South African Nursery Practice—The State of the Art

Abstract

The state of South African nursery practice is briefly sketched from its beginnings in the late 19th century to the present day. Systems used and numbers of plants raised by species are summarised for 1984/85; cultural practices and their effect on plant quality, survival and early growth on planting are examined. It is concluded that while satisfactory plants are being grown with current practices, substantial improvements in efficiency are possible, indeed essential, if the industry is to meet the challenge of rising costs.