Mound Layering: Understanding the Advantage of Layering in Horticulture

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for a rooted stem that is detached from a mother plant?

Runner

Layer (correct)

Stolon

Sucker

Which of the following plants is propagated by mound layering?

Strawberry

Black raspberry

Bermuda grass

Apple rootstock (correct)

What is an advantage of layering compared to other propagation methods?

It requires a greenhouse and mist bench

It allows for the propagation of a relatively small number of large-size plants (correct)

It can produce a large number of small plants

It is a fast process

Why is layering still used today despite being an ancient technique?

It is used for species that are very hard to reproduce by other means Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of layering compared to other propagation methods?

It requires a large amount of supplies and facilities Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a species that uses layering as a natural means of asexual reproduction?

Bermuda grass Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using mound layering in fruit tree propagation?

To mass-propagate clonal fruit tree rootstocks Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of disturbing roots when cutting the plant back to 1 inch above ground level in the second year?

It leads to poor root formation and reduced clonal propagation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical outcome of mound layering in the first year after cutting the plant back to 1 inch above ground level?

Two to five shoots normally develop from the crown, with roots forming in the second year Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to plant the stock plants in fertile, well-drained soil before starting mound layering?

To develop a vigorous plant with a well-formed root system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using mound layering over other layering techniques?

It is a highly mechanized technique, suitable for mass propagation Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of using mound layering in fruit tree propagation?

It is sensitive to timing and soil conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'rat-tail' appearance in vegetative shoots?

To facilitate rooting when in contact with a suitable medium Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem produces new 'daughter plants' at the nodes when growing horizontally?

Stolon Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between runners and stolons?

Runners lack leaves, while stolons have leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using stolons, runners, and rhizomes for asexual propagation?

They enable rapid colonization and spreading of a plant species Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to the 'daughter plants' produced by stolons, runners, and rhizomes to create new, independent plants?

They can be cut off between the nodes and treated like naturally occurring rooted layers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vegetative Shoots

In late summer, vegetative shoots develop a "rat-tail" appearance, elongated and curled with small leaves, adapted for easy rooting when in contact with a suitable medium.
These shoots can be buried, rooted, and then detached from the stock plant to form new plants.

Stolons, Runners, and Rhizomes

Specialized stems used for natural spreading and colonization by certain plant species.
Grow horizontally from the crown, above or below ground, producing new "daughter plants" at the nodes.
Can be cut off between the nodes and treated like naturally occurring rooted layers.
Examples: runners of strawberry and spider plant, stolons of Bermuda grass, suckers of hazelnut and paw paw.

Layering

A form of rooting cuttings where adventitious roots are initiated on a stem while still attached to the mother plant.
The rooted stem is then detached from the parent plant to be established on its own roots.
Some plants use layering as a natural means of asexual reproduction, such as tip layers of black raspberry and trailing blackberries.

Layering - Advantages and Limitations

Allows for the propagation of a relatively small number of large-size plants.
Short period of time to develop large clones in an outdoor environment.
Minimal amount of supplies and facilities needed.
Does not require a greenhouse, mist bench, etc.
Highly mechanized, used to mass-propagate clonal fruit tree rootstocks.

Mound Layering

A widely used layering technique where detached rooted shoots are known as stool shoots.
Technically demanding, with timing being very important to avoid damage.
Healthy stock plants need to be planted at least one year before mound layering begins.
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil to develop a vigorous plant with a well-formed root system.

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Description

Learn about the mound layering technique used to propagate clonal fruit tree rootstocks. This method requires healthy stock plants, fertile soil, and timely execution to avoid damage. Test your knowledge of this important horticulture technique.

Mound Layering in Horticulture

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