Air-layering of Trees with Differential Adventitious Rooting Response

Abstract

Five economically important forestry species namely Anogiessus latifolia, Boswellia serrata, Dalbergia latifolia, Dalbergia sissoo and Gmelina arborea having differential adventitious rooting response were evaluated for air-layering. Shoots of randomly selected trees of each species were girdled and covered with soilrite and black polythene. After forty five days, the air-layered shoots were detached from the trees to record observations on alive air-layered shoot (%), callusing (%), rooting (%), root number, root length, root fresh and dry weight. The procedure was found to be feasible for clonal propagation of Boswellia serrata and Dalbergia sissoo with 52 % and 68 % adventitious rhizogenesis, respectively. Formation of callus in Dalbergia latifolia, Anogiessus latifolia and Gmelina arborea suggests strong possibility of successful air. layering if suitable exogenous treatments are provided.