LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SHORT-TERM PRETRANSPLANT NUTRITIONAL CONDITIONING

Abstract

Pretransplant nutritional conditioning (PNC) is defined as select fertilization practices used during greenhouse transplant propagation, condition or predispose the seedlings to tolerate and recover from transplant shock in the field and promote earliness. PNC differs from standard greenhouse fertility practices in many ways. Each crop may require a unique, prescribed NPK PNC regime, rather than “one size fits all” approach. PNC regimes are chosen for crops based on long-term yield superiority in the field and not on the visual appeal of transplants to the human eye. Conditioned seedlings are not hardened with nutrient withdrawal. Research has accumulated over recent years providing new insights to PNC. This will be condensed and reviewed to point out the “pros and cons” of PNC. Possible constraints to commercialization and needs for future research will be discussed.