Propagation of Caimito Trees through Air Layering

Procedure:

Choose a healthy and mature caimito tree as the parent plant for air layering. Look for a branch that is about pencil-thick and has a good amount of foliage.

Step 2: Preparing the Branch

Make a horizontal cut around the selected branch, approximately 12-18 inches from the tip. The cut should be about one-third of the way through the branch. Remove a small section of bark from the branch, exposing the inner wood.

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Step 3: Applying Rooting Hormone

Apply a rooting hormone, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), to the exposed area of the branch. This hormone stimulates root growth and increases the success rate of air layering.

Step 4: Wrapping the Branch

Wrap the exposed area of the branch with a moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. Ensure that the moss is firmly packed around the branch, covering the entire exposed area. Secure the moss with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to retain moisture.

Step 5: Providing Moisture and Nourishment

Regularly check the moss to ensure it remains moist throughout the air layering process. Mist the moss with water or use a watering can to keep it adequately hydrated. Additionally, provide the parent plant with sufficient water and nutrients to support the growth of the air layer.

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Step 6: Root Development

After a few weeks, roots will start to develop within the moss. Gently remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil to check the progress. Once the roots are well-formed and about 2-3 inches long, the air layer is ready for separation.

Step 7: Separating the Air Layer

Carefully cut below the rooted area, ensuring that you have enough roots to support the new plant. Remove the air layer from the parent plant, taking care not to damage the newly formed roots.

Step 8: Transplanting the New Plant

Plant the air layer in a suitable pot or directly in the ground, ensuring that the roots are covered with soil. Provide the new plant with proper care, including regular watering and protection from extreme weather conditions.

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By following these steps, you can successfully propagate caimito trees through air layering, allowing for the expansion of your caimito orchard or the creation of new plants for distribution.

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