Tomato being grown on large scale in India. There is a

huge demand for the seedlings of tomato. The trend to buy

these seedlings from commercially nurseries is increasing

amongst farmers. This has encouraged the commercial

nursery venture under protected conditions. Different

types of structures are used for growing the seedlings

under protected conditions eg. Colches, Low tunnels,

Medium tunnels, Walking tunnels, shade net house,

Greenhouse etc. Farmers prefer to buy seedlings from

nursery so as to reduce the efforts and resources required

in the early stages of the plant.

Introduction:

Cloches: Colches are structures covered with perforated

polyethylene caps to protect seedling containers.

Low Tunnels: These are small arc about 0.5 m tall. They

cover the raised beds of tomato nursery. It is supported

with a steel frame which is removed as required.

Medium and Walking Tunnels: These structures are of

medium height where a person can walk and carry out

nursery operations.

Shadenet House: These structures are covered with

shade net and polyethylene. They are big enough to work

inside.

Structures Used:

Greenhouse: It has a wooden or steel frame and is

covered with polyethylene. They are big enough to work

inside and they create optimum condition for plant growth.

Cover Material Used: Polyethylene: The polyethylene

used for covering all structures is UV stabilized and 200

micron. This type of polythene has a life of 3 to 5 years.

Structures Used:

The selection of structure depends on the quantity of

speedlings required. The commercial nursery owner prefers

nursery under medium tunnels, shade net house or

greenhouse.

Raising Seedlings in Protected Nursery

Growing Seedlings in Shadenet House

It is either soil + FYM (1:1) or soil

less media such as Cocopeat or

peat. The media is disinfected with

formalin @0.025%, 5L water/m2.

The disinfection is done morning

or evening but never in noon. The

soil is covered with black

polyethylene for 36-72 hours after

drenching the soil with formalin

solution. Then polyethylene is

removed and water is drained to

remove formalin residues.

Soil-less medium used in Nursery: Cocopeat

Media:

Soil is thoroughly prepared. Raised beds of 10.0x1.0x0.30m3

size(lxbxh) are prepared. Before preparation of bed add 1kg

of single superphosphate,25g of Phorate /bed. Line sowing is

done across the width of the bed at 7cm. The seed required

for single bed is 40g. Ten beds are required for raising the

seedlings for 1ha area. Seedlings raised under protected

cultivation are exclusively F1 hybrids.

Preparation of Bed:

Irrigation: Micro-sprinkler help to create good

microclimate and bring about even distribution of

moisture. Avoids exposure and displacement of seed.

Protection against diseases and pests: Weekly spray of

Malathion + Neem seed kernel extract 4% against aphids,

mites, white flies, leaf miner and Bavistin 10mL/10L water

against damping off and wilt.

Climate Control: The temperature and humidity is

maintained at 24-26oc and 80% respectively.

Aftercare:

• Better management of the seedlings

• Production of healthy and quality seedlings is short time.

• Uniform growth of seedlings.

• Precision in production practices.

• Economy of inputs such as seed, insecticides, fungicides

etc.

• Lesser effect of the adverse climatic conditions.

Advantages: