The propagation of fruit species is based on vegetative multiplication in order to maintain the characteristics of the original plant. The technique of air layering has been used in other species, however there is no report of its use in peaches trees. This work aimed to develop a methodology by using this technique in this species. The experiment took place in the period of June to September, 2001 at Embrapa - Clima Temperado, Pelotas, RS. The air layering technique was tested in four different periods using two cultivars: Chirua and Maciel. The plants used in the period I (06/06) were dormant. In all the order periods, the plants had flower buds, either at balloon stage or opened (periods II and III - 06/26 and 07/16), while in the period IV (08/08) they were already fruiting. The results indicated that this technique can be used in peach.
Propagation; rooting; air layering; Prunus persica
