Propagation I 100 Hours Certificate Course

There are 10 lessons:

1 Introduction to Propagation

• Asexual and sexual propagation
• Aseptic Micropropagation, Runners, Suckers, Layering, Separation, Division, Grafting, Budding, Cuttings, Seed
• Genotype versus Phenotype
• Plant life cycles -phases of the sexual cycle; phases of the asexual cycle
• Annual, Perennial, Biennial Life Cycles
• Propagation Terminology
• Nursery production systems
• Operational Flow Chart for Seed Propagation

2 Seed Propagation

• Seed Sources
• Maintaining Genetic Identity of Seed -Isolation, Rogueing, Testing, Hand Pollination
• Hybrid Seed Production
• Storing Seed
• Types of Seed Storage
• Seed Biology -Endospermic, Non Endospermic
• Dormancy Factors Affecting Germination
• Germination Treatments -boiling water, stratification
• Terminology
• Seed Raising Technique

3 Potting Media

• Characteristics of Potting and Propagating Media
• Media derived from rock or stone
• Media derived from synthetics
• Organic Media
• Soil Media
• The UC System
• Chemical Charagteristics -eg. pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Salinity, Conductivity
• Laboratory Testing of Media
• Physical Characteristics
• Potting Mixes
• Propagating Media
• Nutrition at the Propagation Stage
• Nutrition Management and Fertiliser Application

4 Vegetative Propagation I

• Reasons to propagate by cuttings
• Types -softwood, hardwood, semi hardwood, herbaceous
• Stem Cuttings, Tip, heel, nodal, basal
• Leaf and Leaf-bud cuttings
• Cane cuttings
• Root Cuttings
• Bulb Cuttings
• Hormone Treatments for Cutting Propagation
• Other Cutting Treatments; basal wounding, anti-transpirants, fungacides, disinfectants, mycorrhyza, etc
• Artificial Light for Propagation
• Cutting Propasgation Efficiency
• Rockwool Propagation

5 Vegetative Propagation II

• Care of stock plants
• Layering
• Division
• Terminology
• Managing Watering

6 Vegetative Propagation III

• Terminology
• Budding and grafting
• Reasons for Grafting
• How a Graft forms
• Grafting Techniques; Types of Grafts
• What Plant to Graft on What
• Grafting Materials
• Root Grafting, Bench Grafting, Soft Tissue Grafting
• Establishing Rootstocks
• Tissue culture: Applications, Problems, Nutrient Media, Cleanliness, Growing Conditions
• Tissue Culture Procedures and Techniques
• Laboratory Requirements
• Terminology
• Biotech applications in Horticulture

7 Propagation Structures and Materials

• Growing in a Greenhouse
• Growing Structures: Types of Greenhouses, Cold Frames, Shadehouses
• Propagating equipment -Heaters, Bottom Heat, Misting, Light Control, Benches etc
• Managing a Greenhouse

8 Risk Management

• Nursery hygiene
• Risk assessment and management
• Safety -tools, equipment handling, electricity, etc
• Pest and Disease Management
• Environmental Problems and management

9 Nursery Management I

• Plant modification techniques
• Management policies
• Keeping Propagation Records
• Nursery Production Systems

10 Nursery Management II

• Nursery Standards: Cost Efficiency (Cost of Production, Profit, Sales Price), Quality Standards, Size Standards, Practical Exercise
• The Nursery Site: Size, Planning Restrictions, Site Characteristics, Location
• Designing Facilities in the Nursery: Administrative Offices, Circulation and Parking, Employee Facilities, Chemical Storage, Drainage Network, Production Areas, Storage Areas.