The Great Airlayer Experiment

Author

Comment

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1309544171	Reply with quote #1

I bought a melanzana a year ago. It was very tall and the branches are all at the top. A small branch has formed at the base of the tree this year, so I am going to attempt a major air layer. As long as the small branch attached to the primary root system survives I will be happy. I used a 3 gallon trade pot filled with pro-mix plus extra perlite for drainage and attached it to the tree with rope, duct tape, and plastic ties. I then cut the cambium 3/4 of the way around under the pot and propped a 2x4 under the pot for extra support. I plan on leaving it attached to the tree until it is dormant. Hopefully, I will get to harvest the figs and get two trees. I know the top tree will be hurting for a while but does anybody think this will work? Attached Images CIMG2171.JPG (648.25 KB, 152 views) CIMG2170.JPG (592.99 KB, 125 views) CIMG2173.JPG (705.55 KB, 103 views) CIMG2174.JPG (473.33 KB, 123 views) CIMG2175.JPG (724.48 KB, 143 views) __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

go4broek

Registered:1287592943
Posts: 1,200

Posted 1309545928	Reply with quote #2

7, I would mulch it and keep it out of the direct sun until I saw roots. Otherwise, it should work. Good luck! __________________ Ruben Cibolo, TX/Zone 8b Wish List: Dalmatie, Italian 258, Martin's Unknown (not the Italian), CdD-N, NdC, Signora, Latarolla, Stella! Check out my online journal @ http://davesgarden.com/community/journals/vbc/go4broek/83546/

TucsonKen

Registered:1246833094
Posts: 1,298

Posted 1309553147	Reply with quote #3

With mine, direct sun on the leaves has not been a problem; in fact, it's likely a benefit, since as Jon mentioned in another post, photosynthesis is powering the growth of new roots. So, I'm guessing Ruben is saying to shade the pot? You definitely don't want the pot getting too hot--I wrap my air layers with white cloth to keep them cooler. Do you get much wind in your area? If that's a danger, you might want to brace the whole thing somehow to make sure it doesn't blow over. Obviously, any major impact on that air layer won't do the tender new roots any good. Good luck! __________________ Ken Tucson, Arizona Zone 8b

pitangadiego

Moderator
Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1309562109	Reply with quote #4

Sun the leaves, shade the pot. Make sure the soil doesn't dry out. The rootstock will most likely flush with new branches before you are done with the air-layering, so be aware. Otherwise, it should be fine. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1309564991	Reply with quote #5

Thank you for the advice guys. One of the best things about this hobby, other than eating figs is the experimentation with rooting, airlayering, and soil mixes. Lot s of fun! Jason __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1309575007	Reply with quote #6

Good luck with it, I think it will work as long as you keep the soil moist. I am doing something similar to this with the Fiorone De Ruvo but with a bag and foil around it. It should be ready to cut when I return home next week. I will keep you posted.

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1309575782	Reply with quote #7

@rafed, I noticed several guys using bags instead of containers for air layers. Is there an advantage to bags? Thanks, Jason __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1309576789	Reply with quote #8

Yes there is an advantage, You do your cut around and tie the bag real tight and fill with damp mix or moss and tie the other end tight and wrap with foil a couple/three times around and forget about it. After a month unwrap the foil and inspect the roots. If it'is not fullof roots then wrap it up and wait another couple weeks. When ready just cut and remove the plastic and pot it up. Fail proof. 100 out of 100. The following pics are from the FDR I am layering and thses pics are from two weeks ago. Attached Images IMG00184-20110618-0934.jpg (554.56 KB, 85 views) IMG00185-20110618-0936.jpg (435.04 KB, 106 views)

rafed

Registered:1252876934
Posts: 5,308

Posted 1309577312	Reply with quote #9

BTW, I am also doing a couple more for a couple of friends on other variants. Hopefully they should be ready next week when I go home.

pitangadiego

Moderator
Registered:1188871011
Posts: 5,447

Posted 1309581019	Reply with quote #10

The bag, tied on a branch, has been used for years. On plants where the air-layer takes all season to root, having a sealed rooting "container" helps retain moisture during the process. Figs root more quickly, and are more easily tooted in very damp media. I used 1 liter water bottles, slit, for easy removal of the air-layer when it is removed from the tree and potted up. I can add water as time goes by. So for me this is a simpler process than tying on the bags. the foil is used to keep the new roots from being sunburned. That is a requirement regardless of the rooting "container". See Air Layers I have since reversed the bottles. I saw off the neck, and use it for the bottom of the air layer. I cut the bottom of the bottle off which becomes the top of my rooting container. Sawing off the neck is easy. Trying to cut a hole in the bottom of the bottle is difficult because that is the thickest part of the bottle. I also use smooth sided bottles, now. Easier to get the air-layer out of the bottle, and my neighbor "produces" lots of them. In the end, it is all about what works for you, what is easy for you, and what follows the basic principles of rooting (balance of moisture and oxygen in the rooting zone). __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1319379148	Reply with quote #11

Hi Jason, I am completely with you on how rewarding it is experimenting with rooting figs. Looking forward to the results. Any pictures? Frank __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1319490987	Reply with quote #12

FMD, It worked out great. Here are some pics. First one is the base shooting out branches all over the place. Second is the airlayered top of tree. It was a little stressed when I cut it but in a couple weeks it bounced back. The container is full of roots and ready for up pot already. Attached Images CIMG2329.JPG (714.68 KB, 84 views) CIMG2331.JPG (669.63 KB, 85 views) __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

lukeott

Registered:1311470849
Posts: 645

Posted 1319492615	Reply with quote #13

The patients seem healthy. The surgery looks to be a success. Would of been nice if there was a video. luke

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1319492865	Reply with quote #14

You are too funny Luke. Hope the small forest you got from me is doing well. Let me know if you need more help with the cuttings. Jason __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

7deuce

Registered:1275528558
Posts: 566

Posted 1329950607	Reply with quote #15

Update: Both the rootball base and top trunk just got root pruned and repotted. The rootball of the original tree was a tangled mess. It took me three hours to prune it and untangle the rest of the roots. The new top trunk tree's roots were already massive and very significant after 1/2 season. The melanzanas look great. Attached Images CIMG2505.JPG (633.83 KB, 56 views) CIMG2506.JPG (705.42 KB, 59 views) __________________ Jason V Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/ Zone 7 Wishlist: Nothing.

Previous Topic | Next Topic