Container Nursery Research Articles

Resistance to Pulling Seedlings Out of the Nursery Container

An important issue in container nurseries is the production of seedlings of appropriate quality. These seedlings must meet specific biometric parameters and possess traits that ensure their suitability for later use in forest cultivation. One such traitis the ease of pulling the seedling out of the container cell, characterized by the pulling resistance. This resistance depends on many factors, including theseedling parameters, substrate, and container. In this work, a prototype measuring station was used to record seedling pull-out resistance as a function of their vertical displacement. Tests were conducted on 30 seedlings of each species: pine, beech, and oak. These were grown in polystyrene containers with cell volumes of 150 cm3 for pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and 300 cm3 for beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.). Significant differences were observed in seedling extraction resistance between species, as well as between resistances associated with containers of different cell volumes. The maximum pull-out resistance of pine seedlingswas the lowest at 12.4 ± 8.58 N, followed by 22.5 ± 1.87 N for beech, and 33.5 ± 18.08 N for oak (extraction speed of 2.5 cm·s−1).Similarly, the total energy required to extract pine seedlings was 0.358 ± 0.196 J, compared to 0.502 ± 0.316 J for beech and 1.479 ± 0.774 J for oak. The pattern of pull-out resistance regardingvertical displacement was consistent across all species. A correlation was found between the maximum pull-out resistance and the total energy required to extract the seedlings, along with biometric parameters such as root collar diameter, shoot height, dry mass of seedling parts, root volume, the extent of root ball overgrowth, and the volumetric density of the substrate within the cell.These relationships should be considered when designing devices for the automatic extraction of seedlings from polystyrene containers.

Mobile sensing system for phenotyping of forest seedlings in container nurseries

The primary objective of this study was to develop a universal, lightweight, and mobile system that seamlessly integrates the scanner with the construction of the horizontal spray boom at a forest nursery. This innovative approach holds tremendous potential for advancing the assessment and management of forest seedlings, providing valuable insights and streamlining nursery operations. Multichannel spectral devices mounted on irrigation booms can be used to significantly enhance the quality assessment of forest seedlings in container nurseries. Contrary to traditional and time-consuming approaches such as laboratory analysis or destructive sampling, an active canopy optical sensor operates independently of ambient light conditions and does not necessitate spectral reference readings. Mobile irrigation systems in nurseries are ideal for incorporating plant scanners owing to their exceptional repeatability, ensuring consistently high-quality results. In our study, we rigorously tested a set of four ACS 435 Holland Scientific active crop canopy sensor along with the Vega Plus C21 laser sensor, all strategically positioned on a sprinkler boom above the nursery production field from May to September 2022. The seamless integration of these devices with the GeoSCOUT X Holland Scientific data acquisition unit formed the foundation of our system. The primary objective of this study was to develop a universal, lightweight, and mobile system that seamlessly integrates the scanner with the construction of the horizontal spray boom at a forest nursery. This innovative approach holds tremendous potential for advancing the assessment and management of forest seedlings, providing valuable insights and streamlining nursery operations.

Using Mulch for Weed Control in Container Plant Production

Weed management in container plant production is a serious problem and remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of the plant nursery industry. Weeds compete for light, water, nutrients, and space, which ultimately results in decreased crop growth and yield. Weed management in container nurseries is primarily based on the use of timely preemergence (PRE) herbicides and supplemental hand weeding. The most challenging downside to applying PRE herbicides is often crop safety for many herbicide-sensitive crops commonly produced by Florida growers. Also, herbicide labels typically preclude application on bearing plants or for up to 12 months before fruit can be harvested. Due to these concerns, among the most commonly adopted non-chemical approaches to weed management in recent times is the utilization of mulch. This publication discusses best mulching practices, mulch types, application techniques, cost, and other management practices in container plant production.

Comparative Genomics of Conifer‐Associated Fusarium spp.

ABSTRACTRecent studies have shown numerous Fusarium spp. are associated with symptomatic conifer seedlings in both bareroot and container nursery systems. Some of these species have been found pathogenic to conifer seedlings (e.g., F. avenaceum, F. commune, F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticillioides), but the mechanisms and shared evolutionary history of these conifer pathogenic species have not been well studied in these pathosystems. We compared whole genomes of 17 Fusarium spp. associated with conifer seedlings to elucidate putative shared pathogenicity/virulence gene profiles presumably expressed for roles in causing damping‐off and/or root disease of conifer seedlings. In addition, this work provides draft genomes of conifer‐associated Fusarium spp. and genomes not previously referenced in public databases (e.g., F. lactis, F. fredkrugeri, F. ipomoeae, and F. flocciferum). We identified pathogenicity/virulence genes associated with Fusarium spp. pathogens of conifers including effectors, the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes 2, 4, 9 and 14 and secondary metabolites, and the mycotoxins fumonisin and deoxynivalenol. We conclude that gene profiles are shared within Fusarium species complexes and among closely related Fusarium species complexes; however, these shared profiles are widely distributed across all Fusarium pathogens. These findings highlight potential targets for detecting and/or identifying Fusarium pathogens of conifers, but multiple methods and/or targets will be required depending on the species complexes and clades. More research is needed to determine the roles of expressed pathogenicity/virulence genes and the downstream metabolic products that result in pathogenesis to conifers.

Examining a New Laboratory Method for Packing Soilless Substrate to Ensure Consistent, Appropriate Bulk Density When Measuring Static Physical Properties

Bulk density (Db) and subsequent physical properties are determined by the substrate and packing method. Packing method is the way one fills and compresses a substrate within a given volume. Bulk density produced in the laboratory may not align with “expected” published ranges due to variations in packing. Additionally, it is unknown if ranges identified as “typical” using a small volume sample ring reflect Db occurring in larger production size containers packed using commercial potting practices. Therefore, our objectives were to 1) emulate nursery practices and document the Db associated with a potted 2.8-L (#1) container, 2) develop and test the new “shim and compression” method to determine if it consistently packs sample rings to a Db commensurate with that of a 2.8-L nursery container, and 3) demonstrate how static physical properties are affected by the new “shim and compression” sample ring packing method compared with the traditional bench top tap method. When emulating nursery potting practices with 100% pine bark, coir, and peat, and blends of each, Db ranged from 0.08 g⋅cm−3 (coconut coir) to 0.17 g⋅cm−3 (pine bark). We used an espresso tamp and shims to pack the aforementioned substrates in sample rings. The Db achieved using a range in number of presses and discs was largely dependent on the substrate, but the desired Db was consistently achieved for each substrate. There was no effect of disc number on Db (P = 1.000) for any substrate. There was no effect of tamp number (P ≥ 0.0602) for all substrates except peat-amended, for which five tamps yielded a greater Db than one tamp (P = 0.0324). In an experiment in which a different technician who was accustomed to the conventional benchtop tap packing method performed both methods, method influenced Db (P < 0.0001), and the conventional method more closely attained the target Db. To our knowledge, this is the only report of Db observed in commercial container production facilities (i.e., “native”).

Below-Plant Mirrors Improve Serianthes Seedling Survival and Growth in Shade

Recruitment failures of Serianthes nelsonii are among the threats to this species’ recovery, yet adaptive management research to understand the causes of seedling mortality is lacking. Insufficient available light in the in situ forest floor is one factor that may be involved, and below-plant reflection of incident light may improve seedling survival. Mirrors were placed beneath S. nelsonii, Serianthes grandiflora, and Serianthes kanehirae seedlings in container nursery conditions and S. grandiflora seedlings in a closed-canopy forest to determine the influence of the additional reflected light on seedling survival and growth. Below-plant mirrors increased nursery seedling survival for S. nelsonii and S. kanehirae, with 75% combined survival without mirrors and 88% combined survival with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased stem height by 51% for the three species, with greater stem diameter and ending leaf number also occurring for plants with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased S. grandiflora seedling survival to 161% and longevity to 236% compared to plants without mirrors under forest cover. The plants receiving mirrors also increased by 175% in height, 60% in stem diameter, and 117% in leaf number compared to the plants without mirrors. These findings indicate that passive solar engineering by exploiting below-plant light reflection may be used as a Serianthes conservation protocol to improve seedling survival and growth under shaded conditions.

Evaluation of Different Container Types on Root Structure and Performance of Nursery-grown Citrus Plants

Health and quality of the root system are imperative to ensure the successful establishment of a citrus tree after transplant from the nursery into the field. Containerized citrus production in enclosed nurseries restricts root growth and can result in root circling and intertwining. This may hinder root expansion and result in root girdling after transplant, negatively affecting tree establishment and growth. The root structure of a transplanted citrus tree can also be affected by the container type used in the nursery. Containers with root-pruning properties like chemical pruning or air pruning reduce root circling and may produce superior root systems compared with regular, nonpruning containers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different nursery containers on root physiological and morphological traits and plant performance over 15 months of growth in the nursery. Three container types, chemical pruning containers, air-pruning containers, and standard nursery containers, were compared. The chemical pruning containers were standard citrus nursery containers with a mixture of copy hydroxide [Cu(OH)2] and copper carbonate (CuCO3) [10% copper (Cu)] applied to the inner wall. Pruning occurs upon contact of the roots with the Cu on the wall of the containers. The air-pruning containers were custom-sized Air-Pots in which pruning occurs on holes in the wall of the containers upon contact of the roots with the air. Two rootstocks, US-812 and US-942 (Citrus reticulata × Poncirus trifoliata), were included for comparison in the nongrafted stage and 12 months after grafting with ‘Valencia’ orange (Citrus sinensis). Chemical root pruning positively influenced tree height, shoot mass, leaf area, rootstock trunk diameter, and the nonfibrous root biomass. No differences among container types were observed for the fibrous root biomass, but chemical pruning produced more roots that were finer with a higher specific root length and a higher respiration rate. In contrast, air pruning produced more roots that were thicker compared with the other containers. Most of the leaf nutrients were lower in trees grown in the chemical pruning containers compared with the standard containers, except for Cu and zinc (Zn), which were highest in the former. Trees growing in air-pruning containers were not significantly different in growth from trees growing in standard containers.

A Base Layer of Ferrous Sulfate-Amended Pine Bark Reduces Phosphorus Leaching from Nursery Containers

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied to container-grown nursery crops readily leach through pine bark-based substrates and can subsequently runoff and contribute to surface water contamination. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of adding a layer of FeSO4·7H2O-amended pine bark (FSB) to the bottoms of nursery containers on P leaching characteristics. Phosphorus and iron (Fe) leaching in response to FSB layer height (4 or 7.5 cm), FeSO4·7H2O rate (0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 kg·m−3 Fe), and form (i.e., granular versus liquid) used to formulate the FSB layer, and the inclusion of dolomite in the FSB layer were also investigated. Greenhouse studies lasting 15 and 19 weeks were conducted, in which 2.5 L nursery containers containing the FSB layer treatments below non-amended pine bark substrate were fertilized with 199 or 117 mg P from a soluble or controlled-release fertilizer, respectively. Leachate resulting from daily irrigation was collected and analyzed for P and Fe weekly. All FSB treatments leached less P than the control (non-amended pine bark only), with P reductions ranging from 22% (4 cm FSB with 0.3 kg·m−3 Fe) to 73% (7.5 cm FSB with 1.2 kg·m−3 Fe). Phosphorus leaching decreased linearly with an increase in Fe rate or layer height. The amount of Fe that leached from containers with FSB was <5% of that applied, regardless of the Fe rate. Granular- and liquid-applied FeSO4·7H2O with or without dolomite were equally effective at reducing P leaching. Adding 0.6 kg·m−3 Fe to the bottom 500 cm3 of pine bark increased P adsorption by 0.053 mg·cm−3 P, which equates to 17.9 mg P adsorbed per gram of FeSO4·7H2O added. Results from this research suggest that including an FSB layer in the bottom of nursery containers is an effective strategy for reducing P runoff from container-based nursery production sites.

The Pour-through Procedure Preferentially Extracts Substrate Solution from the Bottom of the Container in Conventional and Stratified Substrates

Due to the widespread use of the pour-through extraction procedure in horticultural production and research, the objective of this study was to determine if the method is biased by preferentially extracting substrate solution near the bottom of the container in both conventionally filled containers as well as intentionally stratified containers. Eight treatments were created using 2.5-L, 17.5-cm tall plastic nursery containers. The first four treatments were created by layering a conventional pine bark substrate (CONV) that was either amended (+A) or nonamended (−A) with fertilizer and lime with the following layers: amended substrate throughout the entire container profile (+A/+A); amended substrate in the top half (top 8.5 cm) over nonamended substrate in the bottom half of the container profile (+A/−A); nonamended substrate in the top half over amended substrate in the bottom half (−A/+A); and nonamended substrate throughout the profile (−A/−A). An additional four treatments were created by intentionally stratifying (STRAT) a fine pine bark substrate (FINE) over a coarse pine bark substrate (CRSE) with the same amendment combinations of +A or −A. On 0 and 42 d after potting, substrate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined on samples collected by the pour-through procedure and 1:1 water extracts of the top and bottom layers in the container. At 42 d after potting, nutrient ions (NO3−, PO42−, K, Ca, Mg, and SO42−) were also measured in both pour-through and 1:1 water extracts of the top and bottom layers. At both dates and in both CONV and STRAT containers, pour-through substrate pH and EC more closely reflected those measurements in the bottom half of the container as determined by the 1:1 water extract. At 42 d after potting, nutrient ions determined by the pour-through procedure were more highly correlated to the 1:1 water extracts from the bottom half of the container compared with the top half of the container in both CONV and STRAT substrates. Evidence herein demonstrates that the pour-through procedure is more reflective of the lower half of the container than the upper half for both CONV and stratified substrates.

Разработка агротехнологии получения посадочного материала, устойчивого к фитофагам и фитопатогенам

Many seedlings die early during reforestation. Traditional bareroot technologies often fail in Western Siberia. As a result, containerized technologies have become relevant as they provide higher survival rate in the harsh climatic conditions.
 The study traced the development of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings grown in a container nursery in the Kemerovo Region. The milled high-moor peat had a degree of decomposition of ≤ 15%. The seeds were treated with fungicides before planting. The seedlings underwent a double treatment against phytophages and phytopathogens during growth.
 The article introduces a new agricultural technology for ball-rooted planting stock resistant to phytophages and phytopathogens. The study revealed the developmental stages of pine seedlings and the effect of pesticides on pathogen count. After phytosanitary monitoring and preventive treatments, the seedlings were tested for the effectiveness of pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides as part of pre-planting seed treatment. Such biochemical preparations as Fitoverm (0.4%), Decis Pro, Previkur Energy, and Fitosporin increased the survival rate of the test seedlings. The biological effectiveness of the experimental treatment was 49–53 and 44–50%.
 The technology was able to improve the survival rate of pine seedlings in forest container nurseries in the harsh climate of West Siberia.

Effectiveness of solitary and combined use of cover crop species to manage soilborne diseases in woody ornamental nursery production system

The understanding of how solitary and combined use of covercrop species and seeding rates influences soilborne diseases is lacking. Cover crops (crimson clover, triticale and crimson clover + triticale) were seeded in the field plots in September 2019 (Trial 1) and September 2021 (Trial 2) at two seeding rates (low and high) and a no cover cropped fallow served as a control. The soil was collected from all the plots in the following June. Red maple rooted cuttings were planted in nursery containers filled with those soils and plant health was evaluated with and without inoculation with Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytopythium vexans and Rhizoctonia solani. Plant height and fresh weight were measured, and plant roots were assessed for root rot severity (0–100% roots affected) and pathogen recovery. The number of fluorescent Pseudomonads present in soil samples was counted. Root rot severity and pathogen recovery were less with plants grown in cover cropped soil compared to non-cover cropped soil. Root rot severity caused by all three pathogens was least with the plants grown in the crimson clover and mixed cover cropped soil with the mixture being better than crimson clover. Moreover, plants grown in the high rate of cover cropped soil had less root rot severity compared to plants grown in low seeding rate cover cropped soil. Plant fresh weight was greater for plants grown in the high rate of crimson clover cover cropped soil and, in the mixture, compared to the non-cover cropped soil, whereas height was least affected. The Pseudomonad population was greatest in mixed cover cropped as well as in the high rate of cover cropped soil. Our findings suggest that a mixture of cover crop species and high seeding rate provides better service in suppressing root rot diseases likely associated with biological processes and nutrient availability.

Mulching as a weed management tool in container plant production - review

Weed management in container plant production is a serious problem and remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of the industry. Weeds cause severe reductions in crop growth due to the limited growing environment characteristic of container plant production. The container nursery industry relies heavily on a limited number of preemergence herbicide options. The use of herbicides as the primary means to manage weeds has resulted in some negative consequences such as high chemical costs, leaching, runoff, and concerns with recycling irrigation water. Additionally, nursery growers are shifting their focus toward different nonchemical weed management strategies because many ornamental plants are very sensitive to preemergence herbicides. One such method is using organic mulch to control weeds in container plant production. Mulching is the foundation of a nonchemical weed management protocol and acts as the first line of defense against weeds. Organic mulches used in container plant production include rice hulls, pine bark, wood chips, wood shavings, coconut coir, nut (peanut, pecan) shells, oyster shells, cacao bean hulls, pelletized newspaper, recycled newspaper, pine straw, and other materials; material selection often depends on the availability of the product. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of existing research on the utilization of various mulch materials as a weed management tool in container plant production. Additionally, it aims to highlight any critical knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for possible future research.

Overcoming the Nursery Industry Labor Shortage: A Survey of Strategies to Adapt to a Reduced Workforce and Automation and Mechanization Technology Adoption Levels

US nurseries are experiencing a workforce shortage that is expected to intensify. A mixed-mode survey of decision-makers representing the US nursery industry was conducted in 2021. The survey assessed practices used in 2020 to elicit a better understanding of nursery approaches to the challenges presented by persistent labor scarcity. We compare our results with survey data collected ∼15 years earlier at container nurseries. Survey responses revealed that nurseries were undertaking strategies that aimed to improve production efficiency, better recruit and retain employees, and secure other sources of labor to overcome this shortage. Specifically, more than 65% of surveyed US nurseries increased worker wages, and more than 55% of respondents adopted automation to address the labor shortage. Strategies in use by ≥23% of respondents may limit future growth or jeopardize long-term nursery survival. These include diversifying tasks of current employees, reducing production of labor-intensive plants, or delaying expansion plans. Survey results suggested that production tasks excluding irrigation were on average 31% automated or mechanized at container nurseries, an increase from 16% during the prior survey. Field nurseries were 35% automated or mechanized in 2020. Newly developed or yet-to-be developed automated and mechanized technology (AMT) that decision-makers perceive as being helpful were reported. This article explores linkages between nursery characteristics and AMT adoption and highlights research and extension programming initiatives that are needed to help growers make informed decisions regarding adopting automation.

Effects of Insecticide Drench Application against Immatures of Systena frontalis in Container-grown Hydrangea paniculata

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), commonly referred to as the redheaded flea beetle, is a serious pest in container nurseries, as adult feeding defoliates nursery crops and affects plant salability. Because the foliar application of insecticides provides inconsistent efficacy, additional and alternative control tactics are sought to target immatures of this pest in growing media. Thus, the objective was to determine the effects of non-neonicotinoid insecticides applied as a drench to growing media on immatures of S. frontalis. In 2021 and 2022, nine active ingredients were evaluated in four trials in a Georgia nursery and at a Virginia research and extension center. If available, the maximum label rates for flea beetles or other coleopteran pests were applied once to Hydrangea paniculata Siebold containers (11.4 L, 3 gal) as a drench application. The emergence of S. frontalis adults from treated growing media and foliar feeding damage was lower for the tetraniliprole (TetrinoTM) and spinetoram + sulfoxaflor (XXpire®) treatments than for nontreated plants. Cyclaniliprole (SarisaTM) and chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®) suppressed S. frontalis adult eclosion with less feeding damage than the nontreated plants. Tetraniliprole, spinetoram + sulfoxaflor, and cyclaniliprole are not labeled for drench application. Dinotefuran (Safari®) effectively reduced adult emergence and feeding damage. Species used in this study: Redheaded flea beetle, Systena frontalis (F.); panicled hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata Siebold. Chemicals used in this study: Cyantraniliprole (Mainspring®GNL), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), tetraniliprole (TetrinoTM), cyclaniliprole (SarisaTM), Spinetoram + Sulfoxaflor (XXpire®), tolfenpyrad (Apta®), Chromobacterium (Grandevo®CG), flupyradifurone (AltusTM), dinotefuran (Zylam® Liquid, Safari® 20G), and polyterpenes pinene (NuFilm® P).

Analysis of the Water Leakage Rate from the Cells of Nursery Containers

In container production, the key issue is proper irrigation and fertilization. Typically, the water required for plant growth is supplied through an irrigation ramp system, which can also perform fertilization. The frequency of irrigation and the amount of water supplied by the ramp depends on several factors, such as the species of plants grown, the container used, the substrate, and atmospheric factors accompanying production. For effective irrigation, the substrate in the container cell must retain the supplied water long enough for plant absorption. However, any excess water should drain from the container. To optimize irrigation, it is important to determine the parameter of the water outflow speed from the container cell, which is difficult to determine. This work proposes a new solution for a station that can measure the water outflow speed from various container cells (patent application P.443675 2022). In tests, the water outflow speed was assessed for two Styrofoam container types (V150—650/312/150 mm, 74 cells, and 0.145 dm3 cell volume; and V300—650/312/180 mm, 53 cells, and 0.275 dm3 cell volume). Both were filled with a peat and perlite substrate (95/5%) using the Urbinati Ypsilon line (V150 substrate moisture 75.7 ± 1.1%, and V300 75.9 ± 2.1%, efficiency of the line 400 containers∙h−1, vibration intensity of the vibrating table—maximum acceleration 12 G). The results indicated that the water outflow speed varied between container types. The V300 container had a higher outflow speed (0.0344 cm·s−1) compared to the V150 (0.0252 cm·s−1). This discrepancy may be due to differences in dry bulk density, with a correlation of r = −0.523. The V300 had a lower actual and dry bulk density (0.418 g·cm−3; 0.079 g·cm−3) compared to V150 (0.322 g·cm−3; 0.103 g·cm−3). This highlights the need for individual selection of parameters on the backfilling line for different container types when filling. Using identical parameters for diverse containers can lead to varying substrate volume densities, impacting water outflow rates.

Validating and Optimizing a Method for Detecting Phytophthora Species by Baiting Leachate from Arrays of Container Nursery Plants

In 2014, Phytophthora root rot was identified as a serious problem in nursery plants grown for habitat restoration in California. To support efforts to produce restoration nursery stock free of Phytophthora species, we developed a standardized leachate baiting method that can be conducted by nursery staff. Each plant in an array of up to 42 container-grown nursery plants is irrigated six times at 15-min intervals with a standardized water volume. Irrigation leachate is collected in a specialized vessel containing a green (unripe) pear bait. Test sensitivity was assessed using arrays of Phytophthora-free plants containing varying numbers of plants from which Phytophthora had previously been baited. The percentage of tests with Phytophthora detections increased as the proportion of infested plants in the array increased. In tests of individual inoculated plants, Phytophthora detection from a given plant varied over time, especially for less susceptible hosts. This variability likely limits test sensitivity in arrays with few infested containers. Direct probability and Monte Carlo simulation models showed that testing two to three arrays per block and 20 to 40 plants per array provided the greatest increases in detection probability for blocks of 200 to 1,000 plants in which 1 to 5% of the plants were infected. Random sampling had lower detection success than sampling biased to increase the odds of selecting infected plants. Results of extensive testing at a case study nursery were consistent with model predictions. The leachate baiting method has wide applicability for detecting and identifying Phytophthora species in nursery stock. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Hitchhiker planting: mixed-species container stock planting as a novel tool to increase plant diversity on industrially disturbed sites

Rapid establishment of closed canopy cover is a key goal in land reclamation. While re-establishment of understory vegetation is likely to positively contribute to this goal, native herbaceous species are not typically planted on reclaimed sites though it is an alternative to reliance on natural regeneration. The objective of the present study was to test the principle of hitchhiker production of a tree species with native herbaceous species on recently reclaimed industrial sites with the aim of (1) understanding growth tradeoffs when mixing these species in the same container and (2) if hitchhiking had negative growth and survival outcomes for white spruce ( Picea glauca) seedlings compared with singly grown white spruce seedlings. White spruce seeds were sown in nursery containers of contrasting cavity sizes, followed by sowing a forb species ( Eurybia conspicua or Chamerion angustifolium) at different time intervals or grown singly. Larger cavities and earlier sow dates were associated with higher persistence and growth of the forbs, while later sow dates were associated with larger white spruce seedlings. We observed no evidence to suggest that hitchhiked seedlings were at a competitive disadvantage in terms of growth or survival compared with singly grown seedlings that were initially similar in size.

INNOVATION IN PROCESSING OF ARECA PEEL WASTE INTO ORGANIC POLYBAGS AS NURSERY MEDIA

Polybags are planting media that are often used as nursery media. However, the use of polybags can cause the environment to become polluted due to the use of plastic, which is difficult to decompose by soil microbes, and also can destroy planting media and caused root damage in planting process to the field. One way to overcome these problems is to use organic-based nursery containers that are environmentally friendly. Poliarec (Polybag Organic of Areca catechu) is an organic polybag derived from areca peel waste. This product was made in 3 stages, first stages by making of polybags using 250 gr of areca peel waste to produce one unit of polybag measuring 10x10 cm. The second stage was carried out weight and density tests, and the third stage was carried out functional tests by conducting planting experiments on horticultural seeds. Poliarec can be planted directly on the ground because it is easily decomposed by microbes so that it can simultaneously become fertilizer and is able to maintain soil moisture. The density test showed, Poliarec has a low density category type based on SNI standards. It can function well as a seedling media after a functional test on chili seeds for 4 weeks. From this functional test, it was also found that Poliarec can save water usage because watering can be done once every three days. The direct benefits of this creative and innovative work are in addition to support sustainable agriculture by reducing the use of plastic polybags, and also will increasing the economic value of areca peel waste.

The Influence of Vibration and Moisture Content on the Compactness of the Substrate in Nursery Container Cells Determined with a Multipenetrometer

An important problem of container nurseries is ensuring equal and favorable growth conditions for cultivated plants. This can be achieved by ensuring the physical parameters of the substrate used to grow seedlings in individual cells of the container are similar. The nursery container is filled with a specially composed substrate through an automated line. Quickly controlling the parameters related to the quality of substrate filling presents a significant problem, as it requires the ongoing correction of the filling module settings (e.g., extending the vibration time or changing the vibration amplitude). To address this issue, it would be helpful to determine the compactness of the substrate, which can be easily measured using a penetrometer. This paper presents a prototype automated station, known as a multipenetrometer, designed for the simultaneous testing of compactness in 15 selected container cells. The prototype was put to the test at the Nursery Farm in Sukowo, where two types of polystyrene containers (V150—650/312/150 mm; 74 cells; and 0,148 cm3 cell volume and V300—650/312/180 mm; 53 cells; and 0.275 cm3 cell volume) were filled with peat–perlite substrate on the Urbinati Ypsilon automated line. This study investigated the influence of substrate moisture (two levels—70 and 75%) and vibration intensity (two levels—8 and 12 G) of the vibrating table on its compactness within the individual cells of the nursery container. The results indicated that with an increase in substrate moisture and vibration intensity, the compactness of the substrate increased, and the variation in compactness between individual cells decreased. Notably, the V300 containers, with a larger cell volume (265 cm3), experienced a higher level of change compared to the V150 containers (145 cm3). Despite the use of substrate compaction techniques based on the experience of line operators filling containers, the coefficient of variation between the compactness of the substrate in individual cells of the container remained at 30%. Based on the findings, it was confirmed that the optimal parameters for filling V150 and V300 containers with peat–perlite substrate on the Urbinati line, at a filling capacity of approximately 400 containers h−1, are a moisture content of around 75% and a maximum vibration intensity of 12 G.

Overhang barrier fence reduces Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) damage on panicled hydrangea in the container nursery

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of many ornamental plants in container nurseries. Adult S. frontalis cause feeding damage on leaves and affected plants are not marketed. Systena frontalis adults are currently managed using insecticides, especially neonicotinoids, and growers are seeking alternative options as customers demand neonicotinoid-free plants after concerns associated with nontarget exposure to pollinators. Barrier fences could be an alternative tactic to protect high-value crops, such as panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Siebold), from invading S. frontalis adults in container nurseries. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of overhang barrier fence using with and without insecticide-impregnated-netting on adult S. frontalis infestation and feeding damage on panicled hydrangea. In 2021 and 2022, a study using an overhang exclusion fence was conducted in a container nursery in Georgia, USA. The treatments were: 1) deltamethrin-impregnated enclosed barrier, 2) nontreated enclosed barrier, and 3) no barrier. Four containers of panicled hydrangea were placed in the center of each experimental plot. Both deltamethrin-impregnated and nontreated enclosed barrier treatments reduced the incidence and severity of adult feeding damage on the panicled hydrangea than no barrier treatment. There was no difference between deltamethrin-impregnated and nontreated enclosed barrier treatments. The results suggest that overhang barriers can protect container plants from invading adult S. frontalis.