PROPAGATION OF SAPOTA

Propagation and Rootstock

          Sapota is propagated through seed, which has been the basis of its variability in India. But inarching using rayan as rootstock, air-layering and softwood cuttings, using IBA (2,000ppm) treatment are successful methods of propagation. However, plants raised through air-layering or cuttings establish poorly and are vulnerable to wind damage. However in west-coast, air-layering is common and such plants perform better in shallow soils. For air-layering, 1–2 years old 45–60cm long juvenile matures shoots of pencil thickness with plenty of healthy dark green leaves are selected. On the base of such shoots a ring of bark (2.5–3cm wide) is removed on which IBA + NAA (10,000ppm) each in lanolin paste is applied, covered with rooting media like sphagnum moss, vermiculite or garden soil and wrapped with plastic. In 3 months, roots emerge, then layers are slowly separated and establish in nursery. They are planted in the next season.

    
               Sapota on rayan is the best in respect of plant vigour, productivity and longevity. Propagation of sapota by inarching using rayan as rootstock is the most accepted method of its commercial cultivation. Two years old potted rayan plants with pencil thickness are utilized and grafting is done in December–January. The plants are ready for separation in June–July of following year. This method is tedious, cumbersome and time-consuming. Softwood grating using rayan as rootstock gives 93% success in-situ. It is an economically viable, faster, efficient and best technique. July–August is ideal time for it. Since detached scion is used in this method, it is possible to store scion sticks in banana sheath to help exchange of plant material.