Conditioning of nursery plants using irrigation scheduling and mycorrhizae for improving post-transplant success rates.

Abstract

Current nursery irrigation practices typically lead to subjective watering schedules which lean to the side of over-watering, this is a growing concern as water scarcity is increasing globally. The objective of this project was to establish best management practices which decrease water use by nurseries while not impacting market quality and increase transplant success. The project was carried out on Spiarea japonica 'Goldflame' and consisted of two distinct phases: I) Condition, and II) Transplant Success Evaluation. Phase I addressed the conditioning of the plants under reduced irrigation, as well as inoculation with mycorrhizae. Phase II assessed the performance of the plants in the post-transplant stage. The growth and quality of the plants were recorded throughout both phases. The results indicate that water use can be reduced by up to 64% compared to conventional practices while maintaining acceptable plant quality and not impeding the growth of the Goldflame shrubs once transplanted. This enforces the idea that nurseries can reduce their irrigation with limited ramification. Mycorrhizae was found to not have a significant effect on the plants throughout the project.