Raising Pines in Planter Flats

SUMMARY

Raising planting stock of Pinus patula, P. elliottii and P. taeda in polystyrene multiple containers (planter flats) offers the advantages that have become widely recognised for the planter flat system by black wattle and eucalypt growers in Natal. In the experiments described here the effects of different growing media, fertiliser regimes, species and planter flat sizes have been demonstrated in terms of a number of seedling characteristics at plantable stages. Many of the characteristics exhibit differences of practical importance. Pine planting stock can be raised in flats competitively with any other method but the correct procedures must be followed. The main implications for nursery management of the present experimental results and of the time factor are given. The data presented in the tables can be used as standards for comparing pine seedlings raised by similar or different methods, from experimental or commercial nurseries.