The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
 Learning Guide 01(LO1-LO10)
Instruction sheet

MODULE DESCRIPTION:
The module aims to provide the learners with the knowledge, skills and right attitudes in collecting
and processing planting materials and prepare growing media. It also includes identification of
mother trees, plan seed collection, collect seed, implement and monitor seed collection, process and
store seed, prepare seed sample for viability testing and dispatch seed.
It also includes preparing of cuttings, Sort and select cuttings, research specifications of growing
media, prepare and store growing media.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
1. Identify mother trees.
2. Plan seed collection
3. Collect seed
4. Implement and monitor seed collection
5. Process and store seed
6. Prepare seed sample for viability testing
7. Dispatch seed
8. Prepare cuttings, Sort and select cuttings
9. Research specifications of growing media
10. Prepare and store growing media
Learning Activities
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Read the information written under “Information Sheet 1”.
3. Accomplish the “Self-check” under “Information Sheet 1”.
4. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to the next “Information Sheet”. However,
if your rating is unsatisfactory, see your trainer for further instructions or go back to
Learning Activity #2.
5. Submit your accomplished Self-check. This will form part of your training portfolio.
6. Read the information written in the next “Information Sheet”.
7. Accomplish the “Self-check”.
8. Continue the above to Learning Activity procedures until you successfully finalize all the
“Information Sheets”; “Self-check” and “Operation Sheet” correspondingly with acquiring
the required knowledge, skill and attitude.
9. You will be also provided with additional reference reading materials. Read the
information written in the reference reading materials for further elaboration. You can ask
your trainer if you need additional reference reading materials.
10. Request the required materials and access the information as described under each
Operation Sheet. Read all the contents of the materials and try to understand the procedures
discussed. Additional readings are provided in Operation Sheet in Request access to the
materials accordingly. Practice the steps or procedures as illustrated in your materials. Go to
your trainer if you need clarification or you want answers to your questions or you need
assistance in understanding a particular step or procedure.

1
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing
media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its
growing media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20

Lo1.Identify mother trees

2
 Information sheet-1 Lo1: Identify mother trees
1. Identifying and assessing provenances
The place where seed is actually collected from is known as the seed PROVENANCE Remember that
whether you collect your own seed or receive it from a supplier, planting the right provenance is as
important as planting the right species.
In botanical ecology the term ecotype designates a special growth site (habitat), e.g. dry zone, humid
zone or high altitude. In forestry the term provenance has come into common use as the place of
origin of the planting material because it designates both the ecotype and the growth habit (e.g. fast
growth, straightness of stem or other desired traits). For example, Eucalyptus camaldulensis grows
over most of the Australian continent. Despite its morphological similarity, various ecotypes occur
according to different ecological conditions. Variations of growth habits have been revealed through
provenance trials, i.e. trials of comparative performance of different seed sources grown under similar
conditions
2. Selecting and checking equipment appropriate to work

The equipment you need depends on the frequency and quantity of your seed collection activities.
Provided your safety is not compromised, you can ‘make do’ with less specialized equipment if you
only occasionally collect small quantities of seed. However, it is not recommended that you
improvise or make do with climbing gear. Specialized equipment makes collection easier and
increases productivity if collections are more frequent and the amount of seed collected is large.
Equipment needs also vary according to the type of vegetation. For example, you need more
specialized equipment to collect from tall trees in wet forests than, say, arid-zone
bushland.. Some of the tools used in collecting seed are
GpS and extra batteries.
Tree-climbing equipment (including ropes, a helmet, harness).
Compass and topographic maps
tree loppers.
Weather-resistant :field note books; mechanical pencils.
Secateurs.
Binoculars for identifying tall trees (looking atleaves, flwers, fruits in the canopy).
throw lines and weighted bags (for facilitating fall of seeds).
Camera for recording plant features –or equipment to ID flwers later.
tarpaulin or buckets (for collecting falling seeds).
Food, water, personal gear and mobile phone
Mesh bags (for tying round seed heads awaitingseed dispersal).
First-aid kit.
Wicker basket, paper bags or breathable containers (for temporary storage of fruits
and seeds).
Field guide or notes for identifiation.
A cool box

3. Planning Site selection activities

3
 Trees generally grow best when planted on sites that are similar to the sites where their parent
trees were growing This is because the trees are accustomed or adapted to that type of site The
site type is determined by many factors such as altitude, longitude altitude, aspect, rainfall and
soil. Collection sites are often chosen based on their ease of access, availability of several species
of interest, and moderate to large potential crops for those species. It is very important to keep a
register of actual or potential seed collection areas within your district or project area. The register
should give details of the species, location, extent and site. Each source should have a reference
number . If possible, the location should be marked on a map.

4. Establishing and maintaining Communication with others

Seed is produced and distributed by people in many different ways. As a consequence, there are many
potential actors and many different roles that these actors play. A well-functioning seed system
depends on good collaboration between the various actors. Your degree of success in seed production
and distribution will increase if you prepare a strategy that takes into account the constraints and
opportunities of all the actors and their roles.

A seed system is made up of organizations and individuals, also known as actors, who perform
different functions within an institutional setting to produce seed. These functions include breeding,
multiplication, processing, storage, distribution and marketing of seed. Information exchange is
particularly important for the optimal functioning of seed systems

The tree seed production and distribution chain can be split into three major types of actors that are
linked: (i) seed source owner, (ii) seed procurer and (iii) seed distributor. Each of these three actors
can be organized in a centralized way (one or a few organizations control the actors) or in a
decentralized way (many organizations control the actors)

5. Establishing and maintaining communication with female & male

Men and women may sometimes have different views with regard to the most favored tree species.
Since construction is mostly in the man's domain, he naturally has a strong interest in trees yielding
good poles and timber, whereas women frequently show more interest in fruit trees and trees that
yield fuel wood. Division of labor according to gender also needs consideration in

agro forestry extension. Women usually have longer work days than men, and the time they can
devote to agro forestry may be limited. An agro forestry intervention that is recommended to alleviate
women's burden in the collection of fuel wood, for example, may temporarily call for more work to
plant additional trees near the house. Such an initiative may still be viable, however, if the long-term
gain is clearly seen to outweigh the additional short-term work.

As a general conclusion, it is important to get the whole family involved in discussions on agro
forestry. All family members have ideas and knowledge to contribute, and their individual needs and
priorities should be taken into account in order to make the best use of available resources.

What are the characteristics of a good seed tree? This will depend on people’s reasons for growing
trees. For example, a tree with good fruit will provide a good fruit tree and a tall straight tree will
provide good timber

4
6. Assessing genetic variation and seed sources
Planning identification of mother trees
Genetic factors combined with environmental factors determine the characteristics of the young tree
as it grows. Seeds from straight and vigorous trees will most likely produce straight and vigorous
trees, while twisted or stunted trees may produce the same deformities. Thus the selection of good
mother trees is important.

Prior to seed collection, you will need to select and mark good mother trees. These are the trees you
will use as sources of high quality seed. Here are the major characteristics that determine a good
mother tree:

1. Healthy and free of diseases and insects

2. Nearly mature
3. Good producers of the desired product
4. Growing in the midst of a healthy stand of the same species.

Seed Genetic Considerations

One of the most important considerations in practical forestry is to have seed of higher quality.
Superior forest seeds are collected from genetically superior mother trees. In fact, a single tree can
rarely have all desirable traits. To take full advantage, selection and continuous breeding of qualified
mother trees is very crucial. Tree improvement program should be made for various species.

Tree improvement may have four main objectives;

1. To improve resistance to disease, insects and drought.
2. To improve growth, form and other desirable traits
3. To select varieties and provenance suited for a certain site.
4. To breed i.e. transmit one genetic variable to another.
Breeding can be done for selecting a particular tree suited for a certain site or incorporate other
desirable characteristics. Such breeding could result in increased resistance to disease or drought.
Ex. Pinus patula tree improvement program.
-This gave a 5.9% increase in yield.
Although great cost and long period of time is associated, having genetically superior seed is very
critical to have increased yield. In selection of superior parent trees, we look first for phenotypical
superiority.
For instance, for production purposes (timber), we choose parent tree having,
a) Fast growth rate
b) Straight bole (form)
c) Small branch in relation to the stem
d) Free from disease and insects.

Identifying and assessing type and quality of mother trees

Collect from good seed trees:
Seedlings generally grow to be like their parent seed trees. The quality of a plantation will only be as
good as the quality of the parent seed trees. Therefore, seed should only be collected from trees that
you would like to see in your plantations or farm

5
What is a good seed tree?
Avoid unhealthy trees:
Avoid young or isolated trees:
Collect from several parents:
Self check#1
Lo1: Identify mother trees
1. What is provenance?
2. Why is collection of seeds from isolated trees not recommended?
3. What are main objectives of Tree improvement?

6
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20

LO2. Plan seed collection

7
 Information sheet-2 LO2. Plan seed collection
It is important that careful planning precedes seed collection and all the processes that follow. Since
planning relates to future activities, it not only requires knowledge of the biological basis, but also of
succeeding activities like collection, processing, storage and germination (following chapters).
Planning of seed collection relates directly to the following questions:
1. Which species to collect (species selection)
2. How much seed to collect (quantity)
3. Where to collect (seed sources, seed trees)
4. When to collect (harvest time)
• One important aspect for planning for seed collection is to have enough information on the
species to be collected; phenology (crop assessment report), costs and location of seed
sources.
Planning of collection involves prediction of these ‘where’, ‘when’ and ‘how’, which are based on
knowledge of the biology of the species and current observations. Prediction of quantity and quality
of a potential seed crop and the concurrent planning of appropriate harvest time and method are
essential for efficient allocation of resources for seed collection, especially where seed sources are
located far away from the organizing office. Collection expeditions to remote areas are costly and
must be carefully planned in advance, both to make sure that mature seeds are available at the
location, but also that the collection team is equipped with necessary permissions for collection and
equipment to make the operation efficient. Further, the seed unit must be ready to receive the fruits or
seeds so that processing and possible storage can proceed without delay. An efficient and successful
collection can easily be ruined if delay or inappropriate handling causes the seeds to deteriorate
before they are processed; and loss of viability cannot be regained.
Seed requirement
• The quantity of seed to be collected from a certain species will depend on demand.
• Poor seed production may affect planting targets.
• At the same time in good crop years there is a possibility of collecting larger amounts of good
quality seed
• These factors have a positive impact to seed longevity and hence make storage feasible
Assembling of resources for seed collection
Organizing manpower
• The necessary labour force for a particular depends on quantity of seed to be collected,
number and type of species, prevailing weather, terrain and task to every individual involved
in seed collection.
• In the field the collectors should organized in small groups with a group leader.
Organizing transport
• Transport must be available where and when needed.
• The overall transport need will be estimated from the size and number of groups, the seed
source records and the seed demand.
• Care should be taken in planning the transport of recalcitrant seed like Syzygium spp,
Alanblakia spp, Cephalosphaera usambarensis etc.
• Vehicles have to be given a thorough check and service.
Organizing equipment

8
 • Choice of equipment will vary greatly according to species.
• The equipment include: safety clothing, cotton bags, sisal sacks, plastic sheets, tarpaulins,
secatures, ladders etc.
• Apart from collection equipment, first aid kit, seed source forms, labels etc. should be
provided.
Budget
• Budget should be flexible and distributed to periods e.g. months according to expected
activities and be revised currently during the year.
Example of cost estimation for collection of 16kg. Pinus patula seed
• Seed source 50km from seed centre.
• Transport 50km @0.5x2 =US$ 50
• Labour – Casual 4@ 2.5 =US$ 10
- permanent 4@ 2.5=US$ 10
• Wear& tear of the equipment= US$ 4
• Quantity cones to be collected = 760kg
• Quantity clean seed obtained = 16kg
• Royalty to seed source owner=US$ 3
• Cone extraction/processing =US$ 5
Sub Total =US$ 79
• Administration cost =US$ 1
Grand Total = US$ 80
Collection permits

. Access to

Collection sites on private land , State Forest, National Park or under other Federal, State or Local
government control requires the consent of the land holder or manager.

Field reconnaissance

If the species is little known, or known to present problems to the collector, a field reconnaissance of
species variability, natural distribution, phenology and seeding time may be desirable as part of
planning the collection program

Make sure your team has the right skills

1. Experience with seed collection: It is essential to practice seed collection techniques on non-
threatened
taxa before collecting from threatened species. Without suffiient experience, your team may damage
individual trees or cause unnecessary loss of seed material that could add further risk to species
survival.
2. Navigation: Seed collection involves navigating between trees in their wild habitat. At least one
member
of your team should be able to:
(a) Interpret landscape features from a topographic map;
(b) Read approximate latitude and longitude from a specifi point on the map;
(c) Record locations of trees on the GPS or re-locate a tree with GPS coordinates already recorded.
9
3. tree climbing: This should only be carried out by trained individuals and should never be carried
out alone and always with somebody with fist aid training.
4. First aid and health and safety training: Seed collection may involve travelling to remote areas
with diffiult terrain and may involve tree climbing. It is essential to evaluate the risks beforehand and
to take steps to minimise these.
5. plant identifiation: Identifiation of the species of interest is critical. Although it does not
necessarily require a botanist, at least one team member needs to be familiar with local flra and know
how to identify

Hazard

playing it safe
Safety precautions will vary with local conditions, tree species and collection methods used. Some
safety hints, particularly in isolated areas are:
• work as a team
• wear appropriate clothes, safety hat and footwear, and
• take a first aid kit.
Seed can often be collected safely from the ground or by using a step ladder, but if you plan to climb
tall trees, take extra care

2. Identifying Seed collection opportunities

Seed collection opportunities sometimes arise in association with forestry operations, land clearance,
road realignment and major building or construction projects. You should keep a regular watch on
such operations through contacts at your local council or in State government. Be aware that the
collection rights to these areas may be allocated exclusively to particular collectors via public tender
or other processes.
Assessing environmental conditions.

Trees generally grow best when planted on sites that are similar to the sites where their parent trees
were growing This is because the trees are accustomed or adapted to that type of site The site type is
determined by many factors such as altitude, longitude altitude, aspect, rainfall and soil.

Usually, the safest way of ensuring that the sites are as similar as possible is to collect at a similar
altitude from near to the planting site i.e. within your district. If no nearby seed sources are available,
and seed has to be collected from neighbouring districts, arrange collection from areas with a similar
altitude and rainfall

Determining suitable area for seed collection

10
3. Selecting method of seed collection

Methods of collecting seeds and fruit:

 Gather from under the tree (clear the ground under the tree before fruit/seed falls).
 Hit the tree with a stick or shake branches using a long hook or by throwing a rope catch the
seeds in containers or sheets under and around the tree.
 Use long-handled cutters or a saw. ? Climb the tree and pick the fruit.
 Pick fruit from bearing trees that have been cut down.
Determining quantity

Collect enough:

Cost estimation and analysis

The costs incurred in collecting seed will be determined by the quantity to be collected, number of
species to collect from, selection of trees with quality characteristics, equipment and material, labor
force, distance to the collecting areas from the laboratory radius to be covered from the camping site,
the time of the year, availability of documented information concerning species distribution,
transport, and other factors that may crop up.

Impacts on provenances and species

Ecologically sustainable collection

You need to consider the amount of seed you are collecting from any one area, species or individual
plant. The aim in seed collecting from local plants is to assist the environment not to exploit it. Seed
can be collected in an ecologically sustainable manner if you are mindful that the local vegetation is a
life-sustaining resource not only for humans but for all other life as well. This includes taking too
much for your resources to deal with, so avoiding waste

Minimal damage/ disturbance

Seed collection is not benign and even the best collectors may cause some damage to plants and also
vegetation underfoot. Care should be taken at all times to minimize damage to the environment and
minimize disturbance to nesting sites

11
4. Identifying required approvals
As an absolute minimum, seed-collectors need to carry out their work in accordance with all local,
national and international laws, and in accordance with the policies and procedures of their
employing organization. Only by careful preparation and good field-practice will collectors be able to
comply with the appropriate local, national and international regulations concerning access to and
transfer of plant material.

Self check#2 Lo2: Planning seed collection

1. Seed collection involves navigating between trees in their wild habitat. List the skills At least
one member of your team should be able to do?
2. What questions are answered by planning seed collection?
3. How do you determine Quantity of seed required?

12
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo3: Collecting seed
Information sheet-3 Lo3: Collecting seed
1. Identifying potential locations for collection of required seeds
Suitable collecting sites should be identified through a combination of local knowledge, publications
and advice from staff from relevant organizations (such as State herbaria, national parks, and State

13
and local government departments). You might also refer to books that show species distributions and
botanical surveys (conducted, for example, as part of an environmental impact assessment on major
development projects). Conduct field reconnaissance to determine the exact location of your target
seed population.
Where plant densities are low (a few plants per hectare), you may want to mark the location of
individual plants on maps or by using a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) instrument.
Obtaining required approvals from relevant authorities
• Collection permit should be obtained in advance from the seed owner.
• Seed source owners include farmers, authorities like Game parks, Forest reserves, Town
councils etc.Sometimes we have to pay royalty .The permit should include information about
the collection area, collection period, quantity to be collected and number of people to be
involved.
2. Selecting and checking equipment and resources
Do you have the right equipment?
Have the right equipment for the job and make sure it is in good condition. For small
collections you may simply need a few paper or cloth bags or old envelopes and some
secateurs but planning is required for large collections at remote sites. Protective gloves can
be handy for spiny plants. Fruits from most species can be collected easily
without expensive equipment.

3. Assessing and checking collection of healthy of parent plant

Do not collect seed from trees that look suppressed, diseased or generally unhealthy. Sometimes it
is tempting to do so, because such trees tend to produce an abundant fruit crop, and they can be
shorter and easier to climb. However, the seedlings produced from such seed will very likely be
susceptible to disease.
There are a range of measures that nurseries should consider when determining the health status
of mother plants prior to the collection of propagation material. However, the status of a region,
orchard or plant can change at any moment and nurseries must ensure that they are using current
information, and are not jeopardising the health status of their nursery by relying on a single
verification measure that may no longer hold true.
 Pest free area
 Site freedom
 Mother plant status
Collection and sterilisation of fruit for seed production
The risk of surface infection of seed samples can be minimised by:
1. Extracting seed from healthy fruit.
2. Surface sterilising the seed immediately after extraction
3. Drying and packaging the seed in a clean environment

4. Selecting and applying method of seed collection

Sometimes several alternative methods of collection may be considered. More often, however,
seed/fruit morphology, availability and transport of equipment, potential damage to trees and
other issues restrict methods of collection. Seed collection of some plantation species may be

14
 linked with a cutting operation in which case special arrangements must be made with the
responsible authority.

5. Collecting seeds from range of genetic diversity

Just as human characteristics like hair colour can be inherited by offspring, some characteristics of a
tree can also be passed on. Trees (and shrubs) can be selected for their tolerance to insect attack, their
straight trunk or proximity of branches to ground level. Collect seed from plants growing in similar
site conditions i.e. the same soil types and conditions, aspects and climatic factors, to where you wish
to plant or direct seed. Selection of seed trees in natural bush, however, is not always reliable - some
trees, although genetically sound, may be of poor appearance due to factors such as fire and flood
damage or competition between plants for water and nutrients.
Follow these guidelines:

6. Placing seed in clean containers and labeling seed

All seeds need to be properly labeled and identified when stored or transported. Labels should include
• The species
• Location seed was collected including latitude and longitude
• Environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature range, and elevation
• Number of trees collected from
• Date
• Collector’s name
• Seed lot number
• Recommended scarification technique
• Germination percentage if available
• The weight of seed in each container
• Any insecticide or fungicide treatment.

Self check#3 Lo3: Collecting seed

1. List down the information that should be included in labeling seeds?

15
2. How Should Suitable collecting sites be identified?
3. How can you achieve to collect seeds from range of genetic diversity?

16
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo4: Implementing and monitoring seed collection

17
 Information sheet-4
Lo4: Implementing and monitoring seed collection
1. Coordinating and scheduling resources required for seed collection
2. Liaising relevant individuals, bodies and groups
To collect seed with a clear conscience you will need to obtain permission from the landowner and
may be acquire appropriate permits or licensees

When planning a seed collection strategy, some of these following communications will need to take
place:
 In all cases ,be sure to obtain landowner permission to collect seeds
 Before collection, be absolutely certain of the species identification. If in doubt ,collect
a specimen
 If any other seed collectors are found using the site, cooperate with them to share the
collection work
 Use great care in labelling seed sources and make sure that, and the people who work
with you do not accidentally mix seeds with those from another plant collection area.
Outbreeding depression resulting from mixing of genotypes can potentially harm the
population, resulting in the reduction of fitness and adaptive variation
3. Implementing and monitoring seed collection plan
Monitoring species phenology (development throughout the season including flowering, fruiting and
producing, and dropping leaves) is an important part of seed collection. Any observations may also
provide clues on how to germinate the seeds. Good field experience has no substitute

Close monitoring is required to match the timing of seed collection activities to the distribution of
seed maturation. Multiple trips to a site may be required for determining when the seed is mature, and
also for collecting. Collecting at multiple times throughout the maturation period can help prevent
inadvertent selection against either early or late maturing genotypes

Field monitoring ends only when the decision to collect or not to collect is made. Furthermore,
species identification must be well established prior to any monitoring
4. Carrying out Systematic checking
The easiest way to ensure that seeds are healthy and ready for harvest is to use a cut test. A cut test
allows you to inspect for mature, abnormal, infested, or empty seeds. Several seeds from several
individuals within the population need to be examined. The two essential tools are a hand lens and a
safety razor, knife, or scalpel for cutting. With care, cut the fruit or seed along its longest axis. Inspect
the seeds for their internal coloring, how completely the internal tissue fills the seed coat cavity, and
for the presence of an embryo. Depending on species, the embryo may completely fill the cavity or be
tiny and embedded in the endosperm. (A microscope may be needed for examining very small-seeded
species.) If the seed coat is soft and the contents are watery and soft, the seed is immature. If the seed
coat is hard and the contents are firm and light tan to white in color, the seed

5. Making Adjustments to seed collection activities

Planning of activities based on biological systems must necessarily be flexible and adjustable since
these systems are often unpredictable or things can change rapidly, which makes current adjustment
essential. A crop failure of one species or seed source may be compensated for by a larger collection
of another species or in another seed source. A sudden masting of a rarely fruiting species should be

18
taken advantage of by a large collection of that species. In both cases the succeeding operations will
be affected, and must be geared to adjustment. In some species, processing can be delayed without
detrimental consequences, e.g. dry orthodox seeds; in other species lack of preparation or shortage of
capacity of the processing unit may ruin an otherwise successful seed collection. In some cases seed
availability may influence the planting programme, especially for those species where a storage
buffer is lacking, e.g. recalcitrant see. Hence, planning and management of seed collection involves
the whole seed-handling process.
No amount of planning can change seasonal conditions, such as naturally poor seed viability, lack of
rain or high levels of seed predation by insects, but planning can ensure you are aware of these
conditions and that you respond well to them.
6. Identifying limitations
 Tall Trees
 Widely Scattered Seed Trees
 Genetic Impurity
 Unknown or Unpredictable Fruiting Seasons
 Delayed and Rare Fruiting
 Animal Predation
 Insect Infestation
 Short Period of Availability

Self check#4 Lo4: Implementing and monitoring seed collection

1. What are the limitations in seed collection?

2. Why is Making Adjustments to seed collection activities required?

19
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo5: Processing and storing seed

20
 Information sheet-5
Lo5: Processing and storing seed

1.Seed processing
The objective of fruit or seed processing is to achieve clean, pure seeds of high physiological quality
(germination capacity) which can be stored and easily handled during succeeding processes. Seed
processing includes sorting, extraction, cleaning, and drying. Fruits, which are underdeveloped or
infected with insects and diseases, should be discarded, and not fully matured fruit should be
separated and allowed to after-ripen. Seed extraction is removal of seed from fruits and it includes
activities such as drying and tumbling, dewinging, scrubbing, washing, and threshing. The extraction
methods can vary with species according to the nature of their fruits and seeds. After extraction, the
seed lot may contain debris including empty seed and fragments of stems, leaves, fruit, wing, flesh,
etc. To maintain high seed quality and viability during storage all debris must be discarded. This
helps to avoid diseases and insect attacks during storage. Seed cleaning can be achieved by sieving,
winnowing, de-winging and by liquid floatation methods. The fleshy seed or fruit should not be
exposed to sun. Drying is preferably done under shelter and well-ventilated areas. Existing seed
processing techniques used in Ethiopia for the various tree species include beating the fruit with light
wood, threshing, soaking in cold water and crushing, sun-drying and sifting, macerating and washing
and tumbling and cleaning with seed cleaner
2.Seed Storage
Seed should be stored after processing until dispatching for various purposes. Seed storage behavior
for the different species should be known to store seeds for a longer time without losing viability.
Seeds are divided into three groups according to their physiological storage behavior (Schmidt,
2000). Orthodox seeds encompass seeds which can withstand drying up to low moisture content of
about 5 to 10% and can be successfully stored at low or sub-freezing temperatures for long periods.
Seeds of recalcitrant species cannot tolerate drying below relatively high moisture content (20-50% of
fresh weight) and cannot be stored for long periods. A group of species which can be dried to a
moisture content low enough to qualify as orthodox, but is sensitive to low temperatures typical for
orthodox seeds has recently been termed 'intermediate' (Schmidt, 2000).. Generally, seeds can be
stored well at consistent cool temperature, at low air humidity and moisture content and under dark
and pest and disease free condition.
3.Apply seed treatment
Seed pretreatments are methods applied to overcome seed dormancy to ensure rapid, uniform and
timely seed germination that facilitates seedling production (Mulawarman et al., 2003). The
emergence from dormancy is frequently regulated by a promoter-inhibitor system, where the
principal promoter is gibberllic acid (GA3) and the main inhibitor is abscissic acid (ABA). Low
levels of inhibitor and high levels of promoter induce germination (Flores, 2002). However,
dormancy in tropical and subtropical tree seeds is predominantly seed coat imposed (Smith et al,
2002). Various effective and practical treatments such as nicking, hot water soaking, and physical or
acid scarification, have been developed to break dormancy. Appropriate pretreatment depends on the
dormancy characteristics of the seed being treated. The common pretreatments are listed below
 Cold water treatment

21
Soaking in cool water is applied to overcome the physical, mechanical or chemical seed dormancy of
some species e.g. Pine. Most often seeds are soaked in water for one day, but seeds of some species
require soaking for two days (Mulawarman et al., 2003).
 Hot water treatment
Soaking in hot water is applied to overcome the physical dormancy of seeds with hard, thick, and
waxy seed coats. Water is boiled and removed from the source of heat and cooled for 10 minutes.
Seeds are soaked in hot water while being stirred for 2-5 minutes, and then soaked in cool water for
two days (Bisht and Ahlawat, 1999).
 Boiling water treatment
boiling water treatment applies to those species with very hard seed coat. Water is boiled and taken
off from the oven, and immediately seeds are soaked for 2 to 3 minutes and removed (Mulawarman et
al., 2003).
 Mechanical scarification
Mechanical, or scarification, methods are used to overcome the physical and mechanical dormancy
of hard and thick seed coats or fruit shells. Small holes are cut or scrapped in the seed coat or fruit
shell with a knife, metal file or abrasive material to allow water absorption (Schimdt, 2000). After
scarification, seeds are usually soaked in cool water for 1 day. Wet and dry treatment or weathering
This pretreatment technique applies for those species with hard seed coat. Seeds will be soaked in
cold water for 24 hours and dried in the sun (Mulawarman et al., 2003).

 Acid scarification
This pretreatment technique applies for those tree species that have hard seed coat to break. Seeds
will be soaked in concentrated sulfuric acid for one hour and then the acid is drained and the seeds are
washed repeatedly with clean water (Sajeevukumar et al., 1995).
 Stratification
Stratification involves keeping the seed at low temperature (1-5 oC) for 30-120 days. Alternating
temperatures, treatments (like day and night) may also be required for some species. After
stratification, seeds are immediately sown (Mulawarman et al., 2003).
 Light treatment
Providing illuminated white light to the hydrated seeds can terminate dormancy of many tree species.
 Hormones and chemicals
A number of chemicals (Thiourea and Hydrogen peroxide etc.) and hormones (Gibberellins,
Cytokinins and Ethylene) in different concentrations can also be used to treat dormancy
(Sajeevukumar et al., 1995).
4. Recording seed information
All tree seed should be documented to provide information regarding its origin, collection, handling
and quality. Undocumented seed is dubious. It may be of good to adequate quality, but it is more
likely of low viability and inferior genetic quality. Seed documents vary greatly depending on the
needs of the collector/dealer, the requirements of user/consumer, and the purpose of documents. A
complete set of seed documents provides detailed information of the whole seed procurement process
from seed source identification through seed sowing in the nursery.
For the purpose of NGOs and farmers a simpler set of documents will suffice. Three types of
documents are recommended and summarized below. The objective of these documents is to record
and evaluate the seed sources and seed (both collected and procured elsewhere) used in local tree

22
planting programs. This information will enable NGOs and farmers to focus seed collection activities
on the best quality seed sources accessible to them.

1. Seed Source Document

Botanical and local name of the species
Location and site information of seed source (elevation, temperatures, rainfall, soil types, etc)
Type of seed source (seed trees, seed stand, seed production area, seed
orchard, other)
Number of seed trees in the seed source
Age of seed source
2. Seed Collection and Handling Document
Botanical and local name of the species
Date of seed collection
Seed source from where the seed was collected
Number of seed trees from which the seed was collected
Average distance between seed trees
Weight of fruit/seed collected
Number of seed containers filled with the seed collected
Name of collectors
Seed lot number (a unique number to identify the seed collected on a specific
date from a specific seed source)
3. Seed Quality Document
Botanical and local name of the species
Seed lot number
Date of seed testing
Seed purity
1000 seed weight test
Moisture content
Percentage of germination or viable seed
Codes and Accession Number System
The purpose of a seed coding and numbering system is to create a quick reference system across all
handling procedures. It saves both time and space in writing when a species, seed source or seed lot is
referred to with few letters or reference figures rather than writing a full detailed explanation every
time it is encountered. Codes and accession numbers (in some systems called ‘reference’ or ‘identity’
numbers) make the use of computerised database management possible, and allow e.g. lots of
information to be compressed into column form, and hence several columns on a summary data sheet
4. Packing seeds
• What is meant by seed packaging? Seed packaging involves placing a counted or weighed
sample of seeds into a container, which is then hermetically sealed for subsequent storage
Why are seeds packaged? Seeds are packaged to:
• prevent absorption of water from the atmosphere after drying;
• keep accessions separate and avoid mixing them; and
• prevent contamination from insects and diseases.
• When should seeds be packaged?

23
 The best time to package seeds is immediately after moisture content has been determined to
be within the required limits for safe storage.
Packing should protect the seed from both mechanical and environmental damage .Make sure
that the seed is packed in polythene bags to protect against the rain, which are then put into
cardboard boxes or sacks to protect against rough handling and keep the seeds shaded from
the sun

Self check#5 Lo5: Processing and storing seed

1. Why are seeds packaged?

2. For which type of seed is soaking in cool water recommended?
3. List down the contents Seed Collection and Handling Document.

Operation sheet
LO5. Processing and storing seed
#1
Seed extraction
Purpose: to identify the different extraction methods
Procedure
The following are step-by-step lists of how to extract seed from dry, and fleshy fruits:
For dry fruits (pods or cones)

1. Sundry on concrete, canvas sheet, or inside cloth sacks until pods split open. (Pods or cones
may also be placed on a wire mesh with a container below it so that when pods or cones split,
seeds fall down into the container)
2. Trample with feet, toss around, or beat pods inside a sack to speed up seed separation. Pods
which do not easily split open may be opened manually, or threshed by pestling (.
3. Clean seeds by blowing or winnowing (Figure 21).
4. Immerse seeds shortly in a container of water.
5. Discard those that float. They are not viable.

Drain the water, and re-dry the seeds. When seeds are to be planted immediately, re-drying is
unnecessary

Fleshy fruits

1. If possible, seed extraction should be done at home.

2. Do not delay extraction for too long and never store fruit piled up and undisturbed.
(Heating and fermentation in the pile could kill the seeds or reduce their quality).
3. Immerse in water until the fleshy tissue becomes soft (1–2 days).
4. Scrape, crush, or rub seeds with hands to separate throughly from pulpy flesh. (Be
careful not to be so rough as to damage the seed).
5. Remove all floating seeds and pulp.
6. Drain off the water.
7. Re-wash the seed.
8. Air dry for 2 days.
9. Re-clean the seeds by winnowing.

24
 Job sheet # 1 LO5. Processing and storing seed

Procedures

Process and store seed Demonstration checklist

yes No
1.Use PPE
2.Identify the tools and
equipment
3.Prepare tools and equipments
4.Extract seed
5.Clean and Grade seed
6.Dry seed
7.package seed
8.Store seed

Precaution
1. Use PPE
2. be careful not to damage viability of seed.

25
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo6: Preparing seed sample for viability testing

26
 Information sheet-6
Lo6: Preparing seed sample for viability testing
Sampling seed lots for quality evaluation must be done systematically, using appropriate techniques,
tools, and procedures, to ensure that the seed sample represents the entire lot
A seed lot is defined as a specified quantity of seeds of reasonably uniform quality from a particular
geographic source
1. Identifying and checking seed sample for testing
Before forwarding representative samples for laboratory analysis, the containers of samples shall be
completely and properly identified, including species or crop kind, variety, seed class or germplasm
type, grower's name, tests to be performed, and other information as may be requested by the
Association
Work order requirements
General Procedures
a. To secure a representative sample, equal portions shall be taken from evenly distributed parts of the
quantity of seed to be sampled. Access shall be had to all parts of that quantity.
b. For free-flowing seed in bags or bulk, a probe or trier long enough to sample all portions of the bag
or bulk shall be used.
c. Non-free-flowing seed, such as chaffy grass seed, which is difficult to sample with a probe or trier,
shall be sampled by thrusting the hand into the bulk and withdrawing representative portions.
d. As the seed is sampled, each portion shall be examined. If there appear to be a lack of
uniformity.The portions shall not be combined but shall be retained separately for laboratory analysis.
If the portions appear uniform, they shall be combined to form a composite sample.
e. Composite samples shall be obtained to determine the quality of a lot of seed, such as the
percentages of pure seed, other crop seed. weed seed, inert matter, noxious weed seed, germination,
varietal purity, freedom from disease, and effectiveness of seed treatment
2. Removing seed sample from lot and preparing for testing
Obtaining a "representative sample"
a. Seed in bags
(1) When more than one core is drawn from a bag, follow different paths. When more than one
handful is taken from a bag, take them from well separated points.
(2) For lots of one to six bags, sample each bag and take a total of at least five cores or handfuls.
(3) For lots of more than six bags, sample five bags plus at least 10% of the number of bags in the lot.
Round numbers with decimals to the nearest whole number.
Regardless of the lot size, it is not necessary to sample more than 30 bags.
Ex: No. bags in lots 7 10 23 50 100 200 300 400
No. bags to sample 6 6 7 10 15 25 30 30
b. Bulk seed - To obtain a composite sample, take at least as many cores or handfuls as if the same
quantity of seed were in bags of an ordinary size. Take the cores or handfuls from well distributed
points throughout the bulk.
c. Seed in small containers - Seed in small containers shall be sampled by taking entire unopened
containers in sufficient number to supply a minimum size sample as required . The contents of a

27
single container or the combined contents of multiple containers of the same lot shall be considered
representative of the entire lot of seed ampled.
Minimum size of submitted sample

For composite sample to test for quality - The following are minimum weights for samples of seed
to be submitted for purity, germination and noxious weed seed examination to determine eligibility of
a seed lot for certification

Tree and shrub seed samples shall consist of at least 600 seeds per sample for germination purposes.
If a purity analysis or a noxious weed seed examination is required, the submitted sample shall
provide at least the minimum weights of working samples set forth in AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds.
For individual-bag samples to test for uniformity. The size of any individual-bag sample to
determine uniformity in a lot of seed shall be not less than the quantities set out as
"Minimum weight for noxious weed seed examination" for the respective kinds of seed listed in
AOSA Rules for Testing Seeds. If the Sample drawn is larger than required, it shall be thoroughly
mixed before it is divided to the desired size.
Sampling equipment
For sampling seeds in bags, a trier long enough to reach all areas in the bag shall be used. The trier
shall be designed so that it will remove an equal volume of seed from each part of the bag through
which the trier travels. Unless the trier has partitions in the seed chamber it must be inserted into the
bags horizontally. Non-free-flowing seeds that are difficult to sample with a trier shall be sampled by
thrusting the hand into the seed and removing representative portions.
When a sample is taken with the hand, insert the hand flat and with the fingers together. Keep the
fingers together as the hand is closed and withdrawn. Because of possible segregation, hand samples
should be taken from various locations in bags or in bulk
3. Labeling and packing representative seed sample for dispatching
Samples sent by post should be securely tied. Sealing is desirable if possible. Cotton or jute bags,
heavy card board boxes or other similar containers are satisfactory .Be sure the container is clean
before putting a sample for test in it

These seed samples may be drawn in a quality seed program by seed producers, seed merchants farm
managers, plant breeders, extension workers and seed inspectors for sending to seed testing
laboratory. Seed inspectors will draw seed certification and seed law enforcement samples. By
practicing and following the methods of collecting samples, good job can be done. It is needless to
emphasize again, that the success of a quality oriented seed program depends upon the sampling and
testing of all seed lots which are going to be used for planting purpose
4. Recording seed sample information
Information submitted with the sample should include the following
1. Date sampled
2. Who sampled seed?
3 .Name and address of sender
4. Kind and hybrid or variety
5. Origin or class of seed
6. Sample designation or lot number
7. Quantity of seed in lot

28
8. Kind of tests desired: germination, purity or moisture

Self check#6 Lo6: Preparing seed sample for viability testing

1. Define seed lot?
2. What information should be submitted with the sample?

29
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20

Lo7: Dispatching seed

30
 Information sheet-7 Lo7: Dispatching seed
1. Interpreting and checking seed request specifications
Collectors need to be given adequate notice from seed users to properly plan collections and
guarantee seed availability. Collectors require at least six months’, but 12 months’ notice is
preferable.

2. Calculating species of seed required

• When determining the quantity of seed required, basic information needed includes the area of
land to be planted and the spacing at which the trees will be planted. other factors to consider
are the average level of purity of the seed, expected
• Germination percentage for the species, and expected mortality of seedlings in the nursery and
after planting in the field. You should also think of the thinning that you will do later
• For example, assume that you want 200 trees in your field. You may expect 20% of the trees
you plant to die after planting and you want the surviving 80% to equal 200.Thus:if 80% of
the trees planted equals 200,then 1% equals 200/80=2.5.
• You therefore need to plant 2.5x100=250 trees. if half of the seedlings die in the nursery, you
need to sow 250x2=500 seedlings in the nursery. with germination rate of 25%,you need to
order for 500/25x100=2000 seed
• You can see from this example that if you had only ordered the same amount of seed as the
number of trees that you wanted in the field, you would only have obtained 20 surviving trees
• If you know the weight of the seed, calculate the weight of seed that you require. However, it
is better to order a specific number of seeds than a specific weight of seed. The reason for this
is that seed weights for the same species may vary among seed sources or among years
3. Weighing, documenting and placing each seed species

31
4. Mixing multiple seed lots
A composite sample is obtained by combining all the primary samples taken from a lot in such a
manner that the composite sample is as homogenous as possible. The composite sample is normally
more than the amount of product required for analysis and must therefore be reduced to an
appropriate size for testing and/or grading. This must be done by mixing and dividing in a way that
ensures the sub-sample obtained is representative of the composite sample. If dividing a composite
sample into various submitted samples for more than one program, ensure that the highest sampling
intensity is used to meet the requirements of multiple programs.
6.Organizing and undertaking dispatching of seed

32
7. Recording and reporting seed processing results

33
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo8: Preparing cuttings, Sorting and selecting cuttings

34
 Information sheet-8 Lo8: Preparing cuttings, Sorting and selecting
cuttings
Cuttings

Different parts of the plant leaf, stem or root may be cut for rooting. Propagation by leaf cuttings is
virtually limited to some ornamental plants. Stem cuttings are most common; they are classified as
softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from a growing shoot, not far below the
shoot tip, e.g. tea. Such tender, leafy cuttings require intensive nursing. In this we shall only consider
trees and shrubs which root well on hardwood. Hardwood refers to the wood of resting shoots, after
the termination of a flush. It includes older twigs and branches, formed in earlier flushes. Stem
cuttings The preferred time to take hardwood cuttings is generally during the dry or cool season,
when shoot growth is minimal. In deciduous trees the cuttings are best taken when the trees are
leafless. Most woody plants are evergreen and the leaves have to be stripped from the part of the
cutting that is inserted in the soil: about two/third of the length of the cutting. Usually a few leaves
sometimes halved are left at the tip of the cutting, the number depending on growing conditions
(shade, humidity, etc.). Leaves generally stimulate root growth, but cuttings are likely to dry out if the
leaf area is large. The tip of the shoot or twig is usually discarded, but a vigorous shoot can still yield
several cuttings of 15 - 50 cm, the recommended length. Commonly, the diameter of cuttings ranges
from pencil-thick to about 3 cm. The upper cut is oblique so rainwater runs off . The lower cut is
usually made just below a node, because rooting generally occurs mainly at the node.

Figure 1: The cuts, the rooting and the rooted cutting

Always use clean tools: disinfect your cutting tool in boiling water before use. Never use a blunt
knife or machete for taking cuttings. If a cut is not smooth and clean, rot may lead to failure of the
cutting; it can also infect the wound on the mother tree. Upright branches and twigs are preferred for
cuttings, because they grow upright after rooting, forming a tree with a proper trunk. Cuttings taken
from horizontal or drooping branches often do not grow upright. If cuttings cannot be planted straight
away they may be stored in a cool shaded place under damp jute bags, grass or leaves. Leafy cuttings
should be planted without delay.

35
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media
Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20
Lo9: Research specifications of growing media

36
 Information sheet-9 Lo9: Research specifications of growing media

FUNCTIONS OF GROWING MEDIA In a native plant nursery, a growing medium serves four
functions: (1) it physically supports the plant, (2) large pores promote oxygen exchange for root
respiration, (3) small pores hold water, and (4) mineral nutrients are carried in the water to plant roots
(figure 5.1).
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN IDEAL GROWING MEDIA Because no single material can meet all
of the above criteria, artificial growing media often consist of at least two components. Therefore,
growers must be familiar with the positive and negative characteristics of the various components and
how they will affect plant growth in order to select a commercial medium or make their own. For our
discussion, these characteristics can be divided into physical and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
Water-Holding Capacity
Micropores absorb water and hold it against the pull of gravity until plants can use it. The
waterholding capacity of a medium is defined as the percentage of total pore space that remains filled
with water after gravity drainage.A good growing medium will have a high water-holding capacity
but will also contain enough macropores to allow excess water to drain away and prevent
waterlogging.
Aeration
The percentage of total pore space that remains filled with air after excess water has drained away is
known as “aeration porosity.” As we have already discussed, oxygen for good healthy roots is
supplied through the larger macropore, which also allow carbon dioxide from respiration to dissipate.
A good growing medium, especially for rooting cuttings, contains a high percentage of macropores.
Porosity
The total porosity of a growing medium is the sum of the space in the macropores and micropores; as
we have discussed, plants need both. A growing medium composed primarily of large particles will
have more aeration and less water-holding capacity than a medium of smaller particles
Shrinking and Swelling
Some soil-based media, especially those containing clays, shrink when drying or swell when wet.
Shrinking and swelling is not a problem with the artificial growing media typically used in native
plant nurseries.
Bulk Density
Bulk density means weight per volume. For any container type, weight per volume varies with the
inherent bulk density of the growing medium components and how much they are compressed.
Chemical Properties
Fertility
Because proper nutrition is so important for growing healthy nursery stock, fertility is the most
important chemical property. Rapidly growing young plants use up the stored nutrients in their seeds
soon after emergence. For the rest of the season, plants must rely on the growing medium to meet
their increasing demands for mineral nutrients.
pH

37
Another important chemical property is pH of growing medium, which is a measure of its relative
acidity or alkalinity. pH values range from 0 to 14; those below 7 are acidic and those above 7 are
alkaline. Most native plants tend to grow best at pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5, although some
species are more pH tolerant. The main effect of pH on plant growth is its control on nutrient
availabilit. For example, phosphorus availability drops at extreme pH values because it binds with
iron and aluminum at low pH levels and with calcium at high pH levels. The availability of
micronutrients, such as iron, is even more affected by pH. Iron chlorosis, caused by high pH, is one of
the most common nutrient deficiencies around the world. Exceptionally high or low pH levels also
affect the abundance of pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. For example, low pH can
predispose young plants to damping-off fungi.

CEC CEC refers to the ability of a growing medium to chemically hold positively charged ions.
Because most artificial growing media are inherently infertile, CEC is a very important consideration.
In the growing medium, plant roots exchange excess charged ions for charged nutrient ions .

Biological Properties

Artificial growing media are preferred in nurseries because they are generally pest free. Although
peat moss is not technically sterile, it should not contain pathogens or weed seeds when obtained
from reliable sources. Vermiculite and perlite are rendered completely sterile during manufacturing,
when they are exposed to temperatures as high as 1,832 °F (1,000 °C). In comparison, one of the
most serious problems with soil-based growing media is that native soil can contain a variety of pests,
such as pathogenic fungi, insects, nematodes, and weed seeds. For this reason, soil needs to be
pasteurized with heat or sterilized with chemicals before it is used in growing media

Well-prepared composts, however, are generally pest free because high temperatures during
composting kill all pathogens. Another benefit of composting is that beneficial microorganisms
increase in the final stages of the process. Composted pine bark, for example, contains microbes that
suppress common fungal pathogens and nematodes. These suppressive effects depend on the parent
material and composting time (Castillo 2004). Some commercial mixes advertise that they contain
products that are antagonistic to pathogenic fungi.

38
Using Soil and Soil Mixes
Well prepared garden soil is great for growing things in the ground but when it comes to growing
things in containers, soil as you know it needs to be changed.
Soils for containers need to be well aerated and well drained while still being able to retain enough
moisture for plant growth.
When choosing what to use to fill containers, never use garden soil by itself no matter how good it
looks or how well things grow in it out in the garden. When put into a container both drainage and
aeration are severely impeded, and the results are that plants grow poorly or not at all.
Soils for containers are always modified in some way to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
Container soils are often referred to as soilless or artificial media, because they contain no soil at
all. They are often composed of various things such as peat, vermiculite, bark, coir fiber (ground
coconut hulls) in a variety of recipes depending on the manufacture and the type of plant material
being grown. They can be found under a variety of trade names and in sizes ranging from a few
quarts to bales that are many cubic feet in size. Sometimes the choice of media will be directed by
what type of plants you are growing. Succulents, herbs, and perennials tend to prefer soils that are
well drained and not retaining a lot of moisture over a long period of time. For them you might
choose media that are courser in texture containing more bark, perlite or sand. For tropicals and
foliage plants, you might choose a media with more peat and less course material as these plants
tend to prefer moisture growing conditions.
When these mixes are used, they should be moistened slightly before planting. Fill a tub with the
media, add water and lightly fluff the media to dampen it.
Garden soil can be used as a container media but it needs to be modified or amended. An
acceptable soil based mix can be made by using one part garden soil, one part peat moss and one
part perlite or coarse builders sand. Don't use fine beach sand or play sand.

Choosing a Soil Mix for Your Containers

This media has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is that the soil you are using may
contain insects, weed seeds and disease organisms. Soilless medias are generally free of these
things. Soil based medias are heavier. This may be an advantage though especially if the containers
are used in a very windy location and the extra weight will help keep the pot upright. Soil-based
medias are also a bit more forgiving when it comes to water and fertility. They tend not to dry out
as fast, and they also tend to hold on to nutrients longer. Because soilless medias can be a bit more
costly, you could mix 25 percent soil with the soilless media to stretch your soilless media for a
few more pots.
Also, can soilless media be reused from year to year? To a certain extent, yes. If the plants in the
containers were healthy during the growing season with no major disease issues, you could remove
the plant material at the end of the season and reuse the media next season. You may have to add
some additional new media to fill the container. There will come a time when the media in the
container will need to be replaced. Over the course of time, the organic materials that the soilless
media is made from break down and decompose to the point where you will loose the drainage and
aeration properties that are inherent in soilless container medias. When that happens, discard the
media to the compost pile or to the garden and refill the container with fresh media.
There are also bagged products labeled as top soil that tend to be largely sedge peat. While they are
inexpensive and look very good, once put into a pot they are poorly drained and poorly aerated.
They can be used in combination with soilless media products or amended much the same way as
if you were using garden soil.

39
When filling containers with media, don't fill the pot to the top. Leave about a one inch space
between the top of the soil and rim of the pot. This will help make watering the pot easier as it
provides a place to "put water" and not have it run over the edge.
Filling very large containers can be costly especially when using commercially prepared media. To
reduce the cost and also the weight of the container consider adding "filler" to the bottom of the
container to take up space. Many things can be used, but they should be something that is inert,
able to take up space and not break down over the course of the growing season. While there are
inserts made for this purpose, there are a lot of home products that can be recycled for this use.
Items such as crushed aluminum cans, plastic milk jugs, and non-biodegradable "packing peanuts"
are usually readily available. Fill the bottom one-quarter to one-third of the container with your
choice of material. Lay a piece of landscape fabric over the top of the material and fill the rest of
the container with media. The filler takes up space the landscape fabric keeps the soil from
infiltrating the filler while allowing water to pass through, and there is still ample space for roots to
grow.

40
 The Government of the National State of Tigray

Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education & Training

AGRICULTURE

Unit of Competence:
Collect and process planting material and prepare its growing media

Module Title:
Collecting and processing planting material and preparing its growing
media

LG Code: AGR NRC2M 0101 20 LO1-LO10

TTLM Code: NRC2TTLM01 01 01 20

Lo.10.Prepare and store growing media

41
 Information sheet:10 Lo10: Prepare and store growing media

1. Undertaking OHS work

• Safety Considerations
Workers should follow certain precautions when handling growing media or its components. Dust is
the most common concern, so work areas should be well ventilated
Spraying growing media and work areas with a water mist will also reduce dust. Workers handling
and mixing growing media should wear protective dust masks and safety glasses . These same safety
precautions should be taken when filling containers
3. Maintaining required equipment
An important aspect of any business is the maintenance and storage of tools and equipment. The
investment in tools and equipment is a significant part of the overhead expenses in any operation.
Proper selection and maintenance of equipment are important factors in managing business.
Selecting the proper tool for the job and using the tool properly will increase efficiency and reduce
maintenance problems. Purchase tools, which are well-made and suited to the intended use.
Commercial usage may entail more heavy duty demands on equipment.
Hand tools:
1. Clean dirt and debris from tools after each use.
2. Oil metal parts to prevent rust.
3. Lightly sand rough wooden handles.
4. Repair loose handles.
5. Sharpen blades of cutting tools.
6. Store tools in a clean dry storage area.
7. Protect surfaces of cutting tools in storage.
Power tools:
 Read and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for each piece of
power equipment.
 Change the oil.
 Clean the air filter.
 Lubricate moving parts.
 Sharpen dull blades or replace worn blades according to the owner’s manual.
 Replace spark plugs.
 Drain oil and gasoline before long-term storage.
 Check electric cords and connections on electric-powered tools.
 Store tools in a clean dry storage area.
Equipment:

1. Store equipment in a clean dry storage area.

2. Rinse and clean spray equipment after each use.
4. Storing Components
Components must be stored off the ground and protected from surface water. A concrete slab or bin is
ideal for components received in bulk. The surface water patterns around the concrete slab must be

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adjusted to eliminate the possibility that surface water, carrying pathogens, weed seeds and/or insects,
could come into contact with the medium component. Bulk components should be covered with black
plastic film or other suitable covering to prevent contamination with wind-borne seeds, pathogens and
other pests when access is not necessary.
The length of storage period determines whether bagged components are stored outdoors or at least
under cover. Most bags will remain intact outdoors for 6 to 8 weeks, but if an annual supply is
purchased, indoor storage is needed. Covering bags stored outdoors with opaque plastic film will
extend the life of the bags. Even if outdoor storage is acceptable, Even if outdoor storage is
acceptable, consider the surface water drainage pattern and the ground surface because most bags are
not watertight
5. Identifying, weighing and mixing components
Whitcomb (2003) emphasized that improper media mixing is one of the major causes of variation
in container plant quality. Mixing should be performed by diligent, experienced workers who will
faithfully monitor the growing media quality. Creating a uniformly mixed growing medium that has
not been compacted, contaminated, or compromised is the challenge and the goal.
Small batches of growing media ingredients can be mixed by hand. Measure out the ingredients by
volume and mix together in a wheelbarrow or bucket. Workers can mix larger batches on any clean,
hard surface using hand shovels. Pile the ingredients on top of one another and broadcast any
amendments over the pile. Then work around the edge of the pile with a large scoop shovel, taking
one shovel full of material at a time and turning it over onto the top of the pile . Make sure that all
parts of the pile are mixed by gradually moving the location of the pile alternatively; a cement mixer
or a drum can be used. Growth medium components should have a relatively low to moderate
moisture content for mixing. This is especially true if dry fertilizers are to be added during mixing
6. Handling and disposing of waste
Diseased seedlings grow and develop slowly. Plants may die under severe infections. Most of the
micro-organisms, insects and pests that cause diseases in the nursery live in weeds ,trash and puddles.
Therefore, keeping a nursery neat and clean reduces the chances of attack of common diseases.
All trash, waste, polythene bags and diseased plants should immediately be removed and burnt far
from the nursery
7. Storage condition of media.
The raised covered slab or covered bin facilities suggested for component storage can be used for
prepared media. Media prepared with the proper fertilizer amendments should generally be stored in
such a way to minimize leaching. Since there can be release of fertilizers in the medium during
storage and salt levels could reach critical levels, the salinity level of media stored for several weeks
should be determined before it is used. Avoid this problem by preparing or purchasing only the
amount of media needed to satisfy the short-term demand.
8. Recording according to standards

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