An evaluation of marcotting techniques on

breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) variety “Balekana

ni Samoa” for improved multiplication of

planting material in Fiji.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Aim / objectives • Research methodology. • Research trial outline. • Results / Discussion • Conclusion

Aims And Objectives:

To investigate the most effective package of practices for the propagation of breadfruit. • Marcotting media mix • Marcotting branch size and location and

• Evaluation of shade and leaf removal on success rate of removed marcotts.

Focus is on the preferred varieties: • Balekana ni Samoa

Research Methodology

APRIL 23rd and 24th , 2012 This trial is been carried out on one trial site using the available variety: • Sigatoka Research Station plot (Variety: Balekana ni Samoa). • The experiments are laid out in a Split block design at site.

• Arranged treatment combinations ,(branch 1 – (2-3cm)and branch 2 – (3.5-4.5 cm) and

the planting media each treatment combination on a breadfruit tree. • Materials used peat moss, liquid and powder hormone, twinder (sphagnum) moss,

marcotting plastic sheets and ties, pig manure, potting bag (PB 28) and 50% and 90% shade nursery cloth.

• A total of 80 marcotts were done and was distributed on the following trials. Different colored tag was used to represent different treatments.

• Data collected includes: Observation on the germination of its root, Observation on the physiology of the marcotted branches, Mortality rate, Causes of death, Weather Condition.

Research trial outline: Trial sites - This trial was carried out on one trial site using the

recommended variety. Sigatoka Research Station plot (Variety A:

Bale Kana).

Trial # 1 : Marcotting Media Mix Variation

Control – Standard marcott (10marcotts)

Treatment 1 – Peat base + 10% twinder (10 marcotts)

Treatment 2 – Peat base + 10% twinder + liquid hormone (10

marcotts)

Treatment 3 – Peat base + 10% twinder + Powder hormone (10

marcotts)

Trial # 2 Marcotting Branch Size and Location

Treatment 1 Top branch (10 marcotts)

Treatment 2 – Lower / bottom branch (10 marcotts)

Treatment 3 – Big branch / 4 – 4.5cm. (10 marcotts)

Treatment 4 – small branch / 2 – 3.5 cm. (10 marcotts)

Trial # 3 - After care of marcotts

Control: No leaves removed / 50% shade

Treatment 1: No leaves removed / 90% shade

Treatment 2: All leaves removed / 50% shade

Treatment 3: All leaves removed / 90% shade

Treatment 4: Each leaf with 75% removed / 50% shade

Treatment 5: Each leaf with 75% removed / 90% shade

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Trial 1: EVALUATION ON THE EFFECTS OF THE FOUR MARCOTTING MEDIA ON THE FOLLOWING

a) Effects of marcotting media on the numbers of successful marcotts. • The Control which is the peat base standard marcott had the highest success

rate with 50% of its marcotts being harvested for trial 3

b) Effects of marcotting media on the time taken to harvest a successful marcott:

The marcotts on the Control Medium (Peat moss) and treatment 3 (peat moss plus 10% sphagnum moss and powder hormone) showed first root growths at 35 days after marcotting and were significantly early compared to marcotts on treatment 1(peat moss plus 10% sphagnum moss) and treatment 2 (Peat moss with 10% sphagnum moss and liquid rooting hormone) which showed first root growths at 57 Days after marcott.

c) Percent root ball on marcotts at harvest:

The marcotts on the Control treatment and treatment 3 had 95 percent root ball the and were comparable at the time of harvest .

Trial2: COMPARATION STUDY OF THE TWO BRANCH SIZES AND BRANCH LOCATION ON:

a) The total number of successful marcotts Marcotting big branches produced more successful marcotts compared to small branches (Figure 4.0). There was also a significant effect of marcotts at top branch location compared to marcotts on lower

b) Effects of branch location and branch sizes on the time taken to harvest marcott

Marcotts performed on big branches had their first roots appeared 35 days after marcotting exercise, compared to marcotts on small branches (45 days after marcott). As for the effect of branch location, the top branches that were selected for marcotting had their roots developed 36 days later while lower branches had roots development 52 days after marcott.

c) Percent root ball on marcotts at harvest

Results show that root growth from marcotts developed from big branches filled 90 percent of the marcotting plastic , whereas only 30 percent was filled by marcotts from small branches. There were also differences seen from location of branches by which the top branch had 95% root ball compared to marcotting done on lower branches which had 20% root balls.

Trial 3: EVALUATION ON THE EFFECTS OF SHADE PERCENTAGE (%) AND LEAF REMOVAL ON PLANT GROWTH. (SIDE SHOOT, FALLEN LEAVES, PLANT HEIGHT.) • 75% leaf removal under the 50% shade, produced the best

results (in terms of: Number of side shoot, leaf growth, side shoot measurement, etc)

Key Findings: It is recommended that the best package of practice of marcotting

breadfruit (Balekana ni Samoa variety) under Fiji conditions are:

• The use of plain sphagnum peat moss (control) for marcotting

media has proven positive results.

• Bigger / mature branch are to be selected to ensure early fruiting

on the marcotted branch.

• Top branches are best for marcotting. Good air circulation and

sunlight for photosynthesis compared to lower branches which

are damp and does not receive much sunlight and aeration.

• The aftercare trial indicated that the best way to treat after care

of marcotts is 75% leaf removal under 50% shade condition.

Conclusion

Marcotting is a commercially viable propagation technique for the Balekana ni Samoa variety of breadfruit under Fiji conditions. By using the proper package of practices the success rate and overall vigor of marcotted plants can be significantly improved. The vigor of the tree and weather conditions are important variables affecting the success of marcotts.