1. Introduction:
In Layering method of plant propagation, roots are produced on an aerial plant parts like stem/branches. Rooted layer is then detached and planted as an independent plant.
Layering method has a high success rate and produces large number of plants. It as an important method of propagation in fruit crops.
Air Layering in Guava

2. Methods of Layering: Simple or Tongue Layering:
A growing branch of fruit trees is given a tongue shaped upward cut and bent to the ground.
Cut portion of the branch is buried in soil, leaving the terminal branch exposed in air.
Rooting takes place at the wounded part of branch after which the layer is separated from mother plant using sharp knife. e.g. Guava.
Tongue Layering
Simple Layering

3. Compound / Serpentine Layering
Compound layering is similar to simple layering except that the branch is alternately buried in soil / growing media and exposed along its length.
Stem / Branch to be operated for compound layering must be longer and flexible to be layered at different locations.
Creepers, Climbers and Vines like Grapes, Clematis, Wisteria, etc. can be propagated by Serpentine method of layering.
Compound Layering
Compound Layering

4. Mound / Stool Layering
Plant stems are cut back at the ground level during the dormant season and allow them to sprout new shoots.
Circular ring of bark is removed from the tender shoots and the wound is treated with plant growth regulator like Indol Butyric Acid ( IBA).
Wound on shoot is buried in mound of soil. Injured part of shoot develops roots and are separated from mother plant. e.g. Apple

5. Air or Gooty Layering:
Air layering is method of root formation on aerial plant parts / shoots.
Circular bark on branch is removed and rooting medium like sphagnum moss is tied on branch.
Roots initiate on the upper side of the wound where Sphagnum moss supply moisture till root initiation. e.g. Pomegranate
Air Layering
Air Layering

6. Trench Layering
Selected branch of plant is bent in a shallow trench in horizontal position and shoots are covered in soil for rooting.
Rooted layers are separated from mother plants and planted in a nursery.
Trench layering is successful in woody fruit crop species like Apple, Pear, Cherry etc.
Trench Layering
Trench Layering

7. Selection of Shoot for Layering
Tip Layering:
In tip layering, rooting takes place near the tip of current season growth. Shoot tips are buried 2 to 5 cm deep in soil.
These shoot tips grow upward to produce a bend in the stem and roots initiate at the curve of stem.
Rooted tips are separated from the mother plant and maintain in nursery or planted in field. e.g. Blackberries, Raspberries.
Selection of Shoot for Layering
Tip Layering