Care of young plants before plantation

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Why do we need to take care of young Sweet Orange plants before plantation?

1. Generally, a grower sources plants from local or outstation nurseries in various weather conditions. Even if plants are bought from local nursery, it may get transported through different methods and routes with multiple handling. Due to this (logistics method of not-so-pleasant and jerks during transit), plants are exposed to shock / stress. Similarly, sourcing nurseries from outstation puts stress on plants. 

To overcome this undue stress and shocks of transportation, proper care is required to bring plants back to normal condition. It is recommended that post recovery, transplantation can be done on the field.

            Recommendation –

Rest period before plantation

2 days for every 1 day of travelling

Example –

Transportation time – from nursery to grower’s field   = 2 days.

Recommended rest for plants before plantation             = 2 x 2 = 4 days.

• On their journey from VNR Nursery to Grower’s field, plants get stressed up due     to fluctuating temperature, lack of irrigation/moisture and physical stress such as shaking, slapping, ripping, or squeezing.
• These stresses upset the balance between photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration. Plant cells and their contents break down and cease to function normally (roots are generally more sensitive to stress than shoots).
• During photosynthesis, young Sweet Orange plants use light, water, nutrients, carbon dioxide to produce and store carbohydrates. During respiration, plants consume these carbohydrates and oxygen to grow and maintain them.
• Plants also lose water from their leaves, stems and root media. Plants then divert their efforts from growth to survival. (from growing new cells to repairing damaged cells) Repairing damaged cells requires energy which comes from a limited reserve of carbohydrates stored in the roots and stems.
• Planting stressed plants can waste the effort and result in failed plantation.

How to handle Sweet Orange Plants before Plantation?

Preparation before Unloading the Plants –

• Identify an open, dry, garbage/clutter free and non-waterlogged area in the farm.
• Create a raised platform/floor with an approximate height of 4 to 6 inches from the ground/ on a tilted/slope surface.
• A Raised platform is recommended to protect plants from surface heat and water logging.
• Cover raised platform/floor with polythene sheet (Black sheet with x micron thickness)
• The polythene sheet prescribed to be placed below plants is to create a disconnect from the soil as this will not allow root at the bottom.
• If the plants need to be stored in summer months (April – June), then it requires a partially shaded area.
• The height of shade used should be 9 – 10 feet to ensure proper aeration and convenience to provide service to the plants.

Unloading of Plants

• Plants should be unloaded carefully, crates / baskets can be used for the purpose.
• Keep the plants initially under shade, irrigate them sufficiently.
• Follow the images for the purpose –

Holding of plants –

The safest way to carry or hold the plant is always from its bottom portion i.e. poly bag. Never hold or carry the plant from its stem as it may damage or break the graft/bud union.  

How to keep and service Sweet Orange plants during storage?

Sweet Orange plants are to be stored as shown in the image.

• Keep a distance/gap of 3 feet as service area in between two rows.
• Length of a row may vary as per plant population & availability of space.

(8-10 plants in a row).

Importance of row wise storage of Plants

Sweet Orange plants are stored in a row to ensure:

1. Every plant can be easily accessed for irrigation, weeding and removal of sprouts.

• Row wise distribution with walking aisle will help to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the vicinity of plants.

How to keep Sweet Orange plants healthy during storage period –

S. No.	PRACTICES
1.	Irrigation – Regularly
2.	Spray of fungicide & insecticide – If needed.
3.	Removal of sprouts, flowers, fruits & weeds – Regularly

Irrigation

Check Point:

Randomly check/audit the poly bags by press and feel technique to feel the adequate moisture in the root zone. Hard pan of top soil in the poly bags does not allow water to seep inside the poly bag resulting in wilting / drying of plants, due to low moisture in the root zone.

Spray of Fungicide & Insecticide

Check Point:

Carry out periodical inspection of plants to check if there is any infestation of pests and disease.

Precaution:
Keep a gap of 15 days between 2 successive sprays

1. Removal of sprouts

Sprouts coming below graft union needs regular removal.