Hard-to-start plants such as micro cuttings, tissue culture plants and those created from somatic embryogenesis are extremely vulnerable when going from laboratory conditions to greenhouse conditions.
Growers know all too well how frustrating that can be.
The truth is, the wrong growing media can slow down a fragile root system’s development right from the start. What does that mean for you? Delays in production, which means an impact on profits. Not ideal.
So, how can growers maintain these fragile plants during the transplant process and maximize efficiency? It begins and ends with the right type of growing media.
How Quick Plug North America Products Can Help
For more than 25 years, we have been a leading designer and manufacturer of stabilized growing media, producing a range of plugs that are designed to improve the success of the transplant process. The FlexiPlug®, CatEyePlug™, and ZenPlug™, along with two of our newer offerings — the AeroNT and the Horse-Shoe Plug — provide the stable growing environment that commercial growers need in today’s competitive market.
For Cuttings, Look to FlexiPlug® and AeroNT
A polymerized peat plug, such as our FlexiPlug®, provides a stable environment that will not compress, so roots always have access to air and moisture.
The result? Faster rooting for cuttings along with the consistent moisture needed for seed germination. Plus, FlexiPlug® is a pH balanced plug that also contains micronutrients and active biologicals, so it has all the elements needed to promote healthy root growth.
When working with cuttings, growers need a plug that can do it all: provide high drainage, fast development of callus, optimal root growth, great root architecture and fewer problems with mold. Luckily, the AeroNT is able to tackle all of those issues.
The AeroNT is built by blending high-quality peat with coir fibers, perlite and a binder. The dibble hole of the plug is filled with fine, soft peat which ensures optimal contact of the cutting with the plug. Our team created a plug that can stand up to constant watering thanks to its fast dry down capabilities. Together, this creates the ideal circumstances to steer the growth of the plant. The roots of the plant are never too wet and are kept healthy throughout the transplant process.
Transplanting of Pre-rooted Cuttings and Tissue Culture
Now, when talking about delicate plants, our CatEyePlug™ is one product that should be part of the conversation.
The plug’s unique eye-shaped dibble allows for the precise and rapid placement of small and delicate plant material, so it’s possible to open the plug with one hand. Once squeezed, the CatEyePlug™ creates an ideal spot for the placement of young plants. When the plug is let go, it closes and holds tissue culture plants perfectly in position.
The Horse-Shoe, one of our latest offerings, and ZenPlug™ are the solutions for growers who transplant stage 3 TC plants and are looking to minimize root damage and improve overall plant health.
Named after its horseshoe-like design, the plug features an open top and is immediately ready for growing. The Horse-Shoe makes it easy to put a TC plant in — without causing root damage, either. The plug is then is closed and put into a tray, which creates the perfect environment for plant growth.
For growers using an automated process, the Horse-Shoe plug keeps plants well-hydrated and uniform, giving commercial growers to get the most bang for their buck.
Keep production on schedule, profits in the black, and most frustration at a minimum. When it comes to delicate plants, it really is all about the quality of your growing media.
If you’re interested in conducting a trial with a product from Quick Plug North America’s line of stabilized growing media, you can request a sample by contacting us here.