What is air layering?

• A. A method of soil enrichment
• B. A technique for quick plant growth
• C. Plant propagation by girdling a plant stem, wrapping with sphagnum peat, and protecting with plastic
• D. A way to enhance seed germination

Answer: (C)

Air layering is a propagation technique used to encourage a plant to root while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method involves girdling, or making a cut around a branch, which removes a strip of bark to disrupt the flow of nutrients and hormones. This disruption encourages the plant to send out roots at the point of the girdle. The section of the branch is then wrapped with sphagnum peat moss, which provides a moist environment conducive to root formation, and is covered with plastic to retain moisture and create a microenvironment that supports root development.

This technique is particularly useful for propagating plants that do not root easily from cuttings or for creating new plants from branches that already display desirable traits from the parent plant. Air layering is effective because it allows the new roots to develop while still benefiting from the nutrients and water supplied by the parent plant, leading to a stronger, more established new plant once it is cut free and planted.

In contrast, the other options focus on different horticultural practices that do not accurately represent the air layering method. For instance, soil enrichment and enhancing seed germination relate more to improving soil quality and seed viability, respectively, while techniques that promote quick plant growth do not specifically include the unique steps and benefits