COPI | Propagation | Seed | Tissue Culture | Sexual | DNA | Nursery Management
Nursery management ensures the healthy and uniform production of seedlings that are vigorous, pest-free, and ready for field planting. It’s the foundation of successful plantation establishment.
1. Site Selection & Preparation
- Elevation & Drainage: Choose a well-drained, slightly elevated site.
- Water Source: Ensure access to clean, sufficient water for irrigation.
- Protection: Fence the area to prevent animal damage; provide shade nets if needed.
- Soil: Use loose, fertile, and well-aerated medium with good water retention.
2. Propagation Methods
- Seeds (Sexual Propagation): Use mature seeds from healthy, genetically desirable mother trees.
- Tissue Culture / Micropropagation: Used for mass production of disease-free, elite planting material.
3. Potting Media Preparation
Use a balanced, sterilized mix, such as:
- 40% garden soil
- 30% compost or aged manure
- 30% sand or coco coir
Optional: Add mycorrhizal fungi or rhizobia for nitrogen-fixing trees.
4. Seedling Production Workflow
| Stage | Activities |
|---|---|
| Seed Collection | Collect mature fruits from healthy, certified mother trees |
| Pre-treatment | Soak or scarify seeds (if required) for faster germination |
| Sowing | Sow in germination trays or seedbeds under partial shade |
| Pricking | Transplant to individual pots when 2–3 leaves emerge |
| Hardening | Gradual exposure to full sunlight 2–3 weeks before outplanting |
| Tagging & Records | Label by species, batch, and date for traceability |
5. Maintenance Practices
- Watering: Light, frequent watering; avoid overwatering.
- Weeding: Manual weeding to reduce competition and pest harborage.
- Pest/Disease Management: Use organic sprays or neem extract; monitor regularly.
- Pruning: Remove weak, deformed, or diseased seedlings.
- Fertilization: Apply diluted organic fertilizer or compost tea weekly.
6. Nursery Record Keeping
Maintain a nursery logbook to track:
- Seed/plant source and batch
- Germination and survival rates
- Fertilizer/pesticide application
- Date of pricking and outplanting
- Mortality or disease observations
7. Hardening-Off & Dispatch
- Place seedlings under full sun for 2–3 hours daily, gradually increasing exposure.
- Reduce watering to stimulate root strengthening.
- Transport seedlings in early morning or late afternoon, packed upright and moist.
Best Practices
- Use certified or DNA-verified planting materials (especially for CITES species like Aquilaria malaccensis)
- Practice sanitation to prevent disease spread.
- Monitor for root-bound pots; repot if needed.
- Apply sex determination techniques for dioecious trees at nursery stage when feasible.