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!