Key Takeaways:
- OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray offers a new benchmark in vegetative propagation, reducing bench times by up to 20%.
- The substrate ensures superior quality, consistency, and uniformity in young plants.
- Developed by Oasis Grower Solutions, it meets the specific needs of precision vegetative propagators.
- Benefits include faster-cutting rehydration, profuse root and shoot development, and cleaner propagation areas.
- It integrates seamlessly with automated and manual operations in multiple plug sheet counts.
Vegetative propagators in the floriculture industry face balancing efficiency with quality. OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray, a new engineered substrate from Oasis Grower Solutions (OGS), aims to address this balance. Designed to meet the needs of precision vegetative propagators, this substrate promises faster rooting, extraction, and transplant times while maintaining plant quality.
Efficiency and Quality in Propagation
Developed by Oasis Grower Solutions, the OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray is intended to streamline the propagation process. According to the company, the substrate can reduce bench times by up to 20% compared to traditional methods. The foam substrate is designed to support rapid rehydration and cutting recovery, which can be crucial for imported cuttings that often arrive under less-than-ideal conditions.
Dr. Vijay Rapaka, Director of Global Grower Operations and Research at OGS, explains the benefits: “Vegetative propagation is inherently challenging, and when cuttings are imported, the complexity increases. The OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray was formulated to expedite the recovery of these cuttings, ensuring they become fully functional and ready to root quickly, despite the stress of shipment.”
Key Features and Benefits
The OASIS® RhizoPlug™ Tray offers several advantages for propagators:
- Faster Cutting Rehydration: The advanced surfactant technology in the substrate supports rapid rehydration, reducing misting frequency and associated labor costs.
- Damage-Free Sticking: The pre-dibbled substrate’s low density allows for easy insertion of cuttings without damaging fragile stems.
- Rapid Root Establishment: The unique cellular matrix encourages vigorous root growth, improving rooting success and minimizing overwatering risks.
- Profuse Root and Shoot Development: The optimized air-to-water ratio promotes uniform growth, resulting in high-quality young plants.
- Cleaner Propagation Areas: The design helps maintain cleaner benches and floors, reducing algae and fungus gnat issues.
Dr. Rapaka emphasizes the cleanliness of the product: “The all-round cleanliness this product offers reduces pest and disease pressure, promoting the production of healthy plants. This technology allows faster recovery, rooting, and transplant, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.”
