Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

50% or 75% shade nets can be utilized for this purpose.
7. Removal of Bandage Material: A successful graft/bud union is indicated by
the production of two growth flushes. The polythene strips or wax cloth used for
bandaging the union should be removed to prevent girdling of graft joint and
ultimate death of grafts/ buddlings.
8. Watering: Nursery plants require adequate and regular supply of water to keep the
potting mixture in pots/bags moist. If the grafts are kept in trenches they are to be
irrigated once in 3-4 days, while in open beds, daily watering is essential in winter
and twice a day in summer season. For green house grown plants, watering once in
two days with overhead upside down microsprinklers (arranged at 4' distance) is
optimum. Avoid stagnation of water in polybags by puncturing the bags at the lower
side with a sharp 18 guage rod.
7.2.5 Branding and Marketing of Nursery Plants
Branding of Nursery Plants:
In an early stage of development of a nursery business, entrepreneurs should decide
on the symbol or image that will be used to identify the products of the nursery. These
symbols and images make the plants recognizable among the competitors. The 'logo' is
used on all plants in a producer's range and helps to develop a brand image. The label on
a package is the first point of contact between a customer and the nurseryman. It should
therefore be considered as part of the marketing strategy. Appreciation of products can
develop into loyalty to the brand. These repeat buyers are the type of customers that are
required to build up constant sale of plant.
The label not only gives customers information, such as the type of plant, planting
method and other information but the design and the material used also creates an
impression on the customers. In general a simple, uncluttered image on the label is better
than a complex design. The brand name or the name of the nursery should stand out
clearly and if pictures are used, they should be an accurate representation of the plant.
Color can be used to emphasize a particular feature. Browns and greens are associated
with 'nature' or natural products, with an image of health, eco-friendly and good quality
products.
In some countries there are legal requirements on the design of the label and the
information that is included. As a minimum in most countries, the following information
should be clearly visible:
� Name and address of the nursery and nurseryman
� Botanical name, common name, variety etc
� A seed sowing/grafting /planting/ transplanting date
� Used media/fertilizer/water etc.
� Instructions for planting.
� An 'e-number' if the plant is to be export
� A bar code.
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