Litchi Air Layering Time: Propagation Method

Litchi Air Layering Time: Propagation Method

Air Layering is the commercial method of propagation in Litchi. In this post, entitled ‘Litchi Air Layering Time and Method of Propagation’, we know about the time of air layering in litchi and other methods of propagation in litchi.

Also read: Easily Available Soil Media for Litchi Air Layering

(1). Litchi Air Layering Time

The Time of Air Layering in Litchi or The Litchi Air Layering Time is February – March,and
July – October. Mid of August and September is the best time of Air Layering in Litchi.

Also read: Best time for grafting in mango

(2). Method of Propagation

Litchi is propagated using following methods:

  • Layering.
  • Seeds.
  • Cutting.
  • Grafting.
  • Budding.

2.1. Propagation by Air Layering

First we will know about Layering

Air Layering in Litchi

  • It is very common method of propagation in Litchi.
  • This method is also known as goote.
  • Layering is the commercial method of propagation.
  • It takes less time.

Steps

  • Selection of plant-branch
  • Removing bark
  • Treating the exposed portion

Also read: Mango cultivation

The Litchi Air Layering Time is..

1. February – March.
2. July – October.

Selection of plant-branch

Type of branch: Terminal branch is selected.

Length of the branch: It should 45 cm to 60 cm long.

Thickness of the branch: It should be 1 cm to 1.25 cm.

Removing bark

  • Take a sharp knife.
  • Mark the terminal branch at two points as shown in image.
  • The distance between the two points is 4 cm.
  • Now remove the bark as shown in image.
  • Don’t damage hardwood.

Treating the exposed portion

You should have one of the following thing:

1. Wet moss.
2. Roots of water hyancinth.

Now,

1. Place the option one or two on the  exposed portion and wrap it using small polythene sheet.
2. Wrap it it tightly.

Also read: Side grafting in mango

When does rooting start?

Answer: Rooting starts after 4 weeks, and for planting, polythene is removed without damaging the moss body, and it should be planted immediately in nursery bed.

2.1.1 Planting the Gootees

Preparation of nursery beds
Planting of Gootees

Preparation of nursery beds

1. The length and width of nursery beds can be adjusted according to need.
2. Plant Sesbania bispinosa between nursery beds because it will provide partial shade.
3. Apply ample amount of organic manure in nursery beds.
4. 20  – 25 cm (depth) of soil should be added with Farm Yard Manure.

What if Sesbania bispinosa compete with main crop?

Answer: Root pruning of Sesbania bispinosa is necessary. Don’t plant it too close to nursery beds.

Planting of Gootees in Nursery Beds

1. Well development root system can be observed after two to three months.
2. It is the best time of separation of layers from mother plants.
3. Don’t damage the root system during separation.
4. Remove the polythene and plant it immediately.
5. Plant to plant distance is 25 cm, while the row to row distance is 45 to 60 cm.
6. Give immediate irrigation.

Also read: Wild cashew

Planting of Gootees in Polythene Bags

1. Purchase polythene bags.
2. The length of polythene bag is 25 cm.
3. The width of polythene bag is 22.5 cm.
4. These bags are filled soil and farm yard manure.
5. Ratio of soil and farm yard manure is 50:50 or vermicompost.
6. Give immediate irrigation.

Why is it so popular method of propagation in Litchi?

Answer: Being very easy, less tedious and due to high success percentage this method of propagation is very popular in Litchi.

How many days it takes to plant to be ready to sale?

Answer: It takes at least a year to be ready to sale.

Benefits:

1. Fruiting takes less time.
2. True to type plants are obtained.

2.2. Propagation by seed

It is non vegetative method of propagation.

Steps

1. Extract the seeds from fresh and ripe fruits and sow it immediately because the seeds loss viability very fast.
2. Generally, this method is used for raising rootstocks.

Cons:

1. Fruiting takes very long time.
2. Plants are not true to type.
3. Fruits are inferior in quality.

2.3. Cutting

Soft wood cutting is adopted.

It is done in controlled condition using growth regulators and bottom heat techniques.

Success rate is not desirable.

2.4. Grafting and Budding

Also read: Best grafting and budding tape

Success rate is very low. Is is about 10%.

Final Result

Always go with air layering for commercial propagation.

Do it during..

February – March.
2. July – October.

Best time for air layering in Litchi is Mid of August and September

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