Propagation

Propagation is by seeds or through vegetative means. For seedling production, about half kg seeds are sown on raised nursery beds of 10 m x 1 m. This will produce about 10,000 good quality seedlings. If the soil is sandy, mix farmyard manure with the topsoil. After sowing the seeds, a thin layer of sand is sprinkled to cover the seeds. Usually sowing is done in Nov-December. Regular watering and shading of the nursery beds are necessary to facilitate rapid seed germination. Germination takes about 10 days and seedlings attain a height of 10-15 cm in 6 weeks. They are then pricked out into polythene bags or transplanted into beds of size 1 m x 10 m in January-February.

Vegetative propagation is by branch cuttings, stump cuttings and layering. For vegetative propagation by rooting of branch cuttings, treat 5-7 cm long cladode cuttings with rooting hormones. The hormone- treated cladodes are transferred to presoaked vermiculite and kept in a mist chamber. About hundred per cent rooting is obtained within 15 days. The rooted cuttings are then transferred to a mixture of sand, soil and farm yard manure (2:1:1) for hardening. After 15 days, the hardened propagules can be transferred to the field.