Post on 02-Jul-2015
description
Seedling Production
By: Wilson Llegunas Jr.
➢ a young developing plant that has been grown from a seed
Annuals, Biennials or perennial
Propagated
seed
vegetative parts
Seedling
Young plants whether propagated from seed or vegetatively require a lot of care particularly during the early stages of growth.
They have to be protected from
adverse temperatures
heavy rains
drought
wind
pests and diseases
Seedling…
is used where plants are cared for during the early
stages of growth
providing optimum conditions for germination
providing subsequent growth until they are strong
enough to be planted out in their permanent place
Nursery
Methods of Planting
Direct planting
Indirect Planting or Transplanting
Direct Planting
large seeds (okra, beans, squash, etc)
Except carrots and radish
must be directly sown in the field to avoid damage of tap
root
a broken tap root in these crops causes an odd-shape
(such as forked root in carrots), small and undesirable
root
Plants with slow root regeneration such as legumes
must not be transplanted.
It contain suberin which is formed at an early stage of
root development.
The slow root regeneration greatly retards the
development of the plants causing a great reduction
on the size and yield of the plant.
Direct Planting..
small seeds
germination is often poor and the young plants
grow very slowly and require a long time to
mature
To overcome these problems many crops are grown
in nurseries before being transplanted in the field
Direct Planting . . .
Direct planting In the Field
A week before or at least 3 days before sowing, each hill is already
prepared in the field with the proper distance and each hill will be
placed with composted material.
1-2 seeds will be placed per hill at a depth of 1 cm then cover it with
composted material
Water immediately and keep the soil moist
Prolonged dry condition will kill the growing plant while too wet
condition might induce rotting
Check and replace of missing hills
Advantages of direct planting
➔ Seedling is free from root damage and transplanting shock
➔ Minimal labor requirement➔ Less skills is required
Disadvantages of Direct Planting
hard compacted soil that dries to a crust thorough which seeds can not emerge.
In wet season, seedlings planted directly were prone to damping off
birds can be a pest where seeds are not covered properly with soil
Susceptible to insect pest
slugs and snails eating young seedlings can be a problem
Good only for vegetables crop with large seeds which germinate rapidly and fast growing
High seed requirement at least 3-4xas much to ensure a good stand allowance
Transplanting Small-seeded vegetables which are susceptible to insects and pathogens-
they can only hold small amounts of protectant fungicides and insecticides
however, seeds of ampalaya, squash and watermelon are being transplanted
expensive seeds, such as newly released varieties wherein the availability is
limited, is usually transplanted to reduce cost
Plants which need special treatment before germination must be transplanted
so as to provide favorable conditions for germination
Plants belonging to Solanaceae and Brassicaceae family except radish can be
transplanted
Advantages of Transplanting Method
Vigorous seedlings and more uniform crop stand in the field
Fewer missing hills
Lesser seed use
Easier management during the critical period of seedling stage concerning watering and fertilizing
Secure seedlings during adverse weather condition e.g., typhoons, strong winds, and astray animals
Methods in Transplanting
Medium preparation
Carbonizing rice hull
Mixing and sterilization of media
Pre-sowing treatment
Sowing
Seedling tray
Seed bed
Seed box
Plastic pots
“Lokong”
Pricking, Hardening, Blocking, Seedling management and Transplanting
Media Preparation Carbonized rice hull – this will be done by using carbonizer
Mixing and Sterilization of Media – a ratio of 2:1:1 garden soil, vermicast and carbonize rice hull, respectively and heated for 30 minutes.
done by using any priming method for example;
Soaking of seeds in a clean water overnight
wash in the following day with tap water for better
germination results
In the case of tomato, eggplant and pepper, air dry in a
newspaper
The seeds are then ready for sowing
Pre-sowing Treatment
Pre-sowing…
Rag doll method
Sowing of seeds in tray
Sowing
Sowing of seeds in seed box
Sowing Seeds in Seedbeds
Moisten the seed bed.
Make straight furrows across the seed bed.
Place the seeds into the furrows.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Cover the seedbed with shading material.
Sowing of seeds in plastic cups Sowing of seeds in “lokong”
Sowing . . .
Pricking transferring the seedling mostly at two leaf stage from seed
box into pots or polyethylene plastic bags/cups.
Hardening It includes exposing the seedlings to full sunlight, reduction of
the frequency of watering and fertilizer application.
Seedling Management Water the seedlings regularly (not too wet or nor too dry) everyday
It is advisable to use water sprinkler with fine holes or fine mist or knapsack sprayer to prevent exposure of the seeds
Drench the seedlings with urea (46-0-0) or 14-14-14 at 7 days after pricking at the rate of 1 tbsp per 5 liters of water
Calcium nitrate (CNO3) can also be applied if no fertilizer was incorporated in the soil prior to sowing (2.5 gm/li of water) 7 days after sowing. Splashing the seedlings with water is necessary to prevent burning. Drenching can be done weekly on solanaceous depending on seedling condition.
Protect the seedlings by fencing and covering it with shading net
Keep the seedlings in well lighted place to prevent seedling elongation
Avoid watering late in the afternoon
In extreme conditions like strong winds and heavy rains, transfer seedlings to a safer place
Monitor seedlings regularly everyday for pest infestation and disease infection
Seedling hardening is done a week before planting to acclimatize for high percentage survival in the field. This is done by exposing the seedlings in full sunlight and reduce watering.
Transplant seedlings late in the afternoon to avoid transplanting stress
Seedling Management . . .
Transplanting
Thank you!