Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

method is followed when the plants have to be transported over a short distance and
would require less than 24 hours for transportation.
For longer distances, plants are transported in cool vans. Now-a-days, plants are
raised in plastic trays or small cones, pots etc. It is the most convenient, easy method to
raise plants. They are packed in cardboard boxes to protect from damage during
transportation. It is the most secure method of transporting plants without damage. All
details of the plant type, name, manufacturer, purchaser and minor details as the up side
of the box is marked to avoid damage to the plants.
Thermocol is extensively used as cushion material in packing .The plants are
transported by air cargo as well as by ship in air-condition. This keeps plants in good
condition and desiccation is avoided. The plants raised in container are of good quality
and can be planted at any time but the cost incurred is more than other type of plants.
9.2.4 Cares and Maintenance of Library Plants
Care of Live Plants
The plants are to be protected from all kind of stress like scorching sun, water
scarcity, water logging, etc. It is necessary to maintain the optimum conditions for growth
and development. They can be maintained in the best condition by following way.
Weeding
Many weeds grow in plantations and compete with plants for nutrients and moisture.
The main source of weeds is through contaminated manure and self seeding of weeds in
the plantation. One must be very careful to keep area weed free. It can be done manually
or by use of herbicides.
Watering
Most of the plants need water for growth. The type of plant, soil, season and location
decide the requirement of the plant. In early stage of growth plant needs little but frequent
watering. The quality of water is also important. It should be free of salts, carbonates and
bicarbonates.
The best time to apply water is during morning, this minimizes evaporation.
Watering during night may promote diseases. It is important that water applied must
reach the root zone. Light watering encourages the plant roots to grow near the surface of
the soil.
Newly transplanted plants must be watered when the when the first two inches of
soil dry out. Annuals may be watered more frequently than perennials as their root
system is not well established. Over watering the plants must be avoided as it results into
severe attack of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing and Plant Feed
Organic manures are usually applied at the time of planting. They are mixed with
media in addition to chemical fertilizers to supplement the requirement of nutrients.
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