REPORT ON PLANTATION CROP NURSERY
Course Code: FPY 401
Lecturer: Dr. (Mrs) P. U. Odueme
INTRODUCTION
Plantation crop nursery involves the careful propagation and management of
tree crops before transplanting them into the field. The two methods of
propagation used in this exercise were sexual propagation, where plants are
grown from seeds, and asexual propagation, where vegetative parts of a
mature plant are used to produce new plants.
For this nursery project, lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) was propagated
asexually using stem cuttings, while kola nut (Cola nitida) was propagated
sexually using seeds. Both plants were grown in bamboo containers, an
environmentally friendly alternative to plastic nursery pots. The following
sections provide a step-by-step account of the planting process, including
seed source, soil preparation, planting method, and post-planting
management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1. LIME (Citrus aurantiifolia) – ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
Source of Planting Material
The methods employed in the nursery propagation of Citrus
aurantiifolia (lime) and Cola nitida (kola nut) were carefully
designed to ensure optimal plant establishment. The process
involved a sequence of well-structured activities, including the
selection of propagation materials, soil preparation, and the use of
bamboo as an innovative planting medium.The lime cuttings were
obtained from a mature, healthy lime tree with desirable traits, such as high
yield and disease resistance.The mother plant was selected based on
vigorous growth, healthy foliage, and a history of consistent fruit production.
To ensure genetic uniformity, the cuttings were taken from semi-hardwood
stems, which have a higher survival rate than younger greenwood or older
hardwood cuttings. This ensured that the propagated plants inherited the
favorable characteristics of the parent tree.
Preparation of Soil and Planting Medium
Bamboo was chosen as the planting medium due to its ability to retain
moisture and its sustainability compared to plastic containers. The bamboo
sections were cut into 30 cm lengths, with one end sealed to hold the soil.
The soil used for the propagation of lime cuttings was loamy soil, which was
chosen for its good drainage, high aeration, and moderate water retention
capacity. To enhance its nutrient composition and microbial activity,
decomposed poultry manure was incorporated at a ratio of 3:1 (soil to
manure).
Before use, the soil was subjected to the following preparatory treatments:
i) Sieving: Large particles and debris were removed to ensure a fine-
textured, uniform growing medium.
ii) Soil Sterilization: The soil was sterilized using the solarization
method, where it was covered with a transparent polyethylene
sheet and exposed to direct sunlight for three days. This process
helped in eliminating soil-borne pathogens and weed seeds.
1.3 Planting Process
1. Cutting Selection and Preparation:
Cuttings were taken in the early morning to reduce dehydration stress.
Each cutting was 15 cm long, containing at least three nodes.
Leaves on the lower portion were removed to reduce transpiration and
enhance root development.
The basal end was treated with 0.8% Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) rooting
hormone to stimulate faster root initiation.
2. Planting in Bamboo Medium:
A small hole (about 5 cm deep) was created in the soil-filled bamboo.
The cuttings were inserted at a 45-degree angle to maximize root contact
with the medium.
The soil was gently pressed around the base to ensure firm contact.
3. Watering and Initial Care:
The medium was watered immediately after planting to maintain
adequate moisture.
A shade net (50% light reduction) was installed to protect the young
cuttings from excessive sunlight and desiccating
1.5 Pre- and Post-Planting Operations
Pre-Planting:
The cuttings were stored in a moist, cool environment for one hour before
planting to prevent moisture loss.
The bamboo containers were arranged in a raised nursery bed to facilitate
drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Post-Planting Care
Watering: Carried out once daily in the early morning to maintain soil
moisture.
Mulching: Applied to reduce moisture loss and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Management: Weekly inspection for aphids, fungal
infections, and damping-off diseases. A mild neem oil solution was applied
as a preventive measure.
2. KOLA NUT (Cola nitida) – SEXUAL PROPAGATION
2.1 Source of Seed
The kola nut seeds were sourced from a mature, high-yielding tree known
for producing large, high-quality nuts with a strong genetic profile. The
seeds were selected based on:
Size and weight: Larger seeds with higher mass were chosen, as they
have higher viability.
Absence of physical defects: Damaged or shriveled seeds were discarded.
Moisture content: Seeds with a high moisture content were preferred to
prevent desiccation during germination.
2.2 Preparation of Soil and Growth Medium
The soil used for kola nut propagation was a loamy soil rich in organic
matter, mixed with decomposed poultry manure in a 4:1 ratio. To ensure
optimal germination conditions, the soil underwent the following
treatments:
Solar sterilization: Similar to the lime propagation process.
Moisture conditioning: Soil was moistened before planting to enhance
seed-soil contact.
Bamboo was also used as the planting container, prepared similarly to the
lime propagation medium.
2.3 Seed Pre-Treatment and Planting Process
2.4
1. Seed Pre-Treatment:
The seeds were soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours to soften the seed
coat and accelerate water absorption.
After soaking, the seeds were subjected to a floating test—floating seeds
were discarded as they indicated poor viability.
2. Sowing Process:
The bamboo containers were filled with the prepared soil mix, leaving
about 3 cm of space at the top.
Seeds were planted at a depth of 3 cm, with the hilum facing downwards
to encourage proper shoot emergence.
Soil was gently pressed around the seeds to ensure firm contact.
3. Watering and Initial Care: Watering was done daily in the morning,
ensuring the soil remained moist but not waterlogged.
The containers were placed in a semi-shaded area, receiving indirect
sunlight for about 6 hours per day.
2.5 Pre- and Post-Planting Operations
i) Pre-Planting: Soil moisture was monitored and adjusted before
planting to maintain the right conditions.
The bamboo containers were arranged in an organized nursery layout,
ensuring adequate spacing for seedling development.
Ii) Post-Planting Care: Watering: Done twice daily (morning and evening)
during the first two weeks to maintain moisture.
ii) Mulching: Applied using dry leaves to conserve moisture and
suppress weed growth.
iii) Weeding: Conducted weekly to prevent competition for nutrients.
Pest and Disease Control: Seedlings were monitored for fungal infections and
insect i
iv) nfestations. A Bordeaux mixture (1% solution) was sprayed as a
preventive measure.
This methodical approach ensured the successful establishment of the
propagated lime and kola nut plants, providing optimal conditions for
rooting and seedling emergence. The use of bamboo as a planting
medium proved beneficial in maintaining moisture balance and aeration,
supporting early plant development.
CONCLUSION
The propagation of lime through asexual means and kola nut through
sexual means was successfully carried out using bamboo as the planting
medium. The selection of high-quality planting materials, proper soil
preparation, and regular post-planting care played significant roles in
ensuring successful establishment. Challenges such as pest attacks and
environmental stress were managed through consistent monitoring and
best agronomic practices.
This practical experience provided valuable insights into the propagation
of plantation crops, emphasizing the importance of good nursery
management in ensuring healthy plant growth before transplanting into
the
