Over the last several years there has been an increasing trend for “Young Plant” producers to move from seed germination to cutting propagation. This has become popular for the many speciality varieties and branded plants. While young plants are still produced with seed germination and plugs systems, the propagated and rooted cutting market has evolved into new processes with specialized equipment. One of the more popular methods for cutting production is the use of the Ellepot machine (produced by Ellegaard in Europe).
Ellepot is a paper wrapped ‘pot’ that is available in assorted diameters, ranging from 15 mm up 120 mm (5/8” – 4.75”). Growers purchase the Ellepot machine and growing medium to produce these paperwrapped pots for their application. Growing media is fed into the machine as paper is wrapped around the growing media to form a continuous, extruded ‘sausage’ shape. The sausage is then cut into a specific length to form paper pots that are placed into individual cells with a growing tray. The smaller size Ellepots (15-35 mm) are used mostly for cutting propagation. Larger sizes are used for propagation of greenhouse foliage, woody ornamentals for nursery and ready-plant annuals for the landscape trade. There are different needs for growing medium for each of these applications.
Premier Tech Horticulture has made slight modifications to its line of growing media for small cell applications. Our two popular blends, PRO-MIX® FPX and PGX, have been improved for cutting propagation in Ellepot systems as well as for seed germination in small cell culture. What are these improvements?
First, there has been the installation of new ‘state of the art’ screening equipment at our factories to remove small roots (sticks) from Sphagnum peat moss. This new screening equipment allows the use of more fibrous peat for PRO-MIX® FPX and PGX for better physical structure of the growing medium, without the roots (sticks) or debris. Cleaner product works better with Ellepot machines and less worries of bridging of small cells with plug trays.
Second, PRO-MIX® FPX and PGX are now formulated with a lower rate of calcitic limestone than in the past. This means less concern of media pH climb due to water alkalinity, which can be problematic for propagated cuttings and seed germination trays in the initial rooting stage.
PRO-MIX® FPX and PGX are available as standard blends or with BIOFUNGICIDE™ (not available in Canada ) for added protection from plant root pathogens, such as Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia.
Comparison of PRO-MIX FPX and PRO-MIX PGX
Both these PRO-MIX® products are designed for the germination of various seeds. Understanding the performance differences is important to be sure your customers use the best product for their particular application(s).
For more information:
Premier Tech Horticulture Office
1, avenue Premier
Rivière-du-Loup (Québec)
Canada G5R 6C1
Tel.: +1 418 867-8883
Toll free: +1 855 867-5407