Producers of fresh produce largely depend on a trusted seedling producer to supply quality seedlings in order to obtain as close to a hundred percent perfect harvest as possible. The growing of tomato seedlings, for one, mainly depends on certain factors the seedling grower needs to control.
Good seedling quality
In order to be successful it is most important to select quality seed from the right variety according to the client’s specifications. Poor quality seed could easily make a difference in germination of between 60% and 95%. It is therefore important to know what the laboratory requirements are for a specific seed lot. Different seed lots may require temperatures of between 20⁰C and 26⁰C to germinate.
Also necessary to know is how many hours the seed needs to be kept at these temperatures – it ranges from 72 to 96 hours.
Grow media for seedlings
The grower needs to have in-depth knowledge of grow media before he attempts to use it for his production. For instance; just to know exactly what the status is of the pH and EC in the particular medium he chose to grow seedlings with. Also, he must know the AFP status, since all these factors play an important role not only to ensure proper nutrition intake by the plant but also the manner in which the grower schedules his water program.
Water quality
With seedling growing, water quality is of primary importance. Be sure of the purity of the water and that it is absolutely pathogen-free like for instance from Pythium, Phytophtora, Fusarium, etc. The pH of the water should ideally be in between 5.5 and 5.6 and the EC not higher than 0.6 mS/m. It is essential to do regular tests of the water before it flows to the seedlings.
Nutrition program
Top quality seeds can be grown by following a complete nutrition program. It will consist of a NPK mixture with all trace elements necessary for healthy plants.
Pest control
Chemical pest management is still used under certain circumstances, but biological pest management is taking off well. It is of most importance to implement a preventative spraying program. In the production trade one cannot wait for problems to surface – one needs to pre-empt at all times.
The hardening-off of seedlings is an important issue in order to obtain a 100% plant stand. This is achieved by revising the watering schedule downwards coming closer to the planting-out date. Some seedling growers tend to use growth inhibitors to harden-off their plants. The growing period for tomato seedlings may differ from 24 to 35 days.
Most serious greenhouse growers make use of a reputable grower. The advantage is mainly that the seedling growers continuously visit seed companies’ trials and can advise the producer on varieties. The grower takes the responsibility of sowing, growing and hardening off of seeds and delivery on the right date to the producer.
This saves the producer time, space and money since, if the seed does not germinate in time, evenly and healthy, it may incur a loss which could have been avoided should he rather had a seedling grower take the responsibility. Source: Moorland Nurseries, Jeffries Bay.
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