Artificial vegetative propagation

The propagation of plant cut across various means using artificial vegetative way. The ways and means of artificial vegetative propagation include the following;

Grafting

This is the process of taking a whole branch (scion) and making it grows on another plant (root stock). For best result, the root stock and scion should be of the same diameter. Grafting is the oldest method of vegetative propagation (asexual propagation) which usually takes place on the field and matured plants are used for grafting purpose. Just like budding, it takes about 14 days or more to conclude whether the grafted portion is successful or not.

Budding

This is a more modified form of grafting in which only the buds are used instead of the whole scion. A good and healthy branch is selected and the leaves are carefully cut off. The bud is cut off from the scion branch in a triangular form on the stock; a T shape slit has been made. The bud is then inserted into the slit and tied up carefully with raphia palm or budding tape.

After about 7 – 14 days, when the budded portion turns green, it means that the budding is successful but when the budded portion turns brown, it simply means that the budding was not successful. Budding usually take place in the nursery using the seedlings.

Layering

Layering often occur accidentally when a tree may be blown by wind and one of its branches touches or fell to the ground where it can be hooked down and covered with a layer of soil. This point develops roots and a tree may develop from this process. For layering to take place, the plant in question must possess certain qualities which the farmer cherishes and these qualities may include either of these, resistance to disease, good taste (palatability) and high yield.

Cutting

These are sections of branches about 23 – 30cm long cut from healthy trees and they are then immersed inside rooting medium. To obtain a better sprouting, the cutting must have five to seven internodes.