Layering

Layering
Layering

Layering is a means of plant propagation in which a portion of an aerial stem grows roots while still attached to the parent plant and then detaches as an independent plant. Layering has evolved as a common means of vegetative propagation of numerous species in natural environments. Layering is also utilized by horticulturists to propagate desirable plants.

Natural layering typically occurs when a branch touches the ground, whereupon it produces adventitious roots. At a later stage the connection with the parent plant is severed and a new plant is produced as a result.

The horticultural layering process typically involves wounding the target region to expose the inner stem and optionally applying rooting compounds. In ground layering, the stem is bent down and the target region buried in the soil. This is done in plant nurseries in imitation of natural layering by many plants such as brambles which bow over and touch the tip on the ground, at which point it grows roots and, when separated, can continue as a separate plant. In either case, the rooting process may take from several weeks to a year.

Layering is more complicated than taking cuttings, but has the advantage that the propagated portion can continue to receive water and nutrients from the parent plant while it is forming roots. This is important for plants that form roots slowly, or for propagating large pieces.

Ground layering

Ground layering is the typical propagation technique for the popular Malling-Merton series2 of clonal apple rootstocks in which the original plants are set in the ground with the stem nearly horizontal, which forces side buds to grow upward. After these are started the original stem is buried up to the tip. At the end of the growing season, the side branches will have rooted, and can be separated while the plant is dormant. Some of these will be used for grafting rootstocks, and some can be reused in the nursery for the next growing season's crop.

Air layering

In air layering (or marcotting), the target region is wounded and then surrounded in a moisture-retaining wrapper such as sphagnum moss, which is further surrounded in a moisture barrier such as polyethylene film. Rooting hormone is often applied to encourage the wounded region to grow roots. When sufficient roots have grown from the wound, the stem from the parent plant is removed and planted. It takes about three months for the new plant to become mature.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Layering — Lay er*ing, n. A propagating by layers. Gardner. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • layering — /lay euhr ing/, n. 1. the wearing of lightweight or unconstructed garments one upon the other, as to create a fashionable ensemble or to provide warmth without undue bulkiness or heaviness. 2. Tailoring. the trimming of multiple layers of fabric… …   Universalium

  • layering — ● ►en n. m. ►ARCHI Construction d un système (logiciel) à l aide de couches hiérarchisées qui s appellent les unes les autres. Exemple: le modèle OSI, ou encore SMTP qui utilise TCP qui utilise IP qui utilise Ethernet. layering est aussi utilisé… …   Dictionnaire d'informatique francophone

  • layering — n. process of pouring many layers of soap (in soap making); method of inducing a twig to root while still attached to the parent plant (Gardening); conduct involving incorrectly changing or layering clothes on top of each other lay·er ||… …   English contemporary dictionary

  • layering — sluoksniavimas statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. layering vok. Abblättern, n; Abschichtung, f; Schichtung, f rus. наслаивание, n; расслоение, n pranc. couchage, m; délaminage, m; stratification, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • layering — слоение multiple folding layering многократное слоение теста …   English-Russian travelling dictionary

  • layering — noun A method of plant propagation by rooting cuttings …   Wiktionary

  • layering — 1) relaying 2) yearling …   Anagrams dictionary

  • layering — lay•er•ing [[t]ˈleɪ ər ɪŋ[/t]] n. 1) clo the wearing of lightweight or unconstructed garments one upon the other, as for style or warmth 2) bot a method of propagating plants by causing their shoots to take root while still attached to the parent …   From formal English to slang

  • layering — /ˈleɪərɪŋ/ (say layuhring) noun a method of propagating plants by causing their shoots to take root while still attached to the mother plant. Also, Chiefly US, layerage /ˈleɪərɪdʒ/ (say layuhrij) …  

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