Dharini, M.Sc.(Hort.) Vegetable Science
Dr. Versha kumari, Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science ),
Deepak Patel, M.Sc.(Hort.) Post harvest management,
Pt. KLS CHRS Rajnandgaon (C.G)

Introduction: In the current scenario the production of vegetable nurseries has become a highly popularized operation, where in most of the farmers purchasing their plugs from professional growers. A vegetable nursery is a place or business where immature vegetable seedlings are grown or handled until they are ready to be transplanted permanently. Some vegetable seeds are planted in nursery beds first and the seedlings from these beds are then transplanted. Apart from onion, lettuce and asparagus, these vegetables are usually small seeded crops from the solanaceous, cruciferous and cucurbitaceous families. In the future there is a wide scope for seedling transplants, especially for those crops which having a high economic value and potentially high seed cost.

Significance of vegetable seedlings production in Hi-tech nursery
  • The baby seedlings can be properly cared and nurtured in the nursery bed.
  • The expensive hybrid seeds can be maintained better for resulting in a more uniform crop stand.
  • Quality seed germination, consistent growth, minimal seedling mortality.
  • Defective seedlings can be discarded throughout the transplanting process.
  • There are fewer risks of pests and diseases.

Selection of site : While choosing a location for nursery production and management, the following factors should be considered-
  • The terrain should be well-drained, fertile and rich in organic matter.
  • The site should be free of water logging with good drainage facilities.
  • To get the desired sunlight, it should constantly be placed out of the shade.
  • The nursery should be located near a water source.
  • Pets and wild animals should be kept out of the area.

Hi-tech nursery raising techniques

Covering with polythene sheets: Thatching can be replaced with transparent polythene covering to ensure early germination (150 micron thickness). Irrigate the nursery beds after seeding, up to the field capacity. The beds are then to be covered with a transparent polythene sheet and sealed with soil around the edges of the sheet. After completion of germination process, the polythene sheath can be removed.

Poly tunnels for normal weather:
  • Prefabricated tunnels measuring 3m long, 1.5m broad and 1.0m high in the center are used to cover the nursery beds.
  • UV-polythene sheath (200 micron) with 75% transmittance is clad around the semi-circular structure.
  • The bed can be covered with tunnels once the seeding, covering, and irrigation are accomplished.
  • If the nursery is grown in the winter, both apertures are often closed

Sunken nurseries for extreme weather: Sunken type of nursery usually prepared during winter season. This type of nursery is created 10 to 15cm underneath the soil surface. The air blows across the soil surface, seedlings in the sunken bed are not affected by the breeze. Furthermore, covering the sunken bed with polyethylene sheets, which is essential to safeguard the seedlings from cool air, becomes easy. On bright days, the polythene cover may be removed and on wet days, it can be converted into a roof.

Naturally ventilated polyhouses: Naturally ventilated polyhouse can be used for commercial nursery production.

1. Poly bags for cucurbits : Seed propagation and in situ sowing are practiced in majority of cucurbits. Seeds can be sown in polybags and germinated under protected cover from low temperatures in some circumstances where an early crop is needed. At the 2-trueleaf stage, the seedlings are transplanted. This is a common practice in Punjab, particularly with muskmelon and it can be done on the hills to achieve an early crop in July. Cucurbits normally do not survive transplantation after this stage owing to tap root injury. When compared to in situ sowing, there is a significant reduction in seed quantity, saving approximately 50% to 60%.

2. Plug tray techniques : For producing vegetable seedlings, plastic trays or protrays with various cell sizes are commonly used. In numerous European nations and Israel, two types of plastic protrays are primarily utilized to raise seedlings. Cucumber, muskmelon, tomato and brinjal require 187 cells of 3.75 cm (1.5") size plastic trays, but lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, and capsicum require 345 cells of 2.5 cm (1.0") size plastic trays. These trays aid in correct germination, give a separate area for each seed to germinate, reduce mortality, promote uniform and healthy seedling growth and are easy to handle and store. They are also reliable and cost-effective to transport.

Hardening: Hardening is the process of gradually exposing mature seedlings to regular climatic conditions after they have been protected in order to eliminate stress and transplant shock when they are transplanted to the main field.

Pest and disease management.
  • The most significant role in the control of pests and infections is cleanliness and sanitation in the nursery, particularly among the crate or protrays.
  • Regular sterilization of the growing media, structures, tools, and trays is required on a regular basis.
  • Proper and appropriate ventilation and air flow within the nursery space may help to prevent disease.
  • Pests and diseases that may restrict the growth of healthy seedlings must be identified and appropriate countermeasures must be established ahead of schedule.

Conclusion: The emergence of various nursery growing techniques has opened up new horizons for producing vegetables in every month of the year, irrespective of the vegetable crop. Growers may now produce off-season vegetables crops in any climatology condition against several stresses and can fetch remunerative prices from its product due to innovative approaches of Hi-tech nursery production.