9. TREE PROPAGATION METHOD

9.1 Existing methods

Trees can be propagated in many different ways, as illustrated in Figure 9.1.

Some methods require a significant amount of work and expenditure, whereas other methods are simple and involve no cost. Simple and cheap methods are always preferable, but for certain species such methods may not work well and then the more complicated methods are called for.

Examples of simple and cheap methods are:

• Use of wildings

• Use of cuttings planted directly at the desired site

• Direct seed sowing at the desired site.

Labour-intensive and more costly methods are:

• Use of seedlings raised from seeds or cuttings in central nurseries.

Figure 9.1 Methods of propagation

Methods which enable farmers to have full control over the production are also preferable to those where government agencies or other authorities are responsible, e.g. for raising seedlings. Such "farmer managed" and normally "on-farm" methods are use of wildings, direct planting of cuttings, direct seed sowing and raising seedlings in on-farm nurseries. When the farm family controls all the steps in the process of tree propagation, all decisions are made by the family and so the choice of species, planting time, etc., is likely to be made according to the family's wishes.

Although simple farmer-managed methods are preferred for the propagation of many species, there is still a need for central nurseries. In central nurseries which are managed by trained and specialized staff experiments can be carried out on propagation techniques for a greater variety of tree species, and such nurseries can also serve as testing grounds for species that are new to a particular area. Propagation of some tree species requires certain skills, e.g. budding and grafting of fruit trees and special seed treatment for some indigenous species. Such trees may be best propagated in central nurseries from where seedlings are sold.

In the following sections some important methods of tree propagation will be discussed.