NURSERY MANAGEMENT.pptx

Nursery management may be defined as the sum of the activities performed for the successful production, care, and marketing of different planting materials (seeds, seedlings, cuttings, etc.) in a different nursery section. Conducting employees properly, maintenance care and protection of properties, etc

1. NURSERY MANAGEMENT

2. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 2 A place, which is initial establishment of seeds or cuttings for propagation where plants are grown for transplanting, for use as stocks for budding and grafting, or for sale What is a Nursery

3. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 3 Why a nursery is required?? A healthy nursery plant is the starting point of a good crop cultivation Its productivity and sustainability is dependent mainly on the quality of the starting material

4. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 4 Production of seedlings of right and high quality for successful plantation i.e. true - to – type. To supply back up for the plantation. provide healthy seedlings, in required number and at right time Build up plant vigor at early stages of it’s life. Prevent from harmful P & D. Protect the seedlings from adverse climatic conditions.

5. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 5 Benefits of proper Nursery Management Space requirement weed damage Cultural practices are easy and quick Protection Easy transportation Economic gain Pest and diseases

6. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 6 Factors Affecting for Area Selection Agro Climatological factors Crop Factor Rainfall Altitude Soil type Crop type Crop duration Plant physiology

7. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 7 Agro climatological factors - Rainfall Rainfall Dry zone Intermediate zone Wet zone Raised beds Flat beds Sunken beds

8. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 8 Agro climatological factors - Altitude Effect of day length Temperature Elevation Temperature

9. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 9 Soil type Soil texture Soil structure Soil permeability Agro climatological factors - Soil Soil PH ( 4.5-5.5) Soil EC Soil CEC Drainage Water holding Capacity (WHC)

10. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 10 Agro climatological factors for site selection Suitable land Sloppy land Easy to drainage Flat land raise beds and drains Soil type Sandy loam or loamy soil most suitable High OM content unsuitable

11. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 11 Agro climatological factors for site selection Suitable land Sloppy land Easy to drainage Flat land raise beds and drains Soil type Sandy loam or loamy soil most suitable High OM content unsuitable

12. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 12 Agro climatological factors for site selection Suitable land Sloppy land Easy to drainage Flat land raise beds and drains Soil type Sandy loam or loamy soil most suitable High OM content unsuitable

13. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 13 Pots Germinators Nursery beds (flat/ raised / sunken) Propagators - Single propagator - Mist propagator - Solar propagator - Heat /hot bed propagator Types of nurseries

14. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 14 Wet bed nursery Duration:20-21 days Dry bed nursery Duration:20-21 days Parachute nursery Duration:14-16 days Paddy nurseries

15. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 15 Dapog nursery Duration:10-12 days Modified dapog nursery Duration:10-14 days

16. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 16 Importance of proper nursery management practices Production of seedlings of right and high quality for successful plantation i.e. true - to – type. To supply back up for the plantation. provide healthy seedlings, in required number and at right time Build up plant vigor at early stages of it’s life. Prevent from harmful P & D. Protect the seedlings from adverse climatic conditions.

17. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 17 P roper nursery management practices Healthy Crop Cultivation

18. 6/2/2022 Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Colombo 18 Needs a deep cultivation of the nursery land either by soil turning plough (or by spade and subsequent 2-3 hoeing with cultivator). All the clots, stones and weeds from the field should be removed and land should be leveled. Mix 6 kg well rotten and fine Farm yard manure/compost or leaf compost or 500 g vermi compost per square meter and mix in the soil. Essential to prepare a proper drainage system around the nursery area considering the slope of the land. To obtain fine texture To obtain better aeration To obtain better drainage To eradicate harmful P & D Land preparation

19. In nurseries, fence is essential to keep animals out of the site . M ade from a wide variety of materials, depending on terrain, location and animals to be restricted . Wild pigs, rodents, dogs & peacocks are the most threatening animals that damage the crops. Most agricultural fencing averages about 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The following types are the most common on nurseries; Plain wire fences. Suspension fences. Wire netting fences. Electric fences. A proper fencing ensures security from outside threats as well as sometimes act as a wind break. Fencing

20. Nursery bed preparation. Length of the bed may be kept 3 to 5 meter width is restricted to 1 meter The beds are raised 15 to 20 cm high from the ground level. A space of 30 - 40 cm is left in between two beds. The beds should be prepared in the east and west direction and line should be made from north to south direction on the beds. Raised nursery beds

21. Soil sterilization is a farming technique that makes the soil free from organism such as weeds, bacteria, fungi and viruses . There are few ways to sterilize the soil Steam Sterilization Solar rays Sterilization Chemical Sterilization Soil sterilization

22. In Steam sterilization we add steam to the soil to sterilize it In Solar Rays sterilization we cover the soil with a clear polythene and let sun light sterilize the soil . In Chemical Sterilization we add chemicals like Methyl Bromide to sterilize the soil . Importance: Soil sterilization provides secure and quick relief of soils from substances and organisms harmful to plants such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, Nematodes, weeds.. All weed and weed seeds are eliminated Significant increase of crop yields Relief from soil fatigue through activation of chemical – biological reactions Nutritive substances in the soil are tapped and made available for plants

23. Sowing of seeds in the nursery Broadcasting Line Sowing

24. Seed sowing means scattering of seeds on the ground for growing. Two main methods of seed sowing practiced: 1. Broadcasting            2. Broad or Line sowing            Seed sowing

25. Broadcasting : It is the scattering of seeds by hand all over the prepared field followed by covering with wooden plank or harrow for contact of seed with soil. 1) Quickest & cheapest method 2) Skilled labor is not needed. 3) Implement is not required, 4) Followed in moist condition. 2.Drilling or Line sowing: It is the dropping of seeds into the soil manually 1 ) Seeds are placed at proper & uniform depths, 2) Uniform row to row spacing is maintained.

26. Mulching in a nursery A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil. Its purpose is any or all of the following: to conserve moisture to improve the fertility and health of the soil to regulate soil temperature to reduce weed growth Organic mulch: grass clippings ,hay , rice straw which can easily remove without disturbing seedlings . The application area should be clear of weeds, flat and well drained & applied to a depth of 2 ″. Plastic mulch: Use in commercial nurseries, crops grow through slits or holes in thin plastic sheeting.

27. After sowing seeds in nursery beds , cover with straw mulch. Daily watering is needed after applying a mulch . Remove mulch 3 days after germination Some examples for mulch required vegetables -Chili, Brinjol,Egg plant ,Cabbage, Big onion …..etc Mulch will attract dry wood termites. So before nursery preparation soil should be checked for termites.

28. Shading Shading should be done to protect the young seedlings from high heat intensity in sunny areas and also from from heavy rain . High shade increases plant shoot growth . Shade can be provided by polythene nets or even grass. White shade is more effective than black for reducing surface heat . The shade should be removed some days before transplanting to allow the seedlings to acclimatize to field conditions.

29. Use good-quality shade cloth to provide durable and uniform shade to the seedlings. Too much shade, for example in high plant densities, leads to etiolated and elongated growth of the seedlings and makes them weak and prone to fungal diseases.

30. Watering is the most important factor in nursery management . The seedbed should be watered carefully with a fine stream of water . After the plants are well established, watering should be done thoroughly but not too often . It is advisable to irrigate seedlings in the morning and not in the afternoon as the latter leaves the soil surface moist overnight, a condition favouring damping off . For potted plants hand watering is done & for beds low pressure irrigation by hose pipe is usually given. Watering

31. Some field crops should be watered early in the morning. Eg :- Big onion If it is not practiced properly, tip burning may occur. Water quality is important for healthy plant development. Saline water should be avoided unless there are salinity tolerant crops

32. Weeding Weed control is an important component of producing quality field-grown nursery stock. Weeds reduce the value of nursery crops They compete with crops for nutrients , light , water , space. some vine weeds climb nursery crops, requiring excessive labor for hand removal. Most serious are perennial weeds, which can be harvested with nursery crops and infest the field where they are subsequently planted . And also weeds act as host plants for pests . For these reasons, effective weed control is important for producing high quality marketable crops.

33. Weeding methods can using in a nursing, - Manual weeding-by hand or using a mamotie - Mulching-organic or plastic mulch will suppress annual weeds ,but generally will not control perennial weeds. - Selection of herbicides for use in nursery stock- Chemical rotation can reduce the buildup of a tolerant species - Seeds may also be carried on clothing, such as boots or socks . - Restricting access of all potentially contaminated machinery , vehicles and personnel. Weeds having deep rooted rhizome corms should remove completely before seeds sowing because they are difficult to remove after seeds germinate.

34. Thinning is a term used in agricultural sciences to mean the removal of some plants, or parts of plants, to make room for the growth of others Vegetables need space to grow, but it's just not practical to start seeds off with the desired final spacing. Plants started in pots are usually not a problem cause they can be separated when it's time to transplant outdoors. Plants that are direct seeded in the ground and especially seeds of root vegetables will need to be thinned out. Thinning seedlings produces healthier plants and higher yields by: Allowing room for proper growth  Reducing competition for water and nutrients from nearby plants  Allowing for good air circulation between plants Thinning out

35. Pest control Grasshoppers, caterpillars, snails, leaf minors ,aphids , mealy bugs, thrips , ants, termites and many other insects cause damages to nursery seedlings. We use many pest control methods, include, Maintain sanitization – To prevent spreading and increasing pest population in the field Proper use of correct pesticides ( Eg ;- Chloropyriphos , Thiomethoxam , Pyrethrins , Growth regulators) Manual removing and removal of damaged plant parts –Prevent spreading of pests and destroy them Sterilize the soil - To destroy many stages of the pest in the soil Plant repellant crops , such as Marrigold – To Prevent attraction of pests Pest and disease control

36. Disease control Disease controlling is one of the major issues that we face while managing a nursery. Many diseases affect on nursery plants are, - Damping off -Root diseases -Bacterial leaf blight -Leaf spots -Leaf curl diseases -Many virus diseases & etc.

37. Apply fungicides – Mancozeb , Maneb , Thiophanate methyl Using certified seeds and seed treatment Eradicative –Use hot water or Cl Seed Treatment Protective – Use Fungicides Sterilize soil – Apply captan , Thiram Provide good air circulation & adequate light Promptly rogue out infected plants Avoid over watering to prevent root diseases Eg :- Damping off How to control nursery diseases ?

38. Maintains sanitization conditions helps to prevent spreading of pest and diseases Soil sterilization is important to destroy soil born pathogens and pests Application of insecticides effect to destroy insect pest and their egg or secondary stages present in the soil which can infect the seedlings in the later stages. Seed treatment helps to kill disease-causing agents on or within the seed. Helps to get healthy and vigorous seedlings for field planting. Importance of controlling pest and diseases as nursery management practices

39. Hardening "Any treatment that makes the tissues firm to withstand unfavorable environment like low temperature, high temperature and hot dry wind .“ In this process seedlings are given some artificial shocks at least 7-10 days before uprooting and transplanting. These shocks includes, - Exposure to the full sunlight, - Removal of all the shedding nets , polythene sheets - Irrigation is stopped slowly and slowly. Hardening

40. Importance of Hardening Hardening improves the quality and modifies the nature of colloids in the plant cell enabling them to resist the loss of water. Hardening increases the presence of dry matter and regards in the plants but decrease the percentage of freezable water and transpiration per unit area of leaf. Hardened plants can withstand better against unfavorable weather conditions like hot day winds or low temperature Hardening of the plants increases the waxy covering on the leaves of cabbage . To reduce transplanting stress.

41. Damping off This is a serious nursery disease found in all most all nursery seedlings. This is fungal disease, causal organism Pythium spp. Prolong moist conditions on nursery bed favors the spreading of the disease. As an early measure to avoid the disease watering should be done before 3 pm in the evening . Problems we found in our nursery due to improper management practices

42. Tip burning of onion seedlings A burned appearance was observed in onion leaf tips few days after emergence. Reason for this condition is late watering of the plants. Onion seedlings should be watered before 7 am in the morning to wash off the dew on leaf tip so that the sunlight will not burn the leaf tips . Taller seedlings In most of our nursery beds this condition was observed. Especially in knol -kohl seedlings. Main reason for this condition is too much of shade, when there is no enough sunlight seedlings tend to grow taller in order to find sunlight. Taller seedlings tend to topple over when transplanted. Therefore its important to remove shading for few hours in morning and evening daily.

43. Improper hardening of seedlings Seedlings should be hardened at least 7-10 days before transplanting . Due to the continuous rainy weather proper hardening was not carried out. Therefore some seedlings did not survive in the field and seedlings showed higher susceptibility to stress conditions as well . Inadequate thinning out Very dense seedling growth was observed in most nursery beds due to improper thinning out. Its an important operation to remove weak, unhealthy, diseased seedlings few days after emergence. Thinning out facilitates balance light, air and nutrients to each an every plant.

44. Improper ways of watering At the seedling stage plants are very delicate therefore watering should be done very carefully. Watering should be done using a proper watering equipment which produce very fine water droplets. Otherwise seedlings may get damaged and uproote d.