Agricultural Crops Production NC II

PERFORMING NURSERY OPERATIONS

Objective At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
s Prepare nursery tools, farm implements and simple equipment
Maintain nursery facilities
Handle seeds/planting materials
Prepare growing media
Conduct propagation activities
In
Introductio
n
PREPARE NURSERY TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS AND SIMPLE EQUIPMENT
TOPIC 1 TYPES AND USES OF TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS AND SIMPLE EQUIPMENT
Tools/Hand tools are usually light and are used without the help of animals or machines.

Examples of Hand Tools

Tools/Description Tools/Description
Pick Mattock – Spade – used for
used for digging removing trash or
canals, soil, digging and
mixing growing
Media.

Hole digger – Garden fork – used

used for digging loosening the soil,
soil in planting turning over
fruit materials and/or
mixing growing
media.
Light Hoe – used Garden rake
in breaking soil –
clods particularly used for
in making garden cleaning the
Beds/plots. ground and
Leveling of
topsoil.
Grafting/budding Bolo – used in
knife – used cutting tall weeds
in and larger
cutting branches during
. clearing
Operations.

Pruning saw – Hand trowel –

Used in pruning Used in applying
seedlings and/or fertilizer and
collecting cultivating the soil.
planting
materials.
Hand fork – used Hand cultivator –
for inter-row used in cultivation
cultivation in the garden plot or
garden seedbed by
beds/plots. loosening the soil
and removing
weeds.
Pruning shear – Wheel barrow –
Used for cutting used for hauling
stems/plant plants, fertilizers,
parts for growing media,
trimming and planting materials,
propagation. etc.
Farm Implements are accessories that are being pulled by working animals or mounted to
machineries (tractor) which are usually used in preparing the land for crops production.

Examples of Farm Implements

Farm Implement/
Description
Plow – used for
tilling or initial breaking
of the soil
in large areas.

Harrow - used for tilling

and Pulverizing the soil.
Native wooden harrow is
made of wood with
metal
teeth and pulled by an
animal (e.g. carabao,
cow

Simple Equipment are machineries used in land preparation, transporting farm inputs and
products, supplying water, and applying fertilizers/pesticides to crops.

Examples of Simple Equipment

Simple Equipment/
Description
 Hand tractor – used to
pull a plow
And harrow in preparing
large area of land.

4-wheel tractor – used to

pull disc plow and disc
harrow in preparing
much bigger area of
land.

Water pump – used in

supplying
Water in the field or in
nursery through
irrigation method.

Knapsack sprayer –
used in applying
fertilizers by foliar
method
and application of
chemical
Pesticides.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE OF TOOLS, FARM IMPLEMENTS AND SIMPLE

EQUIPMENT
Pre-Operative Check of Tools, Farm Implements and Simple Equipment

The following are important reminders:

Use tool appropriate for the job.
Inspect all tools carefully for dull blades, damaged handles, loose heads, etc. replace or repair as needed.
Sharpen all cutting tools before using and frequently thereafter.
Check implements and equipment for screws, bolts and nuts and the likes.
Check implements and equipment for possible leaks and broken parts.
Always refer to operation’s manual for safe handling.
Reasons to Maintain Tools and Equipment
They last longer when maintained.
Tools and equipment that are maintained work more efficiently.
When you keep tools and equipment in good shape, you reduce the risk injury to the operator.
Regular maintenance reduces the of maintenance.

Effective Maintenance Activities for Tools and Equipment

Sharpen tool before and after use.
Oil or grease metal parts.
Wooden handles should be strong.
Hang your garden tools.
Store tools in their original cases.
Clean and dry tools after use.
MAINTAIN NURSERY FACILITIES
Nursery facilities is a structure used in propagating and rearing planting materials that will
Not survived or grow properly when planted directly in the field.
TYPES OF NURSERY FACILITIES
Three Main Types of Nursery Facilities
Greenhouse – environment fully controlled.

Net-house – environment partially controlled.

Open field – where climatic

conditions are normally favorable for the crops
Grown.

Major Components of a Greenhouse

1. Foundation – the frame of greenhouse rests on the foundation and it is probably the
Most important part. There are several materials to consider when deciding the kind of foundation to use for the
greenhouse. Wood timber, concrete or concrete block, and brick are all suitable choices.
2. Flooring - commercial growers prefer a well-drained concrete floor because it eliminates dirt and weeds
that attract insects and harbor diseases. The light color of concrete also reflects light back on the plants.
Gravel and rock floors are easy to install, inexpensive and drain well.
3. Framing – depending on what is suitable for the selected area and required budget.
Most frames are made from steel, aluminum, plastic and wood.
a. Steel is very strong and permanent; it is preferred by most commercial growers.
b. Aluminum is long lasting and especially good for wet climates since it does not rust or rot.
c. Wood is very attractive but requires more maintenance and good only for dry climates.
d. Plastic is very popular for its low cost, portable and easy to install, but the stress of high winds can cause
it to break.
 4. Covering – also known as glazing is the most expensive component of the structure.
It has the ability to retain or conserve heat vital to a successful greenhouse. Coverings are made of:
a. Glass makes a beautiful structure that is fairly permanent.
b. Fiberglass was the first practical substitute for glass, it is translucent instead of clear so it diffuses light
and decreases shadowing.
c. Polycarbonate is a newer option in greenhouse coverings, available in several widths and in single,
double or tripled walled sheets.
d. Polyethylene film is used in approximately 90% of all commercial greenhouses and is available in several
quality grades but needs to be changed more frequently. It is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to
replace.

PRACTICES IN MANAGING NURSERY FACILITIES

Managing Nursery Facilities
To guarantee certain nursery operates well, it is very important to understand different practices in maintaining
nursery (greenhouse) facilities:
a. Pest control – ensure that greenhouse is a pest-free area. Inspect thoroughly all planting
materials;
b. Clean often – sanitation is one of the most important factors to successful nursery Operations.
Always clean all the tools and materials used in the operation;
c. Ventilation system – Installed ventilation system should be checked frequently to Ensure that
it is not malfunctioning.
d. Water tank and irrigation system – connected lines and hoses of watering system need to be
checked regularly.

Good Agricultural Practices in Managing Nursery Facilities

a) The nursery should be installed in a place protected from direct sunlight, the prevailing winds and
livestock.
b) The soil should ideally be healthy, rich and flat with appropriate structure for
sowing and growing of seeds and seedlings.
c) Particular attention must be paid to protecting the nursery against insect pests.

Windbreaks and Its Benefits

Windbreaks are provided to reduce the force of wind by planting or maintaining of trees or shrubs.

Benefits:
Reduces wind speed for this modify the climate in the area.
Controls erosion
Increases crop quality and yield
Improve livestock productivity

Types of Windbreaks
TYPES
Tree windbreak – the
of this is to plant several rows of tree around the
periphery of the field to serve as windbreaks against
wind coming from different directions
 Net windbreaks – in a small area where tree can
cause shading that is not favorable for the main crop,
use of fine nylon nets are recommended. This is
commonly practiced in honeydew melon to avoid
strong wind that may cause breakage and blowing of
vines. One advantage of using nets as windbreak, it is
temporary and can be removed after the particular
cropping season.
HANDLE SEEDS/PLANTING MATERIALS
Proper handling of seeds and/or planting materials ensures propagation activities successful. This also observes
selection of quality planting materials through its required characteristics.

PLANTING MATERIALS AND ITS TYPES

Characteristics of Quality Seeds

Varietal purity – free from mixed varieties.

Germination and vigor – seeds that germinate 90% will establish more seedlings than those that germinate only
at 70%.
Mechanical purity – pure seeds are free from mechanical injury.
Uniformity of size – seeds of uniform size are also more likely to be similar in seedling vigor.
Free from seed-borne diseases – disease-free plants are expected to give better field performance than infected
ones.
Free from mixture – must be free mixture with other seeds and foreign matter.

Characteristics of Quality Seedlings

Healthy, vigorously growing and free of diseases.

Robust with no deformities.
Stem is sturdy and has a large root collar diameter.
Crown is symmetrical and dense.
Root system that is free of deformities.
Have a dense root system with many fine, fibrous hairs with white root tips.
Have a ‘balance’ between shoot and root mass.
Leaves are healthy, dark green color.
Accustomed to short periods without water.
Accustomed to full sunlight.
Free from pests and/or diseases.
Seeds and its Structure

Seed is a fertilized mature ovule which consist of the three main parts, seed coat, endosperm, and
embryo, which in due course gives rise to a new plant.

The basic structure of a seed consists of the following:

a. Seed coat – usually tough and is partly impervious to water.
b. Endosperm – stores food (starch, proteins, oil, etc.
c. Embryo – or miniature plant of the seed consist of the cotyledon, epicotyls and hypocotyls.

Parts of a Seed

Types of seeds
Based on morphological characteristics, seeds are either monocot or dicot.
1. Monocot seeds have embryo with single cotyledon, hypogeal in germination, leaf veins are parallel, roots are
adventitious, and secondary growth is absent.
2. Dicot seeds have embryo with two cotyledons, usually with epigeal germination, leaf
Veins reticulated and have secondary growth.

In terms of crop production, these are direct seeded and indirect seeded (transplanted).
1. Direct seeding refers to sowing of seeds directly in the permanent growing area, it is the most economical
method of seeding.
2. Indirect seeding is a method of sowing of seeds in a separate place from which the
Plants will eventually grow to maturity. When it reached the recommended seedling maturity, it will be
transplanted one or more times before reaching the permanent

Types of seed germination

Epigeal germination – the
hypocotyl elongates and raises the
epicotyl above ground

Hypogeal germination – the

Lengthening of the hypocotyl does
not raise the epicotyl above ground
and only the epicotyl.

PREPARE GROWING MEDIA

Growing media refers to different components not only soil which provides favorable pH conditions, adequate
supply of plant nutrients, and its physical characteristics are firm, porous, uniform in texture, sterile and free of
pests which may hamper the growth of the planting materials.
GROWING MEDIA AND ITS FUNCTIONS
Functions of Growing Media

a. Supply roots with nutrients, air, and water,

b. Allow for maximum root growth, and
c. Physically support the plant.

Types of Growing Media

Soil – natural layer of the earth that supports life. It
consists of sand, silt, clay and also the organic matter.
As germination medium, it must contain 45% mineral
matter, 5% OM, 25% water and 25% air.

Soilless – any material for growing plants not

containing soil or any soil. Most commonly used
potting mixes for horticultural crops. Examples are coir
dust, rice hull or carbonized rice hull, peat moss,
sphagnum moss, perlite, vermiculite, etc.
Hydroponics – plants grown primarily in nutrient
solution. It is purely a liquid solution as medium for
growing horticultural crops

Media solution – usually used in micro-propagation

where media used are made of agar, sterilized water,
reagents of macro and micro elements, and etc.

Media Components
COMPONENTS
Peat moss – plant material that Originates in bogs.
Peat moss has great moisture and nutrient Holding
capacity.

Perlite – white in color and comes from heat-treated

lava rock. Perlite is used in the soil mix to aerate the
soil.
Vermiculite – comes from the Mineral mica and is
shiny brown in color. It has high moisture holding
capacity and is very lightweight.

Coir dust – fibers from coconut husks which is hollow

and aids in water and air holding while remaining
lightweight.

Rice hulls – are hard protecting Coverings of rice

grains. Rice hull ash or carbonized rice hull (CRH) are
used as growing media.

Sphagnum moss – it is the dehydrating remains of acid

bog plants. It is used shredded form in seed
germination. It is relatively sterile and lightweight,
controls disease and has excellent water- holding
capacity.

POTS/CONTAINERS AND SEEDBED FOR PLANTING MATERIALS

Types of Pots/Containers

TYPES/DESCRIPTION
1. Pots – are usually round materials used chiefly for growing plants. Ornamental plant species and
Vegetables are usually grown in this type of containers.
a. Clay pots – water evaporates through the sides and this cools the root zone
b. Plastic pots – are durable; easy to stack, clean; light; and, available in all sizes and shapes
c. Organic pots – these are usually made of coco fiber, and other organic materials.

2. Black polyethylene plastic bags – cheap and very light but not durable. Good container because black absorbs
heat that affects plant growth
3. Foamed plastic box – white, lightweight containers and several plants can be grown together in the box
4.Metal buckets – made of tin and its alloy or galvanized iron can be used as growing containers
5.Rubber pots and old tires – cheap as they are made of recycled tires but a bit heavy
6.Organic containers – bamboo poles, bamboo baskets, coconut husks, and bags made of palm leaves can also be
used since they decompose naturally
7. Seedling trays – size and number of holes will depend on the quantity of seeds to be sown. Available in
plastics/styro.
8. Seed box – smaller version of seed bed. Size depends on the area to be planted and the usual shape is
rectangle or square. Used for transplanted vegetables.
Types of Asexual Propagation
Types/Descriptions
Separation – propagation using naturally
detachable organs such as runners, slip, sucker,
crown, bulb, plantlet.

Division – specialized or modified stems and roots

are cut into pieces or sections with at least one
bud or eye per section, ex. corms, tubers,
rhizomes

Cuttage or use of cuttings – involves

regeneration of structural parts in detached
vegetative parts under favorable environmental
conditions
Layerage – applied to plants which are difficult to
root. These types of plants are best rooted while
still attached to the parent plant, which supplies
the nutrients and moisture while the roots of the
new plants are still forming.

Graftage – propagation where two

plant parts are joined in such a manner they will
unite and continue their growth as one plant. The
upper part of the combination is called scion and
the lower part, the rootstock or simply stock.
a. Grafting – if the scion is a stem, whether
it is detached or attached to the mother
plant.
b. Budding – if the scion is a single bud with
a small section of the bark, with or
without wood

Propagation Techniques by Separation and Division

METHOD/S METHOD/S
(SEPARATION) (DIVISION)
Runners - are Tubers - like white
Specialized aerial Potato is the fleshy
stems that grow portion of an
horizontally along underground stolon,
the ground and a stem that grows
develop from leaf horizontally.
axils at the base or
crown of the plant.
Examples are
ferns, strawberry,
and black pepper.
Slips are leafy Corms - is an
shoots enlarged
Originating from Storage organ of
axillary buds borne banana, abaca, and
at the base of a taro. A solid stem
plant or fruit such structure with nodes
ass pineapple and and internodes and a
cabbage. few rudimentary
leaves. These are cut
into bits, seed bits, or
seed pieces.
Suckers - are Rhizomes - such as in
Secondary shoots Ginger is a horizontal
that start below cylindrical stem
the ground from growing
an underground underground.
stem. Examples
are banana,
pineapple,
anthodium and
abaca.
Crown - is a shoot
produced on the
top of the fruit,
like pineapple.

Bulbs - are
shortened
Branches that later
develop with
thickened petioles.
Leaf sheaths
thicken and
develop own roots
such as onions.

Propagation Techniques by Cuttings

Leaf cuttings – a number of plants will readily
produce new plants from leaf cuttings.
Examples are: Sanseviera, Kataka-taka

Root cuttings – are usually taken from 2 to 3-

year-old plants during their dormant season
when they have a large carbohydrate supply.
Example of plant propagated by root is
Breadfruit.
Stem cuttings - is the most versatile of all
methods for both herbaceous and woody
material. Common examples are cassava,
malunggay and some ornamental plants like
gumamela and rose.

METHOD/S
Tip layering - shoot tip bend downward and
roots form at the bend becomes a new
plant
Simple layering - works best on plants that
have a naturally trailing growth habit. This
is used for
hard-to-root shrubs,

Compound layering - or known as

Multiple or serpentine layering is
essentially the same as simple layering. It is
used in plants that have long, pliable
shoots, mostly the viny ones.

Mound or stool layering - involves

cutting the plant back to the ground usually
at the start of the rainy season and
mounding soil or other media around the
base of
the newly developing shoots to encourage
rooting.

Air layering or commonly known as

marcotting - is a method suitable for sturdy
or woody-stemmed plants. Portion of bark
is removed including the cambium, covered
with growing media and wrap with plastic.
Moisture is maintained to promote rooting
from the wound portion.
PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES BY GRAFTING
METHOD/S
GRAFTING
Approach grafting or Inarching-
selected shoots of the desirable
plant are grafted with the stem of
the stocks grown in individual
containers while the scions are still
connected with the mother plant.

Graft-inarching or top working is

usually used to change the top of
established inferior plants into more
desirable ones.

Splice grafting - the detached scion

is used in leafless, usually with a
terminal leaf bud or well-developed
dormant leaf buds. The stock used is
a seedling.

Cleft grafting - is a detached scion is

directly grafted on the top of the
stock. The stock is in individual
containers
Side grafting - the basal portion of a
detached scion is joined at the side
of the trunk of the stock.

Bark grafting - is especially useful in

grafting a detached scion on a
stumped stock whose stem is much
larger than that of the scion. One or
more scions can be inserted in one
stock depending on the size of the
trunk.

BUDDING
Shield or T-budding – is usually
made on an actively developing stem
whose bark can be readily separated
from the wood. T on the stock where
union is desired to occur.

Patch budding - is used in species

having a thick bark which can be
separated easily from the wood.

Chip budding - is used where the

bark of the stem adheres closely to
its wood, which may occur naturally
to some species or arising from
growing conditions

Sow/drop carefully at least 1-2 seeds

in each hole. Put label for each
seedling tray/s after sowing.
Allow the seeds to germinate by
providing the necessary care and
maintenance
1. Choose an appropriate rootstock
(a) and scion (b). The scion and
rootstock must be compatible. As a
general rule, closely related plants
(e.g. varieties within same species)
are grafted compatible. The scion
should come from a tree with
desired traits (e.g. good quality, high
yield) while the rootstock should
possess good root characteristics
(e.g. resistance to soil-borne
diseases, good anchorage).

2. Remove the leaves of the scion

without injuring the buds (c) and cut
the rootstock to height where there
is active growth (d).

3. Shape the base of the scion to a

short wedge (e). Use a sharp knife
when performing this task to ensure
a good fit. Gaps will be created
between the stock and the scion
when the cut is rough, and the union
will either take time or not occur at
all.

4. Cut the rootstock vertically, about

2-3cm long (f).

Insert the wedge of the scion onto

the cleft of the rootstock (g).
Bind the graft union and the entire
scion with a strip of polyethylene
(PE) plastic
(h). Make sure to tie them securely
to prevent dislocation at the point of
union. To test this, hold the scion
and lift the whole seeding without
affecting the union.

Cover with a small PE bag

(i). This will prevent water from
entering the graft union. Put label
indicating the name of propagator,
date grafted, and variety of the crop.

MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES FOR SEEDLINGS/PROPAGULES

Maintenance activities for seedlings/ propagules
The following activities should be done to facilitate the growth of the seedlings:
1. Regularly water the seedlings by using fine sprinkler or mist-like spray to allow droplets
Of water gently fall on the surface. Watering should be done in the morning not in the evening.
2. Provide fertilizer preferably starter solution to supply nutrients for the seedlings. The
Commonly used starter solution is ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) at the rate 1 tablespoon dissolved
in 1 gallon of water. The solution is watered directly to the seedlings; contact with leaves should
be avoided to prevent from causing burn.
3. Damping-off is a common problem to seedlings therefore it is important to sterilize or treat the
soil prior to sowing. Avoid overwatering which favor the pathogen to occur.
4. Thinning is done to allow plants plenty of space to receive all the proper growth
Requirements such as moisture, nutrient s, light, etc. Without competing with other seedlings.