Preparation of

Planting Materials
and Care of
Seedlings

Prepared by: Group 1

INTRODUCTION:
Planting material refers to the different
parts of a plant used for growing new ones,
such as seeds, seedlings, corms, or stem
cuttings. Choosing the right planting
material is crucial because it affects how
well your plants will grow.
Different Planting Materials
• Seeds 🌱 – Some fruit trees and perennials,
like mango (Mangifera indica) and papaya
(Carica papaya)
•Seedlings 🌿 – Young plants started from
seeds and transplanted for faster growth (Cocos
nucifera) and durian (Durio spp.)
•Stem Cuttings ✂️– A section of a plant stem
is rooted to grow a new plant, (Psidium guajava)
and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
propagation.
•Corms 🌼 – Underground storage organs that
sprout new shoots, common in taro (Colocasia
esculenta) and banana (Musa spp.).
•Suckers 🍌 – Shoots that grow from the base or
roots of a plant, (Ananas comosus) and banana (Musa
spp.)
Runners – Stems that grow from leaf axils and form
roots (e.g., strawberry, black pepper).
Slips – Leafy shoots from axillary buds at the base of
the plant/fruit (pineapple).
Leaf Bud Cuttings – Propagation using axillary
buds from the stem (black pepper).
Plantlets – Small plants from tissue culture, derived
from various plant parts (banana, orchids, citrus,
bamboo, rattan, macapuno).
THE SELECTION OF THE BEST SEEDS

Seeds that you select for your garden should always be

• Free from weed seeds and free of virus-borne diseases. That's
why it is always recommended to buy seeds from authenticated
companies or sellers.
• Whatever seeds you select, they should grow in your region or
climatic conditions where you live.
• And you have to consider the germination percentage also. You
can select seeds with a germination percentage of more than
90%.
1 CONSIDER THE ORIGIN OF SEEDLINGS WHERE THEY
HAVE GROWN
• refers to where they were grown and the conditions they
were exposed to before planting.
Eg. planting coconut seedlings, those grown in a coastal tropical
environment will adapt better than seedlings from cooler
highland regions.

2. CONSIDER MORPHOLOGICAL QUALITY

refers to the physical characteristics of a seedling or plant that
indicate its health and growth potential.
Eg. mango seedlings, selecting ones with thick stems, lush
green leaves, and a well-established root system.
3. Robust shoot and root
refers to strong and healthy plant growth, where the shoot
(stem, leaves, and branches) and root system develop well.
- Robust Shoot 🌿 – Thick, sturdy stems with vigorous leaf
growth, ensuring better photosynthesis and resilience.
- Robust Root 🌱 – Deep, well-developed roots that anchor the
plant and absorb nutrients efficiently.
SELECTION OF BEST CORMS
Involves choosing high-quality, disease-free,
and well-developed corms to ensure successful
growth and high yields in perennial crops.
Healthy corms should be firm, uniform in size,
free from damage, and show no signs of rot or
pest infestation.
SELECTION OF BEST SUCKERS
Choose healthy, disease-free, and well-rooted
suckers for better growth. Look for strong
stems, good size (30–60 cm), and vigorous
growth from high-yielding parent plants. Eg
Banana – Pineapple Sugarcane Date Palm
Planting Material Preparation
Seed Variability (Perennials)
Recalcitrant seeds’ moisture content is initially high, and drying.
•Mango, Durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lanzones, santol,
Storage:
sand, sawdust, or charcoal moistened to 10% in polyethylene bags at 27°C or refrigerated
conditions may prolong viability from 1-2 weeks to 1-4 mos.

Orthodox seeds can be dried at 5-14% to prevent the respiratory

process and placed in an airtight container: atis, chico, guyabano,
passion fruit, tamarind
•Storage:
o Refrigeration and the use of desiccants can prolong
Hardening Pre-sowing hardening Soaking of seeds in water
for 1-48 hr (depending on the seed), then air-drying to their
original moisture content before sowing 7-14 days

Shade Management Germination/rooting stage requires

partial shading: Coconut, mango, and citrus can be exposed
to full sunlight
Coffee, cacao, rambutan, mangosteen, lanzones, banana, &
grafted/budded planting materials need 25-50% partial shade
Care of seedlings refers to the proper
handling and maintenance of young plants to
ensure healthy growth. It includes providing
adequate water, sunlight, nutrients, and
protection from pests and harsh weather.
Care for Seedlings
Light: Provide 12–16 hours of light daily; rotate containers to prevent
weak stems.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; mist as
needed.
Temperature: Maintain daytime temps of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and at
least 60°F (16°C) at night.
Fertilization: Use diluted fertilizer after true leaves appear.
Thinning: Remove extra seedlings to give each plant enough space.
Air Circulation: Improve airflow with a fan or by gently brushing the
seedlings.
Hardening Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions
Care of Seedlings
1. Proper selection
The use of good and healthy seeds ensures good quality and high yield, which
also means a big income. The best source of good seeds is healthy, good
crops.

The following are some ways to proper select seeds.

• Seeds must come from mature or nearly mature fruits.

• Seeds must have good germinating capacity. They come from healthy,
vigorous trees with good form and quality growth.
• Seeds should be free from weed seeds. Seeds from isolated, naturally, and
cross-pollinating species are of low viability.
• Seeds must be be free from damage or diseases.
• Seeds are clean and free from pulp or fruit juice. Seeds are also dry.
2. Testing
Determine the germinating ability of the seeds
by testing them. Test the seeds before planting
to prevent wastage and replanting.
Seeds may be tested in any of the following ways

1. Visual Inspection – Evaluating seed quality by

visually examining seeds for signs of damage, disease,
or any defects.
2. Dish- Place seeds on a moistened paper towel or
filter paper in a dish, and place it in a dark place to
germinate.
3. Rag-doll – similar to the dish test, it involves
placing
7 seeds in a moistened rag and putting it in a
dark place for germination
4. Seed box- more comprehensive method of
testing seed viability, where seeds are planted in a
controlled environment such as seed box or tray.

3. Storage
The life of the seed must be ensured when storing it.
Humidity causes deterioration when seeds are stored
at room temperature.
Ways To Properly Select Seeds Of
Perennial Crops
1. Choose Certified Seeds 🌱
Opt for seeds from reputable suppliers or certified sources to ensure
good genetic quality, disease resistance, and high germination rates.
2. Check Seed Viability 🔍
Perform a simple germination test before planting—place a few
seeds in damp paper towels and observe how many sprout. Healthy
seeds should have a high germination rate.
3. Look for Disease-Free Seeds 🦠
Ensure seeds are free from mold, discoloration, or unusual spots, as
these may indicate disease or poor quality.
3. Look for Disease-Free Seeds 🦠
Ensure seeds are free from mold, discoloration, or unusual spots,
as these may indicate disease or poor quality.

4. Select the Right Variety 🌾

Choose seeds suited to your climate, soil conditions, and
intended use (e.g., high-yield varieties, drought-resistant options,
or pest-tolerant species).

5. Consider Seed Storage & Freshness 📦

Older seeds may have lower germination rates. Always check the
packaging date and store seeds in a cool, dry place to preserve
6. Check Seed Size & Weight ⚖️
Healthy seeds are often plump and well-formed, with consistent size
and weight, as malformed seeds may struggle to grow.

7. Avoid Hybrid Seeds for Perennials ❌

Hybrid seeds (F1 hybrids) often don't reproduce true-to-type,
meaning the next generation may not have the same characteristics
as the parent plant. Instead, opt for open-pollinated or heirloom
varieties.
 Do you have any questions?

Thank you!

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