Abstract

The potential utilising various materials as containers for raising forest planting stock in Kerala was examined. The study found that conventional containers made from locally available materials such as bamboo splits, leaves of trees and other forest plants and gunny bags are not suitable for large scale forestry programmes. Root trainers, the container system currently popular in many temperate and tropical countries, though require higher initial investment and high intensity management, are superior to polybag in many respects. Efficient use of root trainers requires total change in current nursery practices. Preliminary trials have highlighted the need for more research and development efforts for the adaptation of different components of this technology to suit the specific conditions prevailing in the State. However, till appropriate root trainer technology is developed, the only option available is to continue with the polybag containers