Describe the methods of layering.

Explanation

Layering is an artificial method of vegetative propagation, in which the stem of a parent plant is made to develop roots. When the stem develops roots, the rooted portion is cut and planted to grow as new plant. Eg: Ixora and Jasminum. There are two types of layering.
(i) Mound layering: When plants have flexible braches, the lower branch with leaves in bent to the ground and buried in the soil. So that the tip of the branch is exposed above the soil. The part of the stem which is buried in the soil develops roots and a cut is made in the parent plant, so that the buried part grow into a new plant.
(ii) Air layering : In this methods, the stem is girdled at bodal region and root promoting hormones are applied to the girdled portion, which is covered with damp or moist soil using a polythene sheet. After 2 - 4 months, roots emerge in these branches. These rooted branches are removed from the parent plant and grown in a separate pot or ground.