International Journal of Noni Research - Noni Family

D.R. Singh et al. Morinda citrifolia L. – An evergreen plant for diversification in commercial horticulture
Methods of propagation adopted
Morinda citrifolia L. is naturalized in almost all parts of the islands, as
it grows in dry to wet lands and in sea level of about 500m elevation. The
production of large number of saplings from the limited elite pedigree tree
could be possible within a short period and could meet growing demand by
the farmers. The true pedigree plants thus produced in the country can be
used for propagation either through seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation through seed
Ripened and soft Morinda fruits were chosen for seed collection and the
seeds were separated from fibrous, clinging fruit flesh in running water. The
fruit were split into pieces by hand and then the seeds were separated from
the flesh using a strong spray of water or strainer.
After cleaning, the seeds are spread in a clean newspaper and dried in shade
or indoors for 3-4 days. The seeds should be stored in airtight container at
room temperature. However, viability studies are to be carried out.
Morinda seeds can be planted immediately after extraction from the fruit.
Morinda seeds require hot, wet condition for maximum percentage of
germination. For this, warmest spot in the nursery or greenhouse must be
chosen for maximum germination. If germinated outside, partial sun is
preferable to full sun to prevent drying of the medium. Morinda seeds can
be germinated in seedling flats or trays or sown directly in light medium
containers that can retain water and remains aerated. Artificial growth media
are favored compared to field soil for germinating the Morinda seedlings
generally as the field soil contains pathogens which can cause plant diseases.
Deeper seedlings flats are favored to shallow flats, because seedlings with
longer taproots are produced. Seedlings with deep, well established tap roots
tend to withstand better transplanting shock and establish much quicker.
Seeds germinated in flats, should be transplanted into growing containers
within a few weeks of germination. The larger and deeper the pots, more
vigorous and larger the seedlings growth will occur. Fortunately, Morinda
seedlings are grown in pots in open sunlight for a minimum of 9-12 months
before they are transplanted to the field. If Noni plants are transplanted too
young then they can be susceptible to weed competition, mechanical damage
and slug attack. Seedlings and young plants grown from cuttings can be given
fertilizer once in a month. Young plants respond well to applications of dilute,
liquid foliar fertilizers. Morinda is salt tolerant and fertilizer burn is uncommon
under normal conditions.
Intl. J. Noni Res. 2007, 2(1-2) 48