INSTRUCTIONAL SHEET FOR STUDENTS

PROPAGATION BY AIR-LAYERING
OBJECTIVES
Students should be able to:
Demonstrated the steps involved in Air-layering propagation.
Explain the reason for using rooting hormone and scraping of cambium
layer on stem.

NOTES
PRPA!A"#$ %& A#R 'A&ER#$!
Air layering or marcotting is a form of asexual plant propagation. "his is a form of
propagation that involves the use of plant parts( other than seeds to produce ne) plants.
"he process of Air-layering involves a system )hereby ne) plants are formed on a stem
)hile still being attached to the parent plant.
SA*E"& +AR$#$!
,. -are should be ta.en )hen using the budding .nife so as not to cause in/ury to oneself or
others.
0. !loves should be )orn at all times to insure that rooting hormone does not come into
contact )ith s.in.
1A"ER#A'S A$D E23#P1E$" $EEDED:
,. Plants to layer
0. Rooting hormone
4. Secateurs
5. Sharp sterili6ed budding .nife
7. Damp cocoa moss
8. -lear plastic )rap
9. String
:. %rush
;. 'atex gloves.
STEP INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF AIR-LAYERING
,. Select a branch from a healthy plant. Stems of pencil si6e thic.ness or larger are best and
remove any leaves that are present.
0. "he chosen stem is girdled i.e. using a sharp budding .nife t)o circular cuts are made on
the stem at 4c.m. apart.
4. A third cut is then made to /oin both circular cuts and the bar. of the stem is removed.
<See *igure A=



, 0 4
*igure A: Diagram sho)ing the three procedures made to remove the bar. at the layering site on
the plant
5. "he cambium layer is gently scraped at the exposed region.
The cambium is gently scraped to prevent re-generation of phloem tissues as the plant will try to
heal the wound created for root development
7. "he exposed layer is covered )ith rooting hormone using a paint brush.
Rooting hormone stimulates rooting at the layering site
8. 1oistened cocoa moss is applied around the exposed area.
9. "he plastic polythene is then )rapped around the cocoa moss and tied at both ends )ith
string.
:. 'eave to set for 4-5 )ee.s to allo) for callus and root formation
;. Sever the layered plant from parent )ith secateurs( remove plastic and transplant ne)
plant.
POST OPERATION
Remember to clean )or.ing area( )ash tools( return them to the
storage area and thoroughly )ash hands.