Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Nursery

• Approximately 200m2 area will be sufficient for raising the seedlings to plant one hectare. Generally nursery beds are prepared in the size of 7.5 m long, 1-1.2 m width and 10-15 cm height. Well decomposed farmyard manure is properly mixed in to top soil of the bed at the rate of 3 kg/ m2. A fertilizer mixture of 0.5 kg NPK of 15:15:15 per bed is mixed in the soil at least 10 days before sowing the seeds.
• For raising healthy seedlings, seeds should be treated before sowing with captan or thiram @ 2g/kg of seed is essential. The seeds are sown in a bed either broadcasted or in row, at a distance of 7.5 cm between the rows. After sowing, the beds are covered with a thin layer of dry grass or compost, thereafter the beds are irrigated with a rose can. Light watering is required daily in the evening. Every week, if required, a fungicide such as Mancozeb or Difolation 0.25% should be sprayed to reduce the post emergence damping off. The seedlings will be ready for transplanting after 4 to 6 weeks of seed sowing.
• Now a day’s various kinds of plastic seedling trays (Pro-trays) are used for raising seedlings. These trays provide congenial environment for growth and development of seedlings.

Over all view of preparation and raising of seedlings in the pro-trays

Advantages of raising seedlings in pro-trays:
1. Uniform, vigorous and healthy planting materials can be raised for better growth, development and yield. 2. Economy of seed rate which cuts down cost of cultivation particularly for hybrids. 3. Favourable growing conditions can be provided through convenient protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. 4. Efficient time management for preparation of main field.