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Plant Propagation

FAO Field Manual :

Plants have two ways of reproduction, sexual by means of seeds, and asexually or vegetatively by means of vegetative tissue. Both ways occur in living plants in nature. In nature, some plants reproduce mainly vegetatively while others rely almost totally on sexual reproduction. For the plant breeder it is desirable to be able to manipulate sexual and vegetative reproduction (propagation) to fit into the tree improvement programme.

Genetically the two ways of reproduction differ. Seeds contain genes from the female parent (where we collect the seeds) and the male parent (which contribute the pollen and which is often unknown). Vegetative material is genetically identical to the mother plant from where it was collected. The present guide entirely deals with vegetative propagation.

There are four main uses of vegetative propagation in a Tree Breeding Programme:

  1. The establishment of clonal seed orchards.

  2. The establishment of clonal banks.

  3. The propagation of special breeding material, e.g. exceptional hybrids that are lost through sexual reproduction, sterile hybrids etc.

  4. Mass propagation of selected materials.

There are several ways of vegetative propagation. The three main types in forest tree propagation are grafting, air-layering and the use of cuttings. The three types are referred to as macropropagation, as alternative to micropropagation or tissue culture. Propagation by cuttings is the most convenient and cheapest method and usually preferred when possible. Air-layering is a variation of propagation by stem cuttings in which root formation is initiated before the plant part is separated from the mother tree. In grafting, the shoot (scion) of the desired tree is joined with a root (stock or root stock) of different genetic origin.

Which methods of propagation to be used in a particular situation is a matter of experience with the individual tree species plus the purpose and conditions of the propagation. The methodologies of vegetative propagation should be adapted to the individual plant species. The same method may work differently at a different time of the year, etc. 

  1. Protection of Plant Genetic Resources

    Key Resource
    1998-01-01 The first section of this note focuses in on a new technology, called the ‘technology protection system’ by its developers and ‘terminator technology’ by its opponents. This technology illustrates the potential for patents to impact society at the fundamental level of food production. The...
    Plant Genetics Plant Protection Property Rights

  2. Citrus Propagation & Rootstocks

    1983-01-01 What are the advantages and disadvantages of growing citrus from seed when that is possible? One obvious advantage is that it is much less labor intensive to simply sow citrus seeds and eliminate the grafting step. Another advantage is that the seedling will most likely be free from viruses that...
    Citrus Propagation Rootstock

  3. ECHO Tropical Fruits Video Series - Dr Carl Campbell (1990)

    1990 videos with Dr. Carl Campbell ECHO Tropical Fruits Video Series - Introduction To Tropical Fruit (Part 1 of 6) ECHO Tropical Fruits Video Series -Grafting Tropical Fruit Trees & Avocados (Part 2 of 6) ECHO Tropical Fruits Video Series - (Part 3 of 6) Guava, Pineapple, Macadamia,Mamey...
    Grafting Plant Propagation Propagation Fruit Trees Atemoya Passionfruit Inga Loquat Naranjilla Avocado Joboticaba Black Sapote Macadamia integrif... Pineapple Guava Mamey sapote Eugenia uniflora Velvet Apple White Mombin Strawberry Tree Papaya Coconut Mango Jackfruit White Sapote

  4. Simple Pots. Simply Easy

    Supporting Food Plant Solutions Rotarian Action Group
    FPS FPI Plant Propagation Nutritious Food

  5. Grafting Tamarillo and Other Solanaceous Crops for Nematode Resistance

    2020-10-16 Many of the world’s most important vegetable crops originate from the Solanaceae plant family, including tomato, eggplant, and peppers. This family also includes a host of lesser-known but locally important species, such as naranjilla (Solanum quitoense), tamarillo/tree tomato (S. betaceum), and...
    Vegetable Grafting Grafting Nematodes Vegetable-Insect R...

  6. Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Propagation

    Plant propagation is used to produce new plants from a desired parent plant. There are two categories of plant propagation: asexual and sexual. Asexualpropagationis used to maintain selections of known identity and quality and includes such techniques as division, cuttings, air-layering, and...
    JCB

  7. Jackfruit Tree Propagation

    The grafted tree and container are covered with a clear plastic bag and placed in a bright, but shaded location and thoroughly watered. The terminal bud on the scion will unfold its leaf and continue to grow. Rootstock sprouts from below the graft should be removed. The bag can be removed after...

  8. Propagation of Tropical Fruit Trees

    1982-05-19 Judging by the response to comments about tropical fruit trees in the last E D Notes, many of you are including tropical fruit trees in you development efforts. I have used the FAO book Propagation of Tropical Fruit Trees to answer several of your questions.
    Fruit Trees Propagation

  9. The Propagation of Tropical Fruit Trees

    Key Resource 1976-09-01 This book is divided into 2 parts. Part I, by R.J. Garner, deals with the establishment and equipment of the nursery, the pots and other containers, the various methods of propagation and with the transplanting of the young plants. This part is well illustrated. Part II is written by various...
    Horticulture Plant Propagation Botany Propagation

  10. Propagating Plants: An Organic Approach

    Key Resource 1998-01-01 This book is divided into four parts - Part 1 explains what you need to keep a successful nursery. Part 2 describes propagation from seeds and Part 3 covers methods of vegetative propagation. Part 4 gives the best way to propagate 100 selected useful plants. 140 pages, illustrated
    Horticulture Plant Propagation Botany

  11. Vegetable Production Training Manual

    Key Resource 1990-01-01 This manual is intended to be a guide to the vegetable production training course for developing country specialists offered at the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center. It is designed as well to be a resource book for extension subject matter specialists and vocational agriculture...
    Vegetable gardening Asia Educational Resources Plant Propagation Asia

  12. How are allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves propagated?

    2000-03-20 Question from Chester Brinser (World Relief Nicaragua) . Reply by Danny Blank, nursery manager at ECHO.
    Fruit Trees Spice Trees Allspice Cinnamon Nutmeg Cloves

  13. Vegetative Propagation Techniques

    2007-11-18 This manual was produced by Roots of Peace under USAID subcontract No. GS-10F- 0359M, Task Order #306-M-00-05-00515-00, Afghanistan Alternative Livelihoods Program for the Eastern Region. It was written by Ferenc Sandor of Roots of Peace, with support from Juan Estrada of DAI for the use by Roots...

  14. Introduction to Vegetable Grafting

    2016-02-02 An explanation of what vegetable grafting is, considerations that should be made, and step-by-step methods graft vegetables
    Asia

  15. Plant Propagation

    2016-02-02 An introduction to fruit tree propagation and overview of various techniques such as air layering, budding, grafting, and topping.
    Asia

  16. Tomatoes from Cuttings

    2011-07-20 Experience with tomato cuttings
    Tomatoes Cuttings

  17. Are nurse-protégé interactions more common among plants from arid environments?

    Abstract, Journal of Vegetation Science, 2003 Harsh conditions in arid and semi-arid environments make seedling establishment rare. Plant recruitment in arid environments often occurs only in years with above average rainfall or in safe sites under the canopy of nurse plants that provide shelter...
    Micropropagation Plant Propagation

  18. FAO Field Manual on Vegetative Propagation (1993)

    Plants have two ways of reproduction, sexual by means of seeds, and asexually or vegetatively by means of vegetative tissue. Both ways occur in living plants in nature. In nature, some plants reproduce mainly vegetatively while others rely almost totally on sexual reproduction. For the plant...
    Propagation Plant Propagation FAO Seed Selection JCC Grafting

  19. Inexpensive Mass Propagation Techniques for Introducing Improved Potato Varieties in the Tropics

    This article is from ECHO Asia Note # 32. Dr. Tapani Haapala Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) contain high-quality food properties and are very good protein and energy sources on a daily per hectare basis of production (Frusciante et al. 2000). Potatoes are grown mostly in cool climate areas. In the...
    Potatoes Plant Propagation Asia

  20. Inexpensive Mass Propagation Techniques for Introducing Improved Potato Varieties in the Tropics

    This article is from ECHO Asia Note # 32. Dr. Tapani Haapala Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) contain high-quality food properties and are very good protein and energy sources on a daily per hectare basis of production (Frusciante et al. 2000). Potatoes are grown mostly in cool climate areas. In the...
    Potatoes Plant Propagation Asia

  21. Rapid multiplication of plantain and banana using macro propagation techniques

    2016-04-12 Plantains and several banana varieties are mainly propagated through vegetative means. The slow rate of sucker multiplication is one of the major constraints to plantain production The usual process of sucker removal and transplanting has been observed to be inadequate and encourage infection...
    West Africa

  22. Planting a grafted fruit tree

    Uploaded on May 24, 2007 Kath explains what needs to be considered when planting a grafted fruit tree
    East Africa

  23. Tree Aid Mango Grafting Training video, Burkina Faso.wmv

    Uploaded on Oct 12, 2010 Demonstration of terminal grafting method used to grow mango and other trees in one of Tree Aid's community tree nurseries in Burkina Faso, W. Africa. July 2008. In French with English subtitles. www.treeaid.org.uk
    JCB East Africa

  24. Rooting Cuttings of Tropical Trees (Tropical Trees, Propogation and Planting Manuals Series)

    1993-11-01 This Manual is the first in a new series of readable, illustrated handbooks for propagating and planting tropical trees.The series is designed to provide clear and concise information on how to select, grow, plant and care for tropical trees. The Manuals are intended for anyone interested in...

  25. Air layering of plants

    Royal Horticultural Society Air layering is a method of propagating new trees and shrubs from stems still attached to the parent plant. The stem is wrapped with damp moss to encourage roots to form. Air layering is an effective propagation method for some plants that do not root readily from...
    Air Layering

  26. Air Layering For Difficult-To-Root Plants

    Texas A&M Extension Air layering is a useful method of producing roots on the stem of indoor landscape plants that have become “leggy” through the loss of their lower foliage. This method, believed to have been developed centuries ago by the Chinese, has been used successfully as a mean of...
    Air Layering JCB

  27. Plant Propagation by Layering

    NC State Extension Stems that are still attached to their parent plant may form roots where they come in contact with a rooting medium. This method of vegetative propagation is generally successful, because water stress is minimized and carbohydrate and mineral nutrient levels are high. The...
    Plant Propagation Plant Layering

  28. Propagation of Horticultural Plants

    What is Plant Propagation? Multiplication of plants and preservation (maintaining) their unique qualities for human use Purposeful act of reproducing plants via sexual and asexual reproduction Sexual: seed germination, some variation, not always identical to parent plant
    Plant Propagation

  29. Vegetative Propagation Techniques

    Perennial plants can be propagated in vegetative or generative ways. Fruit and nut trees are usually propagated by vegetative means using grafting methods. For this, there are two types of grafting methods: budding and grafting. Both of them are used for the same purpose - to create a new plant...
    Plant Propagation Perennial JCB

  30. Growth physiology, propagation, and replacing the tropical forests

    Abstract - Botanical Journal of Scotland Three apparently disparate topics are brought together to focus on ways in which science and even technology have often been insulated from pressing human needs. A notable example is the 20th Century's down-grading of the value of tropical trees in...
    Plant Propagation Propagation Agroforestry JCB

  31. Low-Technology Techniques For The Vegetative Propagation Of Tropical Trees

    Abstract - Pennsylvania State University Stem cuttings of five tree species from dry and semi-arid woodlands (Acacia torti/is, Prosopis juliflora, Terminalia spinosa, Terminalia brownii and Albizia guachapele) and seven species from moist tropical forests (Cordia alliodora, Vochysia hondurensis,...
    Propagation Plant Propagation JCB

  32. Africa’s Indigenous Fruit Trees: A Blessing in Decline

    For probably as long as people have lived in Africa, they have eaten culturally and traditionally important indigenous fruits such as baobab, desert date, black plum, and tamarind. Farmers have been able to enjoy the fruit of these plentiful wild trees without developing any knowledge of how to...
    Propagation Fruit Trees

  33. Unravelling rootstock×scion interactions to improve food security

    Abstract -Journal of Experimental Botany While much recent science has focused on understanding and exploiting root traits as new opportunities for crop improvement, the use of rootstocks has enhanced productivity of woody perennial crops for centuries. Grafting of vegetable crops has developed...
    Grafting Propagation Plant Propagation

  34. Progress in the biotechnology of trees

    Abstract -World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology An increasing world population and rise in demand for tree products, especially wood, has increased the need to produce more timber through planting more forest with improved quality stock. Superior trees are likely to arise from several...
    Propagation Plant Propagation

  35. Tropical fruit tree diversity - Biodiversity International

    Farmers have developed a range of agricultural practices to sustainably use and maintain a wide diversity of crop species in many parts of the world. This book documents good practices innovated by farmers and collects key reviews on good practices from global experts, not only from the case...
    Propagation Plant Propagation Biodiversity JCB

  36. Viable Options and Factors in Consideration for Low Cost Vegetative Propagation of Tropical Trees

    Abstract - International Journal of Botany, 2010 Vegetative propagation techniques are increasingly being applied to the domestication of tropical tree species as a means of producing planting stock and capturing genetic variation. However, the level of knowledge of cost-effective for vegetative...
    Propagation Plant Propagation Micropropagation Macropropagation East Africa

  37. The onion nursery - video

    Access Agriculture Training Video Onion seedlings need a healthy, loose soil. Add well-aged manure or compost. In the rainy season you need to raise the seedbed so the onion roots will not rot. If you use quality seed, most of the seed will germinate and you need much less of it. Onion seedlings...
    Soil Health Onion AccessAgriculture East Africa West Africa

  38. Plant Pathology

    Key Resource 2012-01-20 Plant Pathology, Third Edition, provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of plant pathology, incorporating important new developments in the field. The present volume also follows closely the organization and format of the Second Edition. It includes two new chapters, ""Plant Disease...
    Plant Pathology Diseases Plant Health

  39. Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases

    Key Resource 1996-10-15 Use this book to identify, control, and prevent diseases and disorders of melons, watermelons, squash, cucumbers, and other cucurbits. Table of Contents Introduction; Cucurbit Diseases; Infectious Disorders; Noninfectious Disorders; Botany and Culture; Seed Production; Cultural Practices Part 1:...
    Plant Pathology Pests Plant Disease Cucurbitaceae

  40. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa Promising African plants: A Selection from the PROTA Programme

    Key Resource 2010-01-20 This publication contains descriptions of promising African plants. It also reports on three projects where species were explored in projects, Cleome gynandra - spiderplants, Hibiscus sabdariffa - roselle, and Sorghum bicolor - sorghum.
    Botany-Economic Africa

  41. Compendium of Wheat Diseases: Second Edition

    Key Resource 1987-07-15 The most comprehensive wheat disease identification guide in print. Covers more than 100 diseases, disorders, and pests.
    Wheat-Diseases and... Wheat

  42. Compendium of Soybean Diseases

    Key Resource 1975-01-19 Compendium of Soybean Diseases, 4th Edition combines the finest qualities of best-selling previous editions with updated and new sections, making it a thorough, authoritative and practical reference. Revisions to the 4th Edition include five new sections on different leaf spot diseases, an...
    Diseases and Pest Soya bean Soybeans

  43. Compendium of Brassica Diseases

    Key Resource 2007-01-20 The purpose of the Compendium of Brassica Diseases is to provide a thorough, authoritative, and practical reference guide for people engaged in diagnosing and managing disease problems in brassica crops destined for vegetable markets, seed, oil, and condiments the world over. Brassica, vegetable...
    Brassica Diseases Brassica

  44. Plants for Permaculture: Book Two Endemic, Indigenous & Polynesian Species of Hawai'i

    Key Resource 1999-01-19 PERMACOPIEA TWO; THE ENDEMIC, INDIGENOUS, & POLYNESIAN SPECIES of HAWAII, is the most important book for Hawaii. This would be the first place to identify the appropriate & sustaining plants for these islands. It includes information on 235 important plants from ‘A’ALI’I through YAM.
    Agricultural ecology Perennials Permaculture

  45. Growing Jatropha

    Growing plants in general and Jatropha curcas L. in particular requires knowledge and understanding of the environmental conditions these plants require to grow and thrive. Regarding the factors influencing plant growth, an understanding of soils probably is the most important one. In subtropical...
    Jatropha Physic Nut Seed Oil Intercropping

  46. Genetic Engineering: Harnessing Plant Tissue Cultures

    This report will acquaint you with tissue culture methods, bring you abreast of developments in their application, and indicate the broad range of emerging business opportunities.
    Plant tissue culture Crops-Genetic Engi...

  47. Morphology of Plants and Fungi

    The book emphasizes the organization and reproduction of representatives of the plant kingdom and of the Kingdom Moera (bacteria and blue-green algae) and the Kingdom Myceteae (Fungi).
    Plant Propagation Plant Morphology Botany Fungi

  48. Raise Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, Without a Garden

    1975-01-01 How to grow food in containers on your balcony, patio, doorstep, any small place includes canning, preserving.
    Vegetable gardening Container Gardening Fruit-Culture

  49. Preparing to Plant Tropical Trees

    2002-01-01 Anyone intending to embark on the planting of tropical trees should read this manual which is concerned with the key choices and issues that lie between the propagation of good planting stock and its eventual planting and successful establishment. It highlights the need for good communicaiton,...
    Plant Propagation Tree Planting

  50. Tissue Culture Techniques for Horticultural Crops

    This book was written for those individuals who are concerned about the techniques and practices of plant cell cultures for horticultural crops. It was designed to serve as a text and reference for students and professionals in ornamental horticulture, fruit and vegetable crop pro duction,...
    Plant tissue culture Plant Propagation Propagation Horticulture Crops

  51. Outlines of Perennial Crop Breeding in the Tropics

    1969-01-19 In predominantly agricultural tropical countries the need to raise the production of good-quality foodstuffs and raw material is today greater than ever. The rise in production efficiency, so essential for our very existence, can be obtained only partly by improved cultural practices, increased...

  52. Tropical Fruit Tree Propagation Guide

    Several methods can be used to propagate or multiply tropical fruit trees, including 1) seed, 2) cutting, 3) micropropagation or tissue culture, 4) marcottage or air layering, and 5) grafting. Propagation by seed is regarded as the most “natural” method, but frequently the new plants are not...
    JCB

  53. Propagating and Planting Trees

    Proper management of trees and forests is necessary to make resources sustainable. Treesor rather: woody plants in general play an important part in traditional farming systems in the tropics, not just as food and cash crops but also as suppliers of fuelwood and fodder. Farmers are also aware of...
    Trees Tree Planting plants JCB Propagation Fruit Trees

  54. Basic vegetative propagation by air layers, cuttings and divisions, used at ECHO Florida

    2019-02-13 Session: Lydia will join ECHO’s East Africa team to share practical propagation techniques, in particular, air layering, cuttings and divisions, methods which enhance success and are used at ECHO East Africa and ECHO Florida in the nurseries which provide thousands of fruit trees for sale to the...
    East Africa

  55. Basic seed and soil preparation for propagation - techniques used at ECHO Florida

    2019-02-12 Session: Propagation techniques, in particular seed and soil bed preparation, methods which enhance success and are used at ECHO Florida in the nursery which provides thousands of fruit trees for sale to the community at large as well as refurbishing the 10 acres of food gardens at the ECHO...
    East Africa

  56. Agrodok 019, Propagating and Planting Trees

    1998-01-01 This Agrodok is a companion to Agrodok 16: Agroforestry. Trees and shrubs play important roles on the farm and in the environment. Unfortunately too many trees are lost because of overgrazing, excessive fuelwood collection and deforestation. Agroforestry supports the efforts of people in rural...
    Tree Propagation Tree Planting Tree Management Agrodok

  57. Propagation of Garcinia kola (Heckel) by stem and root cuttings

    The availability of appropriate propagation techniques is a major constraint to the domestication of the forest trees widely used by rural communities; such as Garcinia kola (Heckel). This study tested the ability of root and stem cuttings to regenerate vegetatively when treated with...

  58. Poly-propagators

    2024-06-03 Poly-propagators are enclosures made of polyethylene (clear plastic) or plexiglass where you can grow plant material in a protected environment. These enclosed (or partially enclosed) structures increase humidity and resist temperature fluctuations for better success in propagating plants from...
    Propagation Plant Propagation

  59. Poly-propagators

    A poly-propagator is an appropriate technology for multiplying plants that are most easily propagated under very humid conditions. Poly-propagators have a frame constructed with wire, bamboo, wood, or other supportive materials. Use what you have! The exterior of poly-propagators is made of clear...
    Plant Propagation