Shade and seedling propagation

Managing the intense sunlight of the tropics is a critical issue. At our temperate zone nursery we field raise our plants direct seeded in seedbeds. Here also we are concerned about ensuring survival of seedlings in the harsh reality of spring sunlight. We use overhead irrigation in early spring until our drip irrigation is installed. As the root emerge from the surface sown seed sunlight and desiccation is deadly. Seedlings are also tender and need to be protected until they have roots to sustain their leaves.

We use remay a rayon fabric used as a spring crop cover in our own special application This and more under the fold
More... This is the remay we use on our crops



These are emerging seedlings



Now, last few days I have been looking for literature helpful in our interest of restoration ecology in Sao Paulo State. This and the series of recent posts is topical for this purpose. Here is a link to a FAO article,Management of Forest Nurseries, the chapter on the use of shade is here



Noteworthy is the use of natural materials to build shade structures and supporting structure.