Question

Air layering is performed in the case of
A. Jasmines
B. Grape vines
C. Gooseberry
D. Litchi

Answer 1

Air layering is a vegeative propagation method, where a part of the stem of a plant is wounded and growth is stimulated at that point to give rise to a new plant. Air layering is performed in woody shrubs and trees.

Complete answer:
Option A: Jasmine is a climber with a long flexible stem. Usually serpentine layering is performed in jasmine where the stem is bent to the ground soil and pin it there. Roots are grown at this point . Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: grape vines are propagated through cutting and simple layering. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: Gooseberry is propagated through layering to the ground. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: Air layering is practiced in litchi.
To perform air layering, a suitable branch of the plant is selected which is non flowering and not too old. Then at an appropriate distance, the bark is peeled circularly exposing the inner tissues. Cambium and phloem also removed but the xylems are kept intact. Growth hormone is applied to the wound to stimulate root growth and the wound is covered with wet moss. Wrap this with a polyethene cover and make incisions for aeration. After two-three weeks, roots will be formed, when the branch can be detached from the parent plant and grow as an individual plant.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: The ideal time to perform air layering is monsoon.
On fruit trees like mango, citrus, guava layering is an excellent method of propagation