Moringa is easily propagated by stem cuttings. Propagating plants from cuttings has 2 distinct advantages.
The first one is clonal propagation which is producing plants from cuttings as a means of clonal propagation. This means that the new plant will have the exact traits than that of the mother plant it was taken from. These traits could include, growth rate, growth form, yield expectations and size of leaves and fruit pods. The second is shortened juvenile phase which is the period in a plants development where the plant is too young to produce flowers or seeds.
Cutting production
The advantages for establishing a moringa orchard from cuttings include: uniform growth pattern, predictable yield expectations, uniform growth tempo, and a shortened period from planting to full production.
Also, moringa plants can be produced from cuttings stuck straight into the field or from container stuck cuttings.
Filed stuck cuttings
Field stuck cuttings must only be considered under ideal climatic and growing conditions or with the addition of irrigation under hot dry conditions. The cuttings are 30– 50cm long with a stem diameter of at least 3– 5 cm.
The cuttings are stuck straight into prepared fields and kept moist, till root and leave appearance. Cuttings must be taken during the active growing season from healthy mother plants.
Container stuck cuttings
Container stuck cuttings are smaller and has a take rate. Cuttings should have a diameter in excess of 1 cm and the cuttings should be between 20– 30 cm long. Cuttings should be stuck in a good cutting mix with a composition of 40% coir, 40 % peat and 20 % vermiculite.
Rooting hormone can be applied to the cutting to speed up rooting. After sticking, place pots in a shade highlight area and keep moist. Remember to harden off you rooted plants before field planting.
