Here’s a comprehensive, species-agnostic yet modular nursery protocol framework for high-value clonal plantlets under the Agaris™ platform (COPI). This can be adapted per species like Agarwood, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, Nutmeg, etc.
🌱 Agaris™ Nursery Protocols – Modular Framework
1️⃣ Objectives
- Ensure high survival rates (≥90%) for elite clonal plantlets
- Maintain genetic fidelity and uniformity
- Produce field-ready, hardened plants
- Prevent pests, diseases, and stress-induced mortality
- Support multi-cycle harvest or long-term plantation models
2️⃣ Nursery Phases
Phase 1 – Acclimatization / Hardening
Duration: 2–6 weeks
Purpose: Transition lab-grown plantlets to ambient conditions
Key Actions:
- Shade management: 50–70% light
- Gradual humidity reduction
- Sterile, well-draining media (cocopeat + compost + sand)
- Light mist irrigation
- Fungicide preventative drench
Target KPI: ≥90% survival
Phase 2 – Primary Nursery (Structural Root Development)
Duration: 1–3 months
Purpose: Establish strong roots and early vegetative growth
Media Composition:
- 40% cocopeat
- 30% compost
- 20% sand
- 10% carbonized rice hull
Management Practices:
- Balanced NPK fertilizer (early stage: ¼ strength; mid-stage: full strength)
- Mycorrhizal inoculation (optional, species-dependent)
- Pest & disease monitoring
- Shade: 30–50%
Target: 30–50 cm height with healthy root system
Phase 3 – Secondary Nursery (Field Conditioning)
Duration: 1–3 months
Purpose: Prepare plantlets for transplantation
Activities:
- Gradual full sun exposure
- Wind and temperature stress conditioning
- Height and stem standardization
- Root pruning (if needed for compact root ball)
Target: Field-ready height 40–80 cm (species dependent)
Survival Target: ≥90%
3️⃣ Species-Specific Considerations
| Species | Special Nursery Requirements |
|---|---|
| Sandalwood | Host integration (e.g., Sesbania, Leucaena), low N fertilizer, shaded nursery |
| Agarwood | No host required, stronger root conditioning, early stress hardening |
| Ylang-Ylang | Frequent trimming for uniformity, higher humidity, pest monitoring |
| Nutmeg | Sensitive to root disturbance, slow acclimatization |
| Cinnamon | Polybag management, moderate shade, coppicing awareness |
4️⃣ Irrigation & Fertility
| Stage | Irrigation | Fertilization |
|---|---|---|
| Hardening | Daily mist | Diluted NPK, micronutrients |
| Primary | 1–2x/day (soil moisture-based) | Balanced NPK + bio-stimulants |
| Secondary | As needed, avoid waterlogging | Potassium-rich feed, mycorrhizal inoculation |
5️⃣ Pest & Disease Management
- Preventive measures: Sterilized media, foot baths, batch separation
- Common threats: Damping-off, root rot, leaf spot, mealybugs, mites
- Control: IPM approach — biological agents, neem-based sprays, rotating fungicides
6️⃣ Record-Keeping
Each batch should document:
- Genotype ID / Clonal Line
- Date of transfer from lab
- Batch size and survival rate
- Fertilization schedule
- Pest and disease interventions
- Release date
Purpose: Traceability, quality assurance, and performance tracking
7️⃣ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
| Metric | Target |
|---|---|
| Survival Rate | ≥90% |
| Height Uniformity | ≥95% |
| Root Health | White, fibrous roots |
| Hardening Loss | <10% |
| Pest Incidence | <5% |
8️⃣ Advanced Nursery Enhancements
- Climate-controlled greenhouses
- Automated misting/fertigation
- QR-coded plant tagging
- Moisture and temperature sensors
- Integrated digital traceability (AgriTrace™)
9️⃣ Summary Flow (Visual Concept)
- Lab → Acclimatization (2–6 weeks)
- Primary Nursery (1–3 months)
- Secondary Nursery / Field Conditioning (1–3 months)
- Field-Ready Plantlets → Plantation Deployment
This ensures high survival, uniformity, and plantation productivity for Agaris™ elite clones.
I can next create:
- 🖼 A species-specific nursery infographic (e.g., Agarwood, Sandalwood, Nutmeg)
- 📊 A nursery workflow diagram with timelines
- 📈 A cost-per-plant nursery financial model
- 📘 A training SOP manual for nursery staff
Do you want me to make the infographic version first?