood cutting.
Thistype of cuttingisnot practicedforfruits.Humidityrequirementbeingveryhigh,practicingthis
cuttingisnot possible inopencondition.Softwoodcuttingispracticedundermistchamber,Shootsof
2-3 monthsage are selectedforsoftwoodcuttings.The length of cuttingsiskeptto10-15 cm. Apple,
peach,guava andmany ornamental plantscanbe propagatedundermistchamberusingsoftwood
cuttings.
(iv) Herbaceous cutting.
Mostlyornamental plantsare plantedthroughherbaceouscuttings.Shootsof 1-2month age are
selectedforcuttings.Alternanthera,Coleus,Pilea,Eupatorium,Iresine etc.are propagatedby
herbaceouscutting.
(B) Root cutting
The plantscapable of producingsuckerare goodfor root cutting.Fruitplantslike apple.pear,guavaand
bael andforestspeciesare suitable forrootcuttingpropagation.Forpropagation,rootsof 2 to 3 cm

4. 4
thicknessare selected.The lengthof cuttingsiskeptto10 to 15 cm. In temperate fruits,the root
cuttingsare preparedduringDecember.The preparedcuttingisplacedinsphagnumgrassormoistsand
mediumforcallusingwhichgivesbetterrooting.The cuttingscanalsobe plantedinthe fielddirectly
withnecessaryhormonal treatment.Forsub-tropical plants,cuttingispreparedduringrainyseason.
While preparingcuttings,slantingcutispreparedonproximal endandroundcuttingispreparedat
distal endof root. Inintact root,proximal endisthatnearestto stem-rootjunctionandthatfarthestto
stemroot junctionisdistal end.Fromadventitiousbudsonrootcuttingsshootemerge andfrom
cambiumtissuesrootsemerge out.
(C) Leaf cutting
Leal cuttingissuccessful inpropagationof ornamental plants.Mostlysucculentplantshavingthickand
leatheryleavesare propagatedthroughleaf cutting.Begonia,sansevieria,crassulaetc,are propagated
throughleaf cutting.The leaf isseparatedfrommotherplantandplantedinsuitable mediumwhere it
givesoutroots andgeneratesacomplete plant.

5. 5
"The processof connectingscion,whichisabud androotstockin a mannersuch that theymayunite
and growsuccessfullyasone plantistermedasbudding.Thus,the buddinghastwocomponents;bud
and budunitingpart.The bud whichdevelopsframeworkbranchesandflowersandfruitsistermedas
scionor scion.The portionoverwhichbudisunitedwhichprovidessupportive stemandrootsystemto
the plantis termedasroot-stockor stock.Buddingispracticedduringthe periodwhenactive sapflowis
goingon andthe plantisgrowingsuccessfully.Duringthisperiod,takingoutbudfromscionstick
becomeseasyandalsodue to continueddivisionof cambial cell,the chance of unionof budwith
rootstockincreases.Spring,summerandrainyseason,accordingly,March-April,May-JuneandJuly-
Septemberare consideredsuitable forbudding.Rootstockof 1to 2 yearage havingpencil thicknessis
selectedforthe purpose of budding-
Typesof budding
. 1.Shield budding.
In thismethod,boatshapedbudof 2.5 to 3.0 cm lengthisusedforbudding. If the is insertedby making
vertical incisiononrootstock,itistermedasshieldbudding. If T - shape incisionismade forinserting
budon rootstock,is termedshieldbudding. Sometimes,Inverted T- shape incisionismade toinsert
bud. It is termed asinverted T- budding. The buddingismade at10 to 25cm heightonrootstock. After
insertingbudinincisiononrootstock,itiswrappedair- tightlyusing300 gauge polythene tape leaving
the bud exposed thismethodisverysuccessfulforpropagatingrose,apple,pear. Peaches,apricot,
cherry,Sweetorangesetc. Shieldbuddingissuccessfulinthinskinnedtype plants
2 Patch budding.
Thismethodisverysuccessful forpropagatingplantshaving. Comparatively thickbark. Fruitplantslike
jackfruit. aonla. mango. jamun,chestnutetc. are propagatedbypatch budding. Inthismethod,
square or rectangularshape budistakenout! from scionshoot. Similarsize incisionismade on
rootstock. The budisplacedon rootstock. For placingbud,an incisionof 2-3cm size isprepared.
Budding

6. 6
Polythene tape iswrappedonbudleavingthe sproutingportionexposed. Wrappingprevents
desiccationof budandthus favorssprouting(Fig.10.2).
3 Chip budding.
Thismethodispracticedduringthe periodwhenthere isIackof up flow andbud doesnotslipouteasily
fromthe bark. AgainstPhylloxerainsect,grape varietiesare propagatedduringdormantseasonusing
chipbudding. DuringFebruary - March apple,pearandgrapescan be propagatedthroughthis
technique.The budistakenoutfromscionshoot alongwithwood. Similarsize incisionismade onthe
rootstock. The budisplacedon rootstockand itis wrappedwithpolythene tape .(Fig.10.3),
4. Ring budding.
Ber, peach andmulberrycan be propagatedusingthismethod. Inthismethodringshape barkof 2. 5 -
30 cm lengthcontainingabudis takenoutfrom. scionshoot. On terminal endof rootstock,incision
similarinsize of budismade , while takingoutbud, care istakenthat budis centrallylocated. The bud
woodismade fit onrootstock. For fittingbud. itis slipperdownwardbyrotatingitslowlyandslowlytill
it fitstightly. The budshoulditexactlywithoutanyvacantspace. Nowrappingiseequiredinthis
methodfig- 10. 4).

7. 7
5,Modified ring budding
In thismethod. Insteadof takingoutcomplete circularringof bark containingbud,the budwoodis
takenout fromscionshootby givingavertical slitinbudwood. On suitable portion - of – root stock
similar size istakenoutfromthe rootstock. The scionis fittedonrootstockandwrappedusing
polythene tape of 300guage. Thismethodissuccessful forpropagatingguava,ber,walnutandpecan
nut. Whenbudsprouts,the wrappedpolytheneiscutand removed. The portionof rootstockabove
budis removed. Inthismethodof budding,sometimesdue toleachingof rainwaterthroughrootstock
viaslitof Scionbud. rottingis noticed. Toavoidsuchtype of problemthe vertical slitof the budis
sealedusingparaffinwax (Fig.10.5

8. 8
6. Forkert budding .
Patch shape budof 2 - 3 cm lengthand0 . 5 - 1 . 0 cm widthistakenout fromscionshoot.Similarsize
incisionismade onrootstockat a heightofS10 10 cm . While makingincision,the vertical flapof the
Bark is leftintactwithlowerportionof the rootstock.The patchof barkcontainingthe budis fittedin
the incisionmade onthe rootstockThe bud iscoveredwithflapof the bark and thenwrappedusing
polythene tape .Afterabout15 10 20 days, the unioniscompletedandthe wrappedpolythene is
removed.The flapof the bark of rootstockis removed.The upperportionof the rootstockisremoved
in2 - 3 installments.Insub - tropical climate,where excessive temperature prevails,coveringthe bud
throughflapof the bark helpsinmaintainingmostconditionandkeepstemperature infavorable range .
Thus,the chance of unionenhances,Thismethodisuseful forpropagatingmango.jackfruit.cashewnut
etc . ( Fig. 10 . 6 ) ,

9. 9
Graftingis a technique of propagationinwhichscionstickandrootstockisconnectedina mannersuch
that theymayunite and subsequentlygrow anddevelopasasuccessful plant.Thus, itisclearthat
graftingutilizesrootstockandscionwhichultimatelyconstitutesone plant.The rootstockof 1-2 year
age havingpencil thicknessanddesiredattributesisselectedforgrafting.Onrootstock,the scionof
desirable varietyisgrafted.Generally,the scionshootof matchingthicknessasof rootstockisselected.
To get successinunionof grafting,the cambiumof boththe rootstockand scionshouldunite properly.
In temperate fruitsbettersuccessisachievedbygraftingjustbefore the endof dormantseason.
However,June-Julygraftinggivesbetterresultintropical andsub-tropical fruits.Afterperformingthe
graftingprocess,the unionportionof rootstockandscionshouldbe sealedimmediatelyusingpolythene
tape or wax.It preventsdryingordesiccationof graftedportionof plants.Whengraftstartsgrowing,the
portionof rootstockabove graft unionisremoved.All the shootsemergedfromrootstockfromlower
portionof graft unionshouldalsobe removedtime totime.
Typesof grafting
1. Veneer grafting.
Thismethodisusedfor propagatingmango.Inthismethod,aterminal shootof 10-15 cm lengthhaving
pencil thicknessisusedasascion.The swollenshootisusedasscion.About10 daysbefore grafting,the
scion-shootisdefoliatedtofacilitateswellingof bud.Shallow,downwardandinwardcutensuringV-
shape incisioninlowerportionof incisiononrootstockisprepared.Similarmatchingcutinslanting
mannerispreparedonlowerportionof scion.Bothrootstockand scionare fastenedtogetherusing300
gauge polythene tape of 0.5 cm width.DuringMay andSeptemberthissystemisquite successfuland
goodresultisobtained.Inabout3-4 weeks,unioniscompleted.Whenscionsproutscompletely,the
upperportionof rootstockabove graft unionisremovedin2-3installments (Fig.10.7).
2. Whip grafting.
Thisis verysimple techniqueof grafting.Generally,one yearoldrootstocksare usedandscionsof
matchingthicknessare used.Bothrootstockandscionare unitedand tiedusingpolythene tape.When
unioniscompleted,the polythene tape iscutotherwise itrestrictsthe growthatthe pointof unionand
such plantsbreakdue to wind.Itisusedfor propagatingwalnut,apple andpear(Fig.10.8).FIG. 10.7
GRAFTING

10. 10
3. Tongue grafting.
This ismodificationof whipgrafting.Inthismethod,aslantingcutsimilartowhipgraftingisprepared
on rootstockand scion.A secondcut is alsogiveninreverse directiononpreviouscutinrootstockand
scion.The secondcut is starteddownwardatabout one thirddistance fromtipand shouldcontinue to
about1/2 the lengthof firstcut.The stockand scionare insertedwhichinterlockeachother.While
matching,itis seenthatcambiumlayerof rootstockand scionmustmatch withbothcut surfaces.If not
so,due to unmatchingthicknessof rootstockandscion,itmust matchalong one side.Afteruniting
rootstockand scion,bothare fastenedusingpolythene tape.Thismethodsecurescontactwithsix layers
of wood,hence the chancesof unionincrease andthere isquickhealingingrafting.Thismethodisused
for propagatingapple,pearandwalnut(Fig.10.9).

11. 11
4. Cleft grafting.
It isone of the oldesttechniquesof topworkingtrees.Itisalsouseful forpropagatingsmall trees.
Mango, hazelnut,pecannut,grape etc.are propagatedthroughcleftgrafting.Incase of top working
tree,the use of this technique shouldbe limitedtobranchesof about2.5 to 10 cm diameter.The plant
specieswhichhasstraightgrainedwoodandsplits evenly are consideredideal forcleftgrafting.Onthe
stubto be grafted,adownwardvertical splitof 5 to 8 cm lengthisprepared.The vertical incisionis
made on twosidesof stock.The scionshootof 8 to 10 cm lengthandpencil thicknessisused.Matching
incisionispreparedonlowerportionof scion.The scionisinsertedinvertical slitsof rootstock.The
completedgraftisthoroughlywaxed.Incase of graftingsmall plants,rootstockof one yearoldand
pencil thicknessisselected.Itiscutback in terminal region.Vertical slitsof 2.5 to 3.0 cm lengthis
preparedonrootstock. Scionshootmatchingto thicknessof rootstockisselected.Onlowerportionof
scionmatchingincisionisgiven.The scionisinsertedinincisionmade onrootstock.Itiswrapped using
polythene tape.The sproutingstartsafter3-4 weeks.Afterthatthe wrappingisremoved(Fig.10.10).
5. Wedge grafting.
Thismethodisalsousedfor topworkingoldtree.V-wedgeshape incisionof about5cm lengthis
preparedonthe stub of the plant.Shallow anddownwardmatchingincisionispreparedonlower
portionof scion.The scionis insertedinrootstockfirmly.The incisedportionof rootstockiswaxed
property.

12. 12
6. Bridge grafting.
Thismethodispracticedinplantsin whichscionishealthyandsome portionof rootstocknearcollar
regionisdamaged.Inthis technique,the damagedportionof rootstockisscratched.Inhealthyportion
of rootstockincisionismade ontopand bottomportionof the stock. The scionportionof suitable
lengthisinsertedintoincision.Itisfixedusingnail andthensealedusingwax.The sproutedbudfrom
insertedstickshouldbe removedtime totime.Slowlyandslowly,itgrowsindiameterandcoverthe
damagedportion.Thismethodisuseful inrepairingdamagedwoodinapple,pear,cherry,walnutetc.
(Fig.10.11). FIG. 10.11
7 Epicotyls grafting.
It is alsoknownas stone grafting.Inthismethod,the seedsof mangoare sowninnurserybedand
coveredwith5 cm to 7 cm thicklayerof farmyard manure.While sowingseed,preference isgivento
sand bedwhichprovidesease inuprootingof seedlingsrequiredatthe time of grafting.Inabout15 to
20 days,seedsstartgermination.The germinated seedlingsof 7to 10 days ago,whenitsleavesremain
copperyincolor,are usedforgrafting.The seedlingisbeheadedataheightof 10 cm from groundlevel.
A vertical slitof 2.5 to 4 cm lengthisgivenonbeheadedportionof rootstock.Scionshootof 2 to 3
monthsage havingpencil thicknessisused.The leavesof scionisdefoliated10days before graftingto
facilitate sprouting.Afterunitingrootstockandscion,itiswrappedusingpolythenetape of 300 gauge .
The graftedplantsare thenmaintainedinotherbedsorpotsinnursery.Thismethodof graftingis
practicedduringJune-Julyduringwhichthe environmentremainssufficientlymoist(Fig.10.12).

13. 13
8. Soft wood grafting.
Thisis verysuccessful techniqueof in-situgrafting.Itiscommonlypracticedinmango.Inthismethod,
the seedsof mangoare sownat desireddistance inthe fieldduringrainyseason.Toensure germination,
2 to 3 seedsare sownin eachpit.Whenthe plantbecomesone yearoldandattainspencil thickness,itis
usedforgrafting.The graftingis done at permanentsite of plantinginthe fielditself.The processof
graftingisdone duringrainyseasonwhennew growthappearsonrootstock.Whennew growthleaves
start turningyellowfromcopperycolourgraftingisperformed.Scionshootof 10 to 15 cm length,3 to 5
monthsof age and pencil thicknessgirthisselected.At15 to 20 cm heightfromgroundlevel,the
rootstockis beheaded.A vertical slitof 2.5to 4.0 cm lengthisgivenonrootstock.Onscionshoot,similar
matchingcut ispreparedinslantingmanneronboththe surfacesinlowerportion.Itisinsertedin
incisiononrootstockandwrappedusingpolythene tape.Inabout3 to 4 weeks,sproutingstartsand
graft starts growing.The graftedplantdevelopsatitsownroot systemandshowsbettersurvival inthe
field(Fig. 10.13).
9. Inarching.
This iscalledasattached methodof grafting.Incontrastto othermethod,inthismethodthe scionis
detachedaftercompletionof union.Thismethodispracticedinmango,jackfruit,sapota,loquatand
custard apple.Inthismethod,the rootstockisgrowninpot or container.The rootstockisbroughtclose
to the scion.The rootstock andscionshootsof pencil thicknessare selected.Shallow cutof 2.5 to 4.0 cm
lengthispreparedonscion.Similarmatchingcutisalsogivenonrootstock.Both rootstock andscion are
broughtclose to eachotherand wrappedusingpolythene tape.Whenuniontakesplace,the upper
portionof rootstockis cut. The scionshootis detachedfrommotherplant.The unitedportioniskeptin
nurseryandcared till nextplantingseason.The processof inarchingispracticedduringJuly- August
duringwhichhighhumidityfavorsbetterunion(Fig.10.14).

14. 14
10. Double working.
In some instances,scioncultivarfailstogrow if grafteddirectlyoverthe rootstock.Toavertthis
situation,anintermediate stockisusedinbetweenrootstockandscion.Care istakenthatintermediate
stock iscompatible tobothrootstockand scionThe processof double workingisaccomplishedintwo
successive years.Duringfirstyear,graftingof interstockismade onrootstockand duringsecondyear
graftingof scioncultivarismade oninterstock /interstem/intermediate stock.Double workingisin
practice chieflyinpear.Beurre Hardyisthe mostwidelyused interstock.BesidesthisOldHome,Vicarof
Winkfield,PitmastonDuchess,Burre d'Amalis,MargueriteMarilatt,WilliamsBonChretien,Marie Louise,
Packham'sTriumpghand Thompsonare alsosuitable interstock.Toraise Bartlettvarietypear,OldHome
interstockisbuddedonthe Quince rootstock.Finally"Bartlett"scionisinserteddirectlyoverthe Old
Home.

15. 15
11. Top working.
It is the processof convertinganundesirable plantintodesirable type.Usuallyseedlingstandof fruit
plantsare consideredsuitablefortopworking.Tobeginwiththe process,the plantsare headedback
withinone meterheightfromgroundlevel duringspring.The new shootappearsinresponse of heading
back are selectedandvegetativepropagation(budding/grafting) methodisresortedduringJune-July.
While selectingshoot,itshouldbe takenintoaccountthatpencil thickshootsfitwell toundertake
propagationmethod.Insub-tropical regions,highsolarradiationcausessun-burninjurytothe
beheadedmainstem.Itis counter-checkedbywhite washingthe stem.Youngplantswithatrunk
diameterof 2.5-20 cm are consideredideal fortopworking.
It isa technique of propagationinwhichaportionof plantisforcedto produce adventitiousrootwhileit
still remainsattachedtomotherplant.Inthisprocess,a single portionof plantconstitutesrootand
shoot.Upon emergence of roots,the shootisseparatedfrommotherplant,survivedinnurseryforsome
time andthenplanted inthe field.
TYPES OF LAYERING
LAYERING

16. 16
1. Simple Layering
In thismethod,the groundtouchingportionof plantandsuckersemergingalongwithmainstemof the
plantsare usedforlayering.Generally,one yearoldshootisusedforlayer- ing.The shootisbent
downwardinthe soil usingpegor nail andtiedwiththe helpof rope to make it stayedinthe position.
The ground touchingportioniswounded.Inabout4 to 5 months,rootsemerge out.It isthenseparated
frommotherplantby giving2 or 3 cuts ininstallment.Guavaandhazelnutetc.can be propagatedeasily
throughthistechnique (Fig.10.15).
2. Serpentine or compound layering
Coveringthe branchesof plantsat theirnodeswithsoil throughoutitslengthbyalternate exposingof
internodal lengthof shootistermedascompoundlayering.Itispracticedinplantslike clematis,smilax,
and wisteriaandmuscadine grape.Girdlingof internodal spacesalsogivesbetterresult.A circularring
of barkmeasuring2.5 to 4.0 cm in size isremoved. Rootinghormonemaybe appliedoveritandthenit
iscoveredwithsoil.The budsexposedtoair,give rise toshootandportionof shoot coveredinthe soil
givesrise toroot. Whengrowthresumptiontakesplace inthe buriedportionof the shoots,itis
detachedandplantedinnursery.Whenadequate growthisthere,the plantisplantedinthe field(Fig.
10.16). FIG. 10.16
3. Mound layering or stooling
Thistype of layeringispracticedinplantsinwhichthe branchesare veryfirmand bendingis difficult.
For moundlayeringthe plantisprunedseverelyat2.5 cm above ground Level before the startof new
growth.Asa resultmanyshootsemerge outfromthe base of the plant.Whenthe shootbecomeslittle
sturdy,itis girdledatthe base,rooting hormone isappliedif neededanditiscoveredwithsoil toa

17. 17
heightof about15 to 20 cm.Dependinguponease of rooting,rootsemerge outinabout3 to 4 months.
Afterrooting,the shootisseparatedfrommotherplantandplantedinthe nursery.Itis practicedin
plantslike guava,apple,pear,quince,currantsandgooseberriesforthe propagationof clonal material
(Fig.10.17). FIG. 10.17
4. Trench layering
It is usedforthe propagationof apple,pearandcherry. Inthismethod,the branchof the plantis bent
downwardina horizontal positioninashallow trench.Whenthe shootdevelops,the base iscovered
with5 to 10 cm layerof soil.Coveringthe shoot withsoil givesetiolatingeffectandhelpsinrooting.The
rootedlayersare separatedfrommotherplantsandplantedinnursery.Trenchlayeringissuccessful in
woodyspecieswhichare noteasilypropagatedthroughstooling(Fig.10.18).
5. Tip layering
Tip layeringisanatural methodof reproductionof blackberriesandraspberries.Inthese plantsrooting
takesplace nearthe tipof the currentseasongrowth.The shoottip recurvesupwardtoproduce bendin
the stemfrom whichrootsdevelop.The topof the plantislayeredbymakinga hole 2 to 5 cm belowthe

18. 18
soil.The tiproots outand producesshoot.The rootedtipisseparatedfromplantalongwitholdshoot.
Oldshootact as handle alsoforhandlingnew rootedtip(Fig.10.19).
6. Air layering
It is alsoknownas Chinese layering,Potlayering,Marcotage or Gootee.Forthe purpose of air layering,
one yearold or previousseasonshootof pencil thicknessisselected.About5to 7 cm away fromthe
base of selectedshoot,agirdle of 2.5to 3.0 cm size,byremovingthe bark,isprepared.The girdled
portionof the shoot is wrappedusinggunnybagor withrear side of the blade.Thisprocesshelpsin
removal of phloemandultimatelypreventsthe formationof barkat the girdledportion.The girdled
portionisthencoveredusingmoistsphagnummossgrass.Coveringwithmossgrassretainsbetter
moisture atthe pointof air layering.The girdledportionisnow wrappedusingtransparentpolythene
tape and boththe endsof tape are tiedair-tightly. Dependinguponease of success,rootingappearsin
about2-3 months.Whenroot emergence isthere anditbecomesvisible fromthe transparentwrapped
tape,the layeredshootisseparatedfrommotherplantgiving2- 3 cuts ininstallments.The layered
plantsare plantedinnurseryunderpartial shade wherefrequentwateringisprovidedandhighhumidity
ismaintained.Usually,airlayeringispracticedinthe monthof July-August.Airlayeringispracticedin
litchi,lime,jackfruit cashew nut,guava,fortunella,ficus,crotons,monstera,philodendronetc.Incase of
hard-to- roottype plant,applicationof IBA at 3000-5000 ppmis practicable,(Fig.10.20).

19. 19
Trainingandpruningare importantorchardoperations.Boththe processesformanindispensable
operationhavingdirectbearingongrowthandvigorof plantsbesidesonyieldandqualityof fruits.
Properlytrainedandprunedplants sustainheavycropload andproduce bounteousharvestof quality.
Trainingreferstojudiciousremoval of parttodevelopapropershape of plantcapable of bearingheavy
crop load.Pruningisdefinedasthe judiciousremoval of partslike root,leaf-flower,fruitetc,toobtain
goodand qualitative yield.Thus,itcanbe conceivedthatthe trainingisrelatedtoshape andsize of
plantswhereaspruningisrelatedwithharvestingbetteryieldandmore sowithharvestingfruitsof
quality .Boththe processes of trainingandpruning.Worktogetherinmaintainingshape andsize of tree
and harvestingdesirableyield.
OBJECTIVES OF TRAINING
• To control andregulate shape of treessothat orchard cultural operations,harvestingetc.canbe
done easily.
• To develop strongframe workof tree .Tohave a bettercrotch angle betweenscaffoldbranchesof the
trees.
• To facilitate interceptionof sunraystoeachand everypartof trees.Toremove watersprout.
• To developabalance betweenvegetative andreproductive growth of tree
PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING
• Training should be started from very beginning age of the plant.
• Most of the fruit trees are trained through single stem system. However, being pro to insect attack,
fruits like pomegranate, fig and custard apple are trained through multi-ștemmed training system.
•In plants having prominent apical dominance, the terminal bud should be removed
•facilitate emergence of side shoots.Fromside shootsselectionismade forbettershootstobe retained
on the tree after training.
•The shoots having narrower crotch angle are discarded.
•Water sprout should be removed.
1. Central leader system
In thissystemthe mainstemof the tree is allowedtogrow uninterrupted.The first branch is allowed to
grow at 45 to 50 cm. heightfromgroundlevel andotherbranches are allowed to grow on main stem at
a distance of 15 to 20 cm. As the main stem grows continuously, in this system, the trees attain robust
shape. Due to less interception of light by lower branches, mostly they remain unproductive. The
bearingisconfinedintopportionof the trees.Furthermore,the robust shape of trees poses a problem
in harvesting of fruits and practicing spray operation etc. The very high shape of plants makes them
prone to winddamage also.Thismethodof training is not suitable for high altitude and hot arid places
where wind velocity is high (Fig. 11.1).
Training and pruning

20. 20
2. Open centre system
In this system, when the plant attains a height of 40 to 50 cm, it is beheaded. From the subsequent
vegetative growth,4-5brancheswell scattered, arranged and distributed all around the main stem are
selected.The tree,thus,trainedattainslessheight.There isbetterinterceptionof light by all the shoots
of the tree and all branches are capable of bearing flowers and fruits. This system facilitates easy
carryingout of operationslikeharvestingandsprayingonthe tree.Inthissystem, the plantstake a bowl
shape which provides a good base for settling of frost. Hence, open centre system of training is not
suitable for high altitude where frost observance is common (Fig. 11.2). FIG. 11
3. Modified leader system
This is intermediate form of central leader and open centre system and draws the benefits of both
systems.Inthissystem,the mainstemisallowed to grow for 4 to 5 years. After that, it is cut at a height
of 120 to 150 cm from ground level. On the main stem, the first shoot is selected at a height of 40 cm
fromthe groundand 4 to 5 brancheslocatedat a distance of 15 to 20 cm andplacedall aroundthe main
stemare selected.The planttrainedthroughthissystem, attainsmoderate height.Allretainedbranches
receive ample light and there is better production on the tree. This is very suitable method and
practiced in almost all regions. This system facilitates easy carrying out of orchard operations like
harvesting, and spray of plant protection chemicals, nutrients etc (Fig. 11.3).