Mar 21, 2011
Marcotting I
Marcotting or air layering is used in our farm to propagate fruit trees such as limau nipis, limau purut and lemon. We also use it to increase the numbers of any endangered tree we come across.
Matured lemon tree from marcotting
We have high success rates with the following method:
Have a clean cut on the chosen branch from the side of the tree facing the morning sun
Dusting with rooting powder helps speed up the process
Wrap with areca nut fiber that has been pre-soaked for an hour or so with boiled water
Wrap well with cling wrap
Finally wrap with aluminum foil
Keep the areca nut fiber continuously moist by injecting in boiled water once a week. Use a syringe. Inspect for root formation progress once a month.
Making areca nut fiber is easy.
Areca Palm ( areca catechu ) at the farm
Ripe areca nuts
Dry areca nuts
Peel open to expose the fiber
Fine areca nut fiber
Sterilise the fiber by soaking in a light iodine solution for an hour and then sun drying. The fiber will keep for months. The fiber can also be used to make ropes, be woven, etc. Remember to soak thoroughly when using for marcotting.
Next, how to poly bag it, and how to plant it in Marcotting II.
19:07 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: marcotting, air layering, areca nut, pokok pinang, areca palm, areca nut fiber