FBA 611: Plant Propagation Techniques in Agroforestry

Course Learning Outcome

On the completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Know the nature and conditions for the formation and development of various plant propagules
  2. Determine the common propagation methods for the various plant species
  3. Select and apply appropriate nursery techniques for the procurement of various plant species.
  4. Propagate various plants species using either seeds or vegetative parts including coppicing and root suckering of some woody perennials.
  5. Carry out field establishment using nursery procured plants including in-situ coppicing and root suckering

Course contents

The concept of plant propagation; Common Plant propagation methods: Use of seeds and vegetative plant parts. Flowering and non-flowering plants; Plant pollination and fertilization; Seed formation, development and maturity; Seed collection, processing and storage; Seed viability, dormancy and treatments to break seed dormancy; Seed germination and plant growth. Vegetative propagation: Use of cuttings, grafts, buds, layers and tissue culture. Nursery techniques, plant procurement and field establishment including coppicing and root suckering.

Required Readings

       1. International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR). (1990) Agroforestry Technology

           Information Kit (ATIK). Cavite, Philippines ISBN: 0-942717-31-7

       2. K.A. Longman (1993-2002). Tropical Trees: Propagation and Planting Manuals:

           Vol 1. Rooting Cuttings of Tropical Trees, ISBN 0-85092-394-8
           Vol 2. Raising seedlings of tropical trees ISBN 0-85092-656-4
             Vol 3. Growing Good Tropical Trees for Planting ISBN 0-85092-535-5
             Vol 4. Preparing to Plant Tropical Trees ISBN 0-85092-418-9 Commonwealth Science

             Council, London, UK