Lesson 11: Plant propagation using scientific processes

SCIENTIFIC WAYS OF PROPAGATION

Modern technology and research have gone a long way especially in the field of
Agriculture. There are different agricultural products today that did not exist long ago. We now
have seedless grapes, oranges, and watermelons. There are also various plants with leaves
and flowers of different colors that come from just one plant. Fruit-bearing trees are able to bear
fruits within a very short span of time. Some can bear fruits all year round. These advancements
are possible because of an agricultural technology called plant propagation.
Plant propagation is a method or reproducing, increasing, or multiplying plant species.
It is being practiced because it will increase the number of plant species, produce plant varieties
that are resistant to some insect pests and diseases, evolve new and better varieties of plants
suited to different conditions of soil and climate, accelerate and at the same time lessen the
bearing age of plants and avert the extinction of some plant species.

PROPER WAY OF PROPAGATING FRUIT-BEARING TREES

1. Cutting - The leaves are removed and the stems are cut 10 inches long. One—half of the
cutting is inserted into the soil. Example: Sinigwelas, Kamoteng kahoy.

2. Marcotting or Air layering – induces the stem to develop roots while it is still growing
on the mother plant. The steps are as follows:
a. Select a healthy branch.
b. Remove a ring-like layer of soft bark about 2 to 3 inches long or until you reach the
bark about 2 to 3 inches long or until you reach the hard, wood layer.
c. Apply sphagnum moss around the cut surface.
d. Cover securely with a piece of plastic sheet.
e. Tie both ends to prevent drying of the rooting medium. Keep it moist.
f. Cut the marcot just below the ball of sphagnum moss when sufficient roots
develop.
g. Remove some leaves to further induce root development.
h. Place the potted in a cool and shady place.

3. Grafting – is a plant propagation method that involves inserting a scion into a stock so
that they will form a union and grow together.

Steps in Grafting

 Preparing the Stock. Start at the cut surface of the rootstock and make a vertical slit through
the bark where each scion can be inserted (2 inches long and spaced 1 inch apart).
 Preparing the Scion. Since multiple scions are usually inserted around the cut surface of the
rootstock, prepare several scions for each graft. Cut the base of each scion to a 1 1⁄2- to 2-inch
tapered wedge on one side only.
 Inserting the Scion. Loosen the bark slightly and insert the scion so that the wedge-shaped
tapered surface of the scion is against the exposed wood under the flap of bark. Push the
scion firmly down into place behind the flap of bark, replace the bark flap, and nail the scion in
place by driving one or two wire brads through the bark and scion into the rootstock. Insert a
scion every 3 to 4 inches around the cut perimeter of the rootstock.

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 Securing the Graft. Seal all exposed surfaces with grafting wax or grafting paint. Once the
scions have begun to grow, leave only the most vigorous one on each stub; prune out all the
others. Bark grafts tend to form weak unions and therefore usually require staking or support
during the first few years.

4. Budding – the process of transferring the lateral bud taken from the scion to the stock of the
same family. The steps are the following:

1. Cut bud sticks from strong shoots of the present season's growth with mature buds
that are slightly brownish in color.
2. Clip off the leaves from the bud sticks, leaving 1/2 inch of the leafstalk for a handle.
3. Discard the soft tips of the bud sticks.
4. Choose branches from the rootstock that are the size of a lead pencil up to 1/2 inch
diameter. Larger branches have too thick a bark for this method to work.
5. On the rootstock, about 15 or more inches from the trunk, make a T cut across the
bark.
6. With a knife blade, lift the corners and carefully loosen the bark.
7. Cut a bud from the bud stick which includes a thin piece of attached wood.
8. Slide the bud under the flaps of the bark on the rootstock until the ends are firm. Using
electrician's tape, tie the bud to the rootstock.
10. Wrap the ends tightly, but be sure not to cover the bud with tape.
11. In two to three weeks, cut the tie so you will not girdle the graft.
12. The next year, cut the rootstock off above the graft when the bud starts growing.
13. Remove any shoots below the graft.
14. The second year, remove all growth from the tree except the bud grafted shoots.

Example of Fruit-bearing trees propagated by the sexual method (use of seeds):

1. Avocado 6. Mangosteen 11. Guyabano

2. Star apple 7. Papaya 12. Guava
3. Cashew 8. Rambutan 13. Jackfruit
4. Santol 9. Mabolo 14. Jackfruit
5. Mango 10. Macopa 15. Lanzones

Example of Fruit-bearing trees propagated asexually or by artificial methods:

1. Avocado (grafting) 6. Guyabano (grafting) 10. Macopa (marcotting)

2. Banana (rhizomes) 7. Guava (marcotting) 11. Pineapple (suckers)
3. Star apple (marcotting) 8. Langka (marcotting) 12. Mango (grafting)
4. Chico (marcotting/inarching) 9. Duhat (marcotting) 13. Strawberry (runners)
5. Siniguelas (cuttings)

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Importance and Benefits of Plant Propagation Using Scientific Processes:

1. You are assured that the plants will grow fast,

strong and healthy.

2. There is less mortality or death of plants because pests and diseases will
be controlled.

3. More plants can be grown and harvested.

4. You can demand for a good price in selling good quality plants.
5. There is more profit gained for more harvest and your plants are of the
best kind.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED IN PLANT PROPAGATION

The success of plant propagation does not only depend on the skills of the person doing
it, nor the quality of the plant being planted but also with the materials or tools that you are using
in the propagating process. Tools and equipment play a vital role in plant propagation using
systematic process. The availability of the appropriate tools and equipment makes the work
easier, faster and helps in the proper operation of the different procedures in plant propagation.
Tools and Equipment in Plant Propagation
Tools and equipment in propagating plants include the following:

Hoe a tool used in digging and loosening

hard, dry soil. It has a thin blade across
the end of a long handle.

Rake a long handled tool having a bar at one

end with teeth in. It is used for
smoothening the soil and gathering
loose leaves, hay, or straw.

Trowel a tool with a curved blade used for

loosening the ground and taking up
small plants.

Axe a tool with a flat, sharp blade fastened

to a handle used for cutting trunk of
trees and their branches.

a straight, heavy iron bar pointed at

Crowbar
one end, about 4 feet in length, used
for digging holes and for planting
seeds.

Bolo a tool with a wooden or metal handle in

which a long blade is attached. It is
used for cutting tall grasses and
branches of trees.

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 Shovel a broad scoop attached to a handle. It
is used to dig, lift, and throw loose
matter.

Fork a tool resembling a table fork but much

bigger in size. It is used in digging and
preparing the soil for the plants.

Water a can or plastic with a spout to sprinkle

Sprinkler water on the plants. Plants should be
watered everyday to make them grow
healthier.

Wheelbarrow used to transfer soil plants and other

materials from one place to another.

Hose used for watering seedlings arranged in

mass.

Sprayer used for spraying chemicals to

eliminate plant seeds.

Weighing for weighing plants, seeds, and

Scale fertilizers.

Pieces of used as fences of seed boxes and plots

wood or to protect plants from being destroyed
bamboo by animals.

Pruning
used for cutting small branches
Shears
including the unnecessary branches.

Garden
used while working in the garden,
gloves
made of strong rubber to protect from
thorns and withstand punctures

Healthy and Safety Measures in Propagating Fruit-Bearing Trees

1. Have the right tools for planting trees and fruits trees.
2. Use the right tool for the right purpose. This insures efficiency of work and safety for
the user.

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 3. Read labels of pesticides and insecticides carefully before using. Follow instructions as
indicated.
4. Wear the proper attire when planting. Loose, comfortable, and absorbent clothing gives
freedom of movement and feeling of comfort and freshness. Wearing a hat protects you
from the extreme heat of the sun. Wear mask when spraying insecticides.
5. Use organic fertilizer instead of those commercial ones. It is economical and safer to
use. Commercial fertilizer when used in excess can poison the soil.
6. Get rid of insects and pests that invade the tree or seedlings. Destroy them right away
before they multiply and cause damage to the tree. Aphids, plant hoppers, leaf rollers,
webworms, and ladybugs are some common insects that feed on plants.
7. One preventive measure to avoid tree infections caused by insects is to build a fire and
allow smoke to penetrate the leaves of the tree.
8. Have a place for everything. Tools, equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, compost should
be placed where they should be. They should also be kept away from the reach of
children.
9. Before embarking on tree planting, read books and magazines, consult a plant
expert. This will equip you with the needed information on how to deal with the different
phases of gardening and tree planting.

Preparation of Fertilizers and Pesticides

Fertilizer - is any substance added to the soil that promotes the healthy growth of plants.
They are classified into two types:
1. Inorganic Fertilizer- artificial fertilizer made from chemicals (liquid, soluble, and granular
form)
2. Organic Fertilizer– natural fertilizer from decayed matter, animals, and other natural
sources.
The use of organic fertilizer and other locally made pesticides is important in the
community Sustainable Organic matter is the most important source of plant nutrients
contributing to the fertility of the soil by adding nutrients to it. There are different ways of
preparing organic fertilizer.

1. Mulching - upon decomposition, it promotes granulation or clinging together of the soil

2. Composting - a decayed mixture of plants that is used to improve the soil in a garden.

3. Cover crop- are creeping and bushy plants with dense vegetative growth, grown mainly to
cover and protect soil. Provides larger quantities of nitrogen.
4. Liquid fertilizer- Plants and trees are able to take in the nutrients almost immediately. Keep
is excellent for all plants, providing them with many nutrients and protecting them from stress.
5. Vermicomposting-composting plants with worms wherein the process faster producing a
rich nutritious soil made by the earthworms.
6. Humus-comes from decayed matters from plants and animals mixed with soil.
7. Manure – comes from animal waste such as livestock (big animals) and poultry (chicken)
waste.
8. Compost – comes from decomposed biodegradable waste in a pit.
9. Compost pit- composting by digging pit keeping compost underground.
10. Basket compost – composting home garbage in container.
11. Compost heap – a compost pile.
Preparing organic fertilizers take a long period of time but provide a lot of help to plants.

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 Ways to Make an Organic Fertilizer (Compost Pit)

1. Dig the hole for your compost pit.

2. Chop your composting materials finely.
3. Add the organic materials to the compost pit.
4. Place a board over the hole if you plan to add more scraps.
5. Cover your compost with soil.
6. Keep the compost pit wet while it is decomposing.
7. Sow plants above the compost after it has decomposed.

Pesticide - a chemical that is used to kill insects that damage plants and trees.
The use of pesticide may be necessary to protect and prevent plants and trees from
getting damaged due to infestation. Following are some of the advantages and benefits of using
pesticides:
• Insect pest life cycle will be stopped.
• Infestation will be lessened.
• Prevents the spread of plant diseases
• The growth of plant will continue to progress.
• Higher yield is expected.

The best thing about using organic pesticide is that it is not harmful to humans and other
animals. There is no side effect to health. It can sustain the budget of growers because it is
affordable, the materials are readily available within the community and it is very easy to
prepare.

Benefits of Using Organic Fertilizer and Locally Made Pesticides

A. Benefits of using organic fertilizer
 It improves soil condition. Clay soil will turn porous when organic fertilizer is added.
 It balances the soil’s pH level. Soil’s pH level is the degree of its acidity and alkalinity.
Pulverized eggshell, oyster shell, bone meal, and any lime will neutralize the acidity of
the soil.
 It helps the development of roots, flowers, shoots, and fruits.
 It fertilizes the soil and improve its structure.
 It is inexpensive.
 It is safe to use and environmentally-friendly.
 It increases the yield.

B. Benefits of using locally-made pesticide

The use of pesticide may be necessary to protect and prevent plants and trees from getting
damaged due to infestation. The following are some of the advantages and benefits of using
pesticides:
 Insect or pest life cycle will be stopped.
 Infestation will be lessened.
 Prevents the spread of plant diseases.
 The growth of plant will continue to progress.
 Higher yield is expected.
 It is not harmful to humans and other animals.
 There is no side effect to health.
 It can sustain the budget of growers because it is affordable, the materials are readily
available within the community and it is very easy to prepare.

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 Prepared by:
IVY MARIE S. LIM, MAEd
Instructor