5. Greenhouse production of Atlantic white-cedar seedlings.

Abstract 2.  Many native species that are needed for environmental restoration can be grown in containers with overhead or drip irrigation. Sub-irrigation, has received more attention over the last decade because it reduces the use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides (3), and also protects local water sources by eliminating nursery and greenhouse irrigation runoff.  The floatation system (sub-irrigation) utilized in the production of tobacco transplants in greenhouses, in addition to its low cost, is similar to that utilized by some native plant nurseries to produce wetland and riparian species.  The objective of this research was to compare germination rates of Atlantic white-cedar under mist and two methods of sub-irrigation.

 In August 2003, a replicated study was initiated in a greenhouse at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.  Treatments were (1) float tray (float), 2) Ropak tray with overhead mist (mist), and (3) Ropak  (flooded). Individual mist nozzles were used in treatment (1), and plastic liners were used to hold water for treatments (2) and (3). Three seeds per cell were sown in two types of containers, a 72-cell tobacco float tray and a 48-cell Ropak tray.  Seeds were sown on Carolina Choice Germination and Plug Mix (Carolina Soil Co., Kinston, NC).  The float and flooded treatments were placed in beds with 2 inches of water.   Mist treatments occurred  hourly from 8:00AM to 8:00PM. 

                After 8 weeks, differences among treatments were small.  The number of cells occupied by at least one seedling was significantly higher with the float treatment (81%) compared to the mist (62%).  Results for flooded trays were intermediate between mist and float treatments.  Based on these results, the floatation system appears suitable for production of Atlantic white cedar from seed. 

Bell, A. C., M. M. Peet, and L. E. Hinesley.  2004.  Alternative production of Atlantic white cedar and other native plants for wetlands and stream restoration in North Carolina.   Proc. SNA Res. Conf., 49^th Annu. Rpt.  p. 353-355.

Containerized AWC seedlings grown with varying levels of phosphorus. From Master of Science thesis by Laura Greenwood, Dept. of Forestry, N. C. State University. Reference. Greenwood, L. G. 1994. Greenhouse production of Atlantic white-cedar seedlings. M. S. thesis. Dept. of Forestry, N. C. State Univ., Raleigh. 87 p.

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