Olive Nursery Raising Manual

Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal

Ph: 0543-662001 Email: barichakwal@yahoo.com

 Agriculture Department, Government of Punjab

Agriculture Department is the Government of Punjab’s premier body responsible for

overseeing and regulating the agriculture sector as well as its sub-sectors at provincial level
to ensure sustainable growth, socio-economic development and food security.

USAID’s Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP)

USAID’s Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP) is a five-year effort to promote

private sector-led growth in the agriculture, livestock, and dairy sectors of Punjab through
advocacy for policy and regulatory reforms, institutional capacity building of relevant public
and private sector organizations, and investment mobilization initiatives.

Disclaimer:
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) and Agriculture Department, Government of Punjab. It was
prepared by ODG task team under the USAID Punjab Enabling Environment Project
implemented by Chemonics International Inc. The contents are the sole responsibility of
the ODG task team and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States
Government or Chemonics International Inc.
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Acknowledgements
This document on “Olive Nursery Manual for Developing Certified Olive Nurseries” has been
developed by designated task team of the Olive Development Group (ODG) with the technical
inputs of Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal (BARI). We thank for the valuable
contributions of task team members from BARI and USAID-Punjab Enabling Environment
Project (PEEP) team.

Contributors:
Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah (BARI Chakwal)
Dr. Azhar Hussain Naqvi (BARI Chakwal)
Inam Ul Haq (BARI Chakwal)
Attiq ur Rehman (BARI Chakwal)
Muhammad Azeem Tariq (BARI Chakwal)
Asad Zahoor (USAID PEEP)
Ghulam Ishaq (USAID PEEP)

Under the guidance of:

Dr. Muhammad Tariq
Director, Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal

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 Table of Contents
Sr. No. Topic Page No.

1. Introduction 5

2. Importance of nursery 5

3. Basic principles of nursery raising 7

4. Resources required for Olive nursery 7

5. Media for propagation 14

6. Steps of nursery preparation 19

7. Mother and multiplication blocks 22

8. Propagation 24

9. Hardening of plants 44

10. Nutrition management 45

11. Pest control 48

12. SOP for Olive Nursery Development (FSC&RD) 52

13. Application Form for Nursery Registration 58

14. References 59

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Introduction:

Olive is a gift of nature owing to its nutritional and medicinal values. Allah almighty

has quoted it as a blessing in the Holy Quran. It has also been verified in the sayi ngs of

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.). Olives are native to the Mediterranean tract and being

cultivated since millenniums. It is popular among the masses for its fruit and oil

consumption. Syria and Palestine are the sites of its origin. It is very much liked among

the people and is known as “Mediterranean Diet”. Olives are being grown commercially

in Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Tunis, North & South America, Argentine,

Mexico and Australia. Olives have more than 3000 varieties and there are only one

thousand varieties which are being recorded with nomenclature. Most of the commercial

varieties belong to Spain and Italy. Olives are consumed directly and in different diets

in the form of byproducts. Olive oil is a staple ingredient of modern world due to its

nutritional importance. These are helpful to control different cardio muscular diseases

and for the control of insomnia as well. Nervous system is soothingly affected, and

better outputs are expected.

Importance of Nursery:

A good nursery is a pre-requisite for successful olive cultivation and can play an

important role in income generation, poverty alleviation, job creation and to cater the

problem of drudgery on the global level. A developing country like Pakistan can find

the solution of existing economic degradation by sensing its potential for the validity of

fruit crops success in specific pockets with suitable agro-climatic conditions. Olive

orchard raising does not need any argument to defend itself for its nature of observing

minimum labor and low capital needs with promising economic returns. Over 50 billion

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dollars business and activities are concerned with Horticulture sector on the globe and

Pakistan contributes only a meager share of 0.007% only. Agro-ecological conditions of

some areas of Pakistan are highly suitable for olive orchard raising and its nursery

production. It will contribute to have a foot hold in the international market. It is call of

the day to preview olive exports that can play a pivotal role in this regard. Presently,

Pakistan is importing edible Oil worth Rs.160 billion annually which can be reduced to

a satisfactory level if olives are grown commercially in Pakis tan. The demand for olive

products is growing fast in the world over and more so in the developing countrie s.

A promising and trust worthy nursery lays the foundation to supply fresh blood

to the olive industry. To grow healthy and true to type olive orchards we must select a

production place from where we can get healthy and true to type nursery plants. It is the

moral duty of the nursery men to produce true to type, disease free plants. Orchardist

and small-scale olive growers prefer the reliable and trustworthy source from where

they can get plant material. Agro-climatic conditions of Pakistan are highly conducive

for raising olive and its nursery on commercial basis.

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Basic Principles of Nursery Raising:

There are some basic principles of nursery raising, which must be taken in account for

successful cultivation and better results:

1. Plants must be true to type.

2. Plants must be disease free.

3. Demand and supply chain should be considered as a foundation step.

4. Plant protection measures and principles should be observed.

5. Nursery men must be aware of modern and scientific technologies.

6. A promising germplasm unit must be established for the supply/collection of bud

wood.

7. Registration of nursery from the competent authority and its advertisement

through media.

Resources Required for Olive Nursery:

Certain resources are required for an olive nursery, as is true for any other

venture. The decisive factor for selection of products also depends on these resources.

These resources thus play a very important role in determining the type of nursery

enterprise. These physical resources are enlisted below.

1. Land

Land is the basic and fundamental physical resource for plant nursery. The area

under consideration must be thoroughly examined before planning the nursery. Soil

must be tested after adopting proper sampling procedure to avoid any problems in the

future. If the problem is manageable, then proper remedial measures should be taken. If

the problem cannot be managed, then the site should not be selected for the nursery.

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Porous, well-drained soil with light to medium texture having pH Between 6.5 to 7.5 is

good for an olive nursery. Heavy, ill drained, waterlogged or sandy soils should be

avoided. Soils having a pH more than 8 should also be avoided.

Never select a poorly drained or low-lying land because it badly affects the

growth and development. It should be ensured that the soil is free from salts. It would

be better if there is easy access to the nearby market. Shelter belts and wind breaks are

very important for the nursery, so they should be established at the site prior to planting

nursery plants.

2. Irrigation Facilities

Sufficient and assured supply of irrigation water is the most important resource

of the nursery. Quality of water should be tested before starting nursery. Nursery can

never be established if water is not fit for irrigation purpose. Facility of water testing is

available to the farmers through soil and water testing laboratories established at

district level under the Govt. of the Punjab, Agriculture department.

Irrigation of Olive Nursery with Pipe (Left) and with Mist Unit (Right)

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3. Labor

Another important resource in nursery business is the labor. Skilled as well as

unskilled man power is required depending the nature of jobs being performed at the

nursery. Most of the activities in a nursery like budding, grafting, pruning and training

require skilled and trained labor. Trained labor is also required for all the mechanical

operations. For other jobs like weeding, hoeing, irrigation, spraying , dusting and

transportation, unskilled labor can be engaged under supervision of some skilled or

technical person. Labor can be arranged at reasonable rates at local level from nearby

areas.

4. Electricity

Availability of regular and uninterrupted electricity is also very essential for a

nursery. If electricity is not available, then there should be some alternate source of

power such as generator, diesel engines and solar energy. Alternate power sources are

necessary to combat with the problem of load shedding. Power is required for various

operations like water pumping, irrigation, dusting, spraying and many other functions.

5. Roads and Transport

Easy access to local, national and international markets is very important for an

efficient growth of the nursery business. When nursery plants are ready for sale, they

can timely be disposed-off through good roads and transport facilities. These facilities

are also needed if plants or any nursery related material is to be imported.

6. Mother Plants

Mother plants play the most important role for a successful nursery business.

Mother plants of different varieties should be planted with proper planning in separate

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plots or lines. There should be proper maps and record of plants and varieties. Regular

plant protection measures are very important for control of p ests and diseases problems.

Mother plants should be of known varieties obtained from Government nurseries or

from reliable sources like research institutions or certified nurseries . Selection of

mother plants should be done very carefully as the quality of the nursery plants depends

on the propagation material obtained from mother plants. As per new guidelines from

Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD), the cuttings must

be sourced from a registered multiplication block in public or private sector while a

mother block should exist with a public-sector research and/or academic institution. At

present, BARI Chakwal has established a well maintained and managed mother block

registered with FSC&RD.

Olive mother block at BARI Chakwal

7. Hedges and Fencing

Fencing with barbed wire is a common technique for protection of nursery plants

from wild animals, sheep, goats or any harm causing individuals. They also determine

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the boundaries of the nursery. Different plants like agave, duranta repens, and

bougainvillea etc may be used as hedges for protection of nurseries. Beautiful hedge

plants add to the beauty of the nursery and prevent from unnecessary traffic of human

and animals.

Hedges around Nurseries

8. Space for Hardening

For hardening of nursery plants, shady nets houses are used. Young olive plants

grown in a greenhouse or tunnel need a period to harden so that they may adjust and

acclimatize to outdoor environment prior to planting in the field. This process is called

"hardening off". Tender nursery plants are hardened off and gradually exposed to wind,

sun and rain. During this process, cuticle on the leaves becomes thicker that toughens

them up as the water loss through transpiration is reduced . This practice helps the plants

to tolerate the transplant shock and they do not get damaged due to sudden changes in

temperature and other external conditions. Time of hardening off depends on the type &

varieties of plants grown and the temperature fluctuations in the area.

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 Hardening of Olive nursery plants

9. Store and Office

A store house is required to store the garden tools, implements, fungicides,

insecticides, manures, fertilizers, chemicals, polythene bags, boards and tags etc. A

well-managed office is also important for a good nursery for keeping notebooks,

registers, information books and other records. It is also used for conducting time to

time meetings and to give instructions to the nursery workers. The record and maps

regarding mother plants, progeny and stock etc. is also kept in the office.

10. Propagation Structures

Propagation structures are very important for production of good quality plants.

They are required to provide a better environment for propagation of plants of desired

varieties using different multiplication techniques. Hardening of plants before field

plantation is also done with the use of propagation structures.

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 Propagation structures like greenhouses, lath houses and mist propagation units

are important for the plant nursery as they offer controlled environments for increasing

the rooting capacity and provide satisfactory growth and development conditions for the

plants. Cuttings need to be kept in the mist propagation units for a period of about three

months to develop their roots. After successful rooting, they are shifted to containers

and placed in a shade house for hardening process. The plants are kept in the nursery

for a period of 5-6 months so that plants reach an appropriate size and shape.

Training of olive plants begins while they are still in the nursery. They should be

trained to single-stem with two to three branches having appropriate angles among

them. Low shoots and undesired branches are removed to facilitate training after

plantation in the orchard. Single-stem training facilitates the mechanization after the

plants grow larger in the orchard.

Use of plastic-covered greenhouses is the most common in the propagation

nurseries. Generally, a mist system is installed over a bench or floor area. Greenhouses

can be utilized not only for rooting of cuttings but also for preparing grafted / budded

plants.

Olive nursery arrangement, design and propagation structures

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Media for Propagation:

Several media mixtures are available that are used in vegetative propagation

especially for rooting and growth of cuttings. Choice of media depends on availability,

cost, ease in handling and propagation efficiency of the nursery.

Characteristics of Good Media

Following are the characteristics of a media for better rooting success and

growth & development of the nursery plants.

1. The growth medium should be firm enough to hold the cuttings in place during the

rooting stage. It should have a constant volume when it is wet or dry.

2. It should have a sufficient moisture holding capacity so that frequency of irrigation

can be reduced.

3. It should be sufficiently porous and well drained so that water logged condition may

not be created under the nursery plants.

4. It should be free from pathogens, nematodes, termites and weed seeds etc.

5. It should be suitable for getting sterilized without causing any harmful effects.

Media Types

Physical and chemical properties of media are determined by the physical and
chemical properties of the type and ratio of the medium constituents (Jenkins and
Jarrell 1989).
Sometimes, rooted cuttings or young seedlings grown in a nursery, are planted

directly in the field but mostly they are planted in certain media in containers such as

clay pots, plastic tubes or metal cans. Generally, a mixture containing 1 part of Loam

soil, 1 part of sand and 1 part of leaf mold or peat moss is used as potting mixture for

young seedlings and rooted cuttings. Presently, a variety of media are used in the

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commercial nurseries. Nowadays, there are different types of media under practice.

Some of the important media under use are as under:

1. Soil

One of the most commonly available medium is the soil. It is available most

abundantly and it is the most economic when compared with other media for the

nursery. The organic as well as the inorganic matters are present in the soil. The organic

portion consists of the residues of dead and living of microbes, animals and plants.

Liquid part of the soil is the soil solution containing minerals as well as O 2 and CO 2 ,

dissolved in the water. The gaseous portion of the soil keeps a balance of water and air

and water in appropriate situation. The relative proportions of sand, silt and clay forms

texture of the soil. Soil is classified as Sandy, Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam,

Silt Loam and Clayey depending on the proportion of different sizes of the soil

particles. The arrangement of their particles in the soil mass forms the soil structure. It

is important to choose a good soil for the nursery having a good structure as well as

texture.

2. Sand

Sand is typically used as a medium component to improve drainage and act as a ballast

to keep containers from falling over (Niemiera et al., 1994). Sand particles are

comparatively greater in size than soil. It is formed because of weathering effect on

rocks over a period. Sand is usually used as a propagation medium for the nursery

plants. The sand is comparatively loose and has sufficient pore spaces between the

particles hence it is very much suitable for rooting of cuttings. It should be fumigated

or heated before being used as a media. In general, it does not have any mineral

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nutrients and has no buffering capacity. As it cannot hold water for a sufficient time, it

may be used in combination with other media.

3. Peat

Peat consists of partially carbonized vegetative matter from a marsh saturated

with water. It is good for newly rooted cuttings or germinated seeds as it contains

organic nitrogen. Approximately 95% of media formulations for container nurseries

contain a high proportion of sphagnum peat (Schmilewski, 1996). Peat is usually

included in a container substrate media to increase water holding capacity and/or to

decrease the weight of the mix (Raviv et al., 2002).

4. Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum moss is formed by the remains of acid hog plants that grow naturally

in damp humid forests. This medium is relatively sterile, light in weight, while its water

holding capacity is very high. Usually, it has the capability to absorb and hold water 20

times compared to its weight. It is useful to inhibit damping off as it contains a fungi

static substance. Moss is soaked in solution containing nutrients and fungicide before

being used as propagation medium. It is generally used for propagation through air

layering.

5. Vermiculite

Vermiculite is micaceous mineral used as a medium in plant nurseries. When it is

heated, it expands significantly. Chemically it is hydrated aluminum, magnesium, iron

and silicate etc. It is very light in weight after expansion. It is neutral in reaction and

has good buffering characteristics. It is water insoluble and is available in different

Grades, having different specific uses such as for rooting or for seed germination.

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6. Perlite

Perlite is neutral medium that is a material of volcanic origin having gray white

color. It does not contain mineral nutrients and has no buffering reaction.

7. Leaf Mold

Fallen leaves of various tree species like Azadirachta, Ficus, Silver oak, and

Mulberry etc. are locally available. Leaf Mold is prepared by putting these leaves in a

few layers, which are covered with a thin layer of cow dung slurry and soil. Some

decomposing organisms may be added to speed up the process of decomposition. After

about 12 to 18 months, medium is decomposed and is ready for use.

Compost Silt

Peat moss Perlite

Types of Media used for Olive Nursery Propagation

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8. Saw Dust

It is a bye product or waste material of saw mills, which can also be used as

rooting and growth medium besides its other uses. Its quality depends on the plant

species from which the wood is obtained. It is mixed with other materials for

preparation of media.

9. Grain Husk

Different types of grain husks are available and can be used as growth media.

One of them is paddy husk, which is a waste material from rice mills. It is cheaply

available and light in weight. It is used after mixing with other materials.

Generally, it is preferred to use a mixture of different media in commercial plant

nurseries. Mostly, soil is one of the major parts for media mixtures. The media should

be obtained, stored and kept ready for use in the nursery.

Properties of some common materials used to create growing media

Component Bulk Porosity: Porosity: air pH Cation

density water exchange
capacity
Organic ingredients
Sphagnum peat Very low Very high High 3 to 4 Very high
moss
Bark Low Low Very high 3 to 6 High
Coir Low High High 6 to 7 Low
Sawdust Low High Moderate 3 to 6 Low
Rice hulls Low Low Moderate 5 to 6 Low
Compost Variable Variable Variable 6 to 8 High
Inorganic ingredients
Vermiculite Very low Very high High 6 to 8 High
Perlite Very low High High 6 to 8 Very low
Sand Very high Moderate Very low Variable Low
Pumice Low Low High 6 to 8 Low
Field soil
Field soil Variable Variable Variable Variable Variable

Adapted from Buamscha and Altland (2005), Johnson (1968), Lovelace and Kuczmarski
(1994), and Newman (2007).

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Steps of Nursery Preparation:

1. Site selection

For nursery establishment, such areas should be selected where winters are wet

and long and summers are not too harsh. Such pockets must be selected where

temperature ranges from 30 ºC to 38 ºC. Areas where temper atures are harsh, humidity

percentage in the atmosphere decreases which has deleterious impact on success

percentage of rooting of olives cuttings.

For raising of olive nursery sandy loam soil is preferred. A commercial olive

nursery cannot be raised on hard and heavy clayey soils. Soft and well-drained soil is

the foundation stone for raising a promising olive nursery. Soil pH must range from 6.5

to 7.5, however, high pH up to 8.5 can be administered through application of low pH

fertilizers.

Following points must be adopted while selecting the site for a commercial olive

nursery:

a. Nursery must be accessible and close to the main road.

b. Transportation facility is the basic need to approach the nursery area.

c. Nursery must be located at a proper site from where interested people can have

an easy approach

d. A beautiful sign board with readable nomenclature and salient features may be

planted on a focal point. Main feature of the nursery must be there in black and

white on the board.

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2. Soil preparation

Land must be prepared after 3-4 ploughings and plankings for the maintenance of

proper level. Beds and channels of suitable size can be prepared manually for small

scale and mechanically for commercial scale nursery production. Leveling in the beds is

done manually for a high level of precision.

3. Root stock raising

For raising of root stock, climatic conditions of the area, soil characteristics and

cropping pattern being followed in the area must be kept in mind. For heavy and wet

areas, seeds of Ottobratica variety are selected. For light sandy loam and arid areas,

where natural flora in the form of Kahu (Oleacuspidata) is available can be used as a

rootstock. Selected seeds must be free of disease and without any adulteration. Seeds

must be cleaned, and flesh removed. It is called curing. It must be collected from a

reliable source. Seeds should be fresh and healthy. To raise an area of 1acre nursery,

100 kg seed is required.

Seed dormancy is a phenomenon that my hinder the germination process.

Chemical scarification has been widely used to overcome seed dormancy before sowing

of seeds (Hartmann et al., 2002). Chemical agents like norflurazon and continuous

washing in running water have also been used to overcome seed dormancy in olive

(Sotomayor- Leon and Altisent, 1994).

4. Seed treatment

Seed treatment is a prerequisite for successful nursery raising. Seed dressing

with a commercial fungicide is required for disease control. This practice is very useful

to save the young seedling from any fungal infestation. It will also save the young

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seedlings from the ground diseases and will make it more healthy and resistant to

endure the climatic adversaries.

5. Seed sowing

The seeds of selected rootstock are sown in the beds in proper moisture

conditions. After sowing of seed, a light irrigation can be administered. Seeds must be

sown in line at 15 to 20 cm and distance between the seeds is usually kept 5 to 8 cm.

After every 3 lines a space of 0.5 m should be left. Seeds must be sown at the depth of 2

to 3 cm with pointed edge upwards.

Olive seeds sowing in soil

6. Selection of healthy and insect free scion wood

Selection of a disease free and insect free scion wood is the corner stone of a

commercial nursery. For this purpose, scion wood must be collected from a trust worthy

source and especially the multiplication blocks of the research wing of agriculture

department. Consultancy will be made with experts in this regard. Before budding or

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grafting operation, the scion wood must be sprayed with a sui table pesticide/fungicide

as well.

7. Selection of rootstock

Rootstock should be selected according to their characteristics and the desired

effects. Different rootstocks may have different characteristic like drought/cold

tolerance, disease/ nematode resistance etc. It depends on the soil and climatic

conditions of the nursery area to select the type of rootstock.

Mother and Multiplication Blocks:

1. Pre-basic class (Mother Block)

A fruit orchard established at research institutes or universities with

certified trees of approved cultivars are primary source of propagating materials.

Foundation block must have true to type, known varieties of olive. Selected plant

material must be maintained on scientific basis according to international

protocol of GPU management. This unit must be maintained in isolated condition

for better management of mother plants.

2. Basic class (Multiplication block)

Multiplication block is synonymous to Increased Block or Daughter Tree Block

meant for the supply of high health status bud-wood in large quantity. A progeny

garden originated from a pre-basic source includes seed beds area, rootstock blocks and

scion blocks etc. They are established at suitable places so declared by the Federal Seed

Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) or at the registered nurseries.

Multiplication block must comprise of olive varieties which are promising, popular and

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highly acceptable to market. Varieties should be labeled prominently and maintained in

specific lines instead of mixing of other varieties.

Plants of multiplication block are maintained for having maximum vegetative

growth with better rooting quality instead of fruit bearing. Nutritional management of

the block is maintained to encourage vegetative growth with heavy feedin g of NPK

fertilizers which results in production of quality cutting having better rooting capacity.

Micronutrients helping in root initiation and carbohydrate accumulation in branches of

the plants are applied 3-4 times during growth period to multiplication block. All

hygienic measures are adapted to avoid any kind of fungal, bacterial and viral infection.

Fruit bearing in multiplication block is not encouraged to keep the plants healthy

without any exhaust. Plant energy is to be used in vegetative growth instead of fruiting.

This will result in production of high quality propagation material having good rooting

ability.

Olive mother block at BARI Chakwal

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 Olive multiplication block at BARI Chakwal

Propagation:

Olive propagation may be done through sexual as well asexual methods. The

offspring of sexual reproduction i.e. through seeds do not show the complete

characteristics of the parent plant and do not give fruit for a long initial period. Asexual

or vegetative propagation is done using the plant parts such as cuttings, branches and

buds. Different methods of vegetative propagation include cuttings, layering, budding

and grafting. Plants raised through vegetative methods are true to type, i.e. the nursery

plants raised in this way have all the characteristics of the parent plants.

Propagation methods

Olives are produced through the following methods.

1. Sexual propagation (through seeds)

2. Asexual propagation (through vegetative means)

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1. Seedling production

This method is used for production of rootstocks or establishment of seed

gardens. Seeds are collected from the mature olive fruit and they are sown in the

nursery bed after its preparation. Wild olive stones or stones of cultivated varieties can

be used to raise the seedling rootstocks. Grafting of different olive cultivars using wild

olive as root-stocks can produce the plants that can be more resistant to pathogens and

environmental changes (Hussain et al., 2016). When the seedlings attain proper size,

they can be budded or grafted. If seedlings are not subjected to any propagation

method, the seedlings plants bear very late and are not true to type.

i. Preparation of Nursery Beds

Equal parts of soil, sand and manure are mixed thoroughly and sieved to remove

undesired particles. Mixture is put in the beds having a size of 6 m x 1 m. About 4 kg of

seeds can be sown on nursery beds at an area of one square meter. Seeds are put in the

bed and a layer of sieved mixture with 1 to 2 cm thickness is applied on them. Irrigation

is done at appropriate intervals depending on the weather and climatic conditions. Seed

bed is covered with plastic sheet to give protection from cold and rain. Remove the

covering during sunny days, especially when the temperature is high. Germination starts

within 3 months after seed sowing. Germination success depends mainly on

temperature, atmospheric humidity and light availability. The temperature required for

seed germination is 13° C.

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 Use of Perlite media in nursery beds

Steps for raising seedling rootstock are as under:

1. Collect the fruits at the ripened stage from the trees during October to

November.

2. Crush or smash them gently so that flesh is removed. It should be done within 6

hours after fruit picking.

3. Clean the seeds with a solution of water and NaOH (250 g of NaOH in 100 liters

of water) to remove the sticky materials. This solution is sufficient for 100 kg

seed, Sticky material can also be removed by using sand and water.

4. Cleaned seed is stored in a dry place in a layer 4 to 5 cm thickness. It should

then be covered with paper sheets.

5. Seed is soaked in water for 15 to 20 days before sowing in the beds.

6. For quicker germination, practices of scarification and stratification can also be

used for the seeds.

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 Rooted olive cuttings Cuttings planted in nursery beds
ii. Potting of seedlings

It is important to consider following points while potting of seedlings:

1. Uproot the seedlings when about 6-8 leaves have emerged out.

2. Cut the tap root tip before the seedling is put into pots or bags.

3. Take care that main root of the seedling should not bend and remain straight

when it is planted.

4. Soil around the plant should be pressed after transplanting.

5. Transplant the seedlings in beds or pots when temperature is not so harsh.

6. Give periodical irrigation, fertilization and plant protection.

7. Seedlings may become ready for budding or grafting after a period of one year.

27
 Use of pots for nursery plants

Filling of polythene bags with silt (soil media)

2. Budding and Grafting

Propagation through budding and grafting method is also p racticed in fruit plant

nurseries. Demand of grafted olive plants is increasing in the local and international

markets because of the reasons that performance of the grafted plants is better in windy

28
areas, in sandy and loose soils as they exhibit better anchorage to the soil. Moreover,

Grafted plants get mature and bear fruit earlier than plants grown through seeds

(Rostami and Shahsavar, 2012). Due to these reasons, a clonal rootstock series should

be introduced in olive propagation to get the desired res ults regarding growth,

productivity, fruit characteristics and olive-oil content.

Grafting and budding have some difference; in budding, only a single bud is

taken as scion wood, while in grafting, two or more than two buds are contained on the

scion wood. Scion is the part of mother plant that is used to develop the fruit tree

having the same characters as in the mother plant from which it is obtained. It is an

upper part of the grafted or budded plant, which determines the plant variety and forms

the branches and canopy. Rootstock is the part of tree on which provides the root

system to the plant. Scion is worked upon the rootstock to produce the tree of desirable

variety. The rootstock and scion obtained from separate mother plants are used for

budding purpose.

Following points should be taken in consideration for budding and grafting

process.

1) Take one-year old scion wood of the desired variety. Remove the upper and lower

portion and the leaves keeping petioles intact to make the bark movable.

2) Make a patch cut or T-cut on the rootstock and insert the bud taken from the scion

into the cut.

3) Budding or grafting should be done at 15 cm height from the soil level.

4) Plastic ribbon or tape should be wrapped to fix the bud tightly.

29
5) The scion being used in grafting operation should be of pencil thickness (1 cm

diameter).

6) The wild species or unproductive varieties of olive can be top worked with the

desired varieties.

7) Budding is preferred for economic use of scion when there is scarcity of sci on shoots

as more scion wood is consumed during grafting. A time of 2 years or more is required

to prepare grafted or budded plants.

Budding Grafting method of propagation

Tips for budding/grafting operations

1. All the operational tools including budding knives, scissors and saw must be disinfected

with a suitable disinfectant. This operation must be repeated for each plant individually.

2. Cleaning of tools is a prerequisite for healthy nursery production.

3. All the tools must be sprayed and kept safely af ter each operation. It will play a key

role for healthy and promising nursery production.

30
Scion/rootstock characteristics

1) The rootstock selected for budding or grafting should be in its active stage of

growth i.e., time of budding and grafting is important. April-May and August-

September are considered as the best periods. Age of the rootstock should be

preferably 9 to 18 months.

2) The appropriate time for collection of the scion-wood is the period when the

mother plant is in its active stage of growth.

3) The seedling used as rootstock must be vigorous, with straight stem, healthy

(free from insects and diseases), have clean bark and smooth texture, diameter of

0.6 to 1.0 cm with a well-developed root system.

4) Dormant or un-sprouted or dormant buds with good health should be collected

for budding. Too young or too old buds should not be used. Buds from the basal

and middle portion of the shoots are the best.

5) The collected graft wood should be wrapped in a wet clean cloth and covered

with a polyethylene bag to avoid drying.

6) The buds should not be separated from the bud wood prior to budding operation.

7) The cut should be made first on the rootstock and then the bud should be

removed from the scion stick. It should then be at once placed inside the cut

made in the bark of rootstock for better results.

8) The final cut of the scion should be done according to the shape and size of the

cut made in the rootstock.

9) The height of grafting/budding must be at least 15cm from the ground.

31
 10) The rootstock-scion unification point should be wrapped with a budding and

grafting tape in such a way that no water and air can enter into the wounded part.

11) Un-wrapping should be done after the successful completion of rootstock -scion

union, which may take about three weeks.

12) The lateral buds or branches developing below the budding/grafting point should

be removed to encourage the upright growth of the scion.

3. Propagation through Cuttings

An easy and commercial method adopted worldwide for olives is its propagation

through cuttings. It is the most trust worthy method of olive propagation to get true to

type plants. These plants are certified and bear at an early stage. It is an arduous

method of propagation because in olive cuttings, rooting percentage is usually very

low. Biggest problem in olive propagation is the low ability of regeneration resulting

in low rooting percentage (Fabbri et al., 2004). Rooting ability of olive cuttings is

affected by various factors such as varieties (Fouad et al., 1990; Turkoglu and Durmus,

2005), age of source plant and date of cuttings (Ahmed et al., 2002; Sebastiani and

Tognetti, 2004), cutting type (Turkoglu and Durmus, 2005), concentration of rooting

hormone (Hartmann et al., 2002) and rooting media (Isfendiyaroglu et al., 2009).

There are three types of cutting which can be used for this purpose as given

below:

A. Hard wood cuttings

B. Soft wood cuttings

C. Tip cuttings

32
 Hard wood cutting Soft wood cutting Tip cutting

Cuttings of 9 inches length are planted in early spring and August September

after removing lower leaves of the cuttings. Cuttings should be treated with IBA

rooting hormone at concentration of 3000ppm for a period of 5 to 10 seconds.

Different structures are helpful for increasing the success ratio including polythene

sheet covering (low tunnel), Green house with controlled temperature and humidity

conditions and a polythene tunnel of 10ft height to maintain the required climatic

conditions. Owing to its origin from the Mediterranean tract, temperature of 25 ºC to

30 ºC and a humidity factor of 85 to 90 % are the basic requirements for getting high

success in rooting of cuttings.

Multiplication of plants through cuttings under the mist spray is a common

practice in olive growing. This practice increases relative humidity and reduces

transpiration and temperature. It also helps the cuttings to remain in turgid condition

throughout the root induction process.

33
 Olive cuttings in polythene bags

Following points must be taken in mind for successful rooting:

1) The cuttings should be obtained from vigorous branches from the current year’s

growth as high level of food reserves is present in such branches. Amount of

carbohydrate reserves in the shoots play the most important role in rooting. Preference

should be given to cuttings with short internodes from the current season’s growth.

Pithy, too succulent and low in stored carbohydrates level are not preferable.

2) Pruning of the mother plants should be done regularly every winter to maintain vigor

and quality of cuttings.

3) Avoid taking cuttings from the fruited buds. Cuttings with vegetative buds are

capable of better rooting.

4) The apical cuttings give better results in spring while the medial and basal cuttings

give better performance during summer and autumn, due to presence of more hormones

and carbohydrate in them.

34
5) The cuttings should be long enough for easy handling, economical use of the shoots,

and possess adequate food reserves to support root formation, establishment and

production of a plant of the desired quality and shape. The length of the cutting and its

thickness or diameter is determined generally by the variety and the facilities for

propagation. Diameter of the cuttings is usually 0.8 to 1cm and normal length is 15-20

cm.

6) Remove most of the leaves, leaving 3 to 4 leaves on the upper side of each cutting.

More leaves cause more water loss and drying.

7) Take care that cuts are very clean without any tearing or fringing.

8) The cuttings must be the correct way up, that is distal end (nearest the shoot tip)

upwards and the proximal end (nearest the junction of roots and shoots) to base. A slant

cut is given on the top end and straight cut on the bottom of cuttings to allow the rain

water runoff the cutting and to mark the correct polarity while planting. The bottom cut

is made just below a node.

9) The cuttings should be fresh and be kept in under shade in moist condition.

10) Do not take cuttings during very cold and very hot weather.

11) For better results, application of rooting hormones is advisable. It can significantly

improve results.

35
 Preparation of olive cuttings for propagation

Use of Hormone for Roots Induction

Olive cuttings are generally hard to root; hence there is a need to apply certain

rooting hormones before planting of cuttings in the nursery. Rooting hormo nes like

NAA (naphthalene acetic acid) and IBA (Indole butyric acid) are used for cuttings,

while IBA is considered as the most efficient hormone for rooting of olive cuttings .

Procedure for preparation of IBA rooting solution is as under:

1) After weighing, dissolve the IBA powder in a small quantity of 50% alcohol solution

in a flask or a beaker.

36
2) Add boiled or distilled water to it to make a total volume of the solution.

3) Shake and stir it to make its concentration uniform.

4) The recommended concentration of IBA solution ranges from 2500 to 4000 ppm with

a dipping time from two to five seconds.

5) It is better to use the freshly prepared solution for the cuttings, though it can be

stored for two days away from the light in a refrigerator at 4° to 6° C.

6) After its preparation, the solution is poured to a beaker and covered with black

polyethylene to protect it from light.

7) One liter of solution will be sufficient for treating about 15000 cuttings.

Treatment of cuttings

1) Dip about 2 cm basal portion of the cuttings in the freshly prepared IBA solution for

about 5 seconds.

2) A handful of cuttings can be treated simultaneously if the solution is kept in a

beaker.

3) After dipping in solution, leave the cuttings exposed for a few minutes so that the

alcohol gets evaporated. The drying action of the alcohol can sometimes cause necrosis

of the bark cells immersed in the solution.

Application of Rooting Hormone

37
Planting Olive Cuttings in Rooting Media

1) Put silt, agri-perlite or other media (sand, peat moss, vermiculite, coal, gravel or

brick aggregates and saw dust, etc.) in the nursery beds up to a thickness of 15 to 30

cm.

2) Nursery beds must be leveled, smooth and loose enough easier insertion of cuttings.

3) Make straight lines at 5 cm apart.

4) Insert basal parts of the treated cuttings in the media.

5) Maintain 2 cm between cuttings.

Olive cuttings planted in rooting media

Mist Propagation Unit

A special environment is required for induction of roots when p ropagation is

done by cuttings. The indigenous auxins and other factors existing in the cuttings

stimulate the process of root formation. This stimulation for rooting is not possible

without presence of determinate environment parameters such as high relative humidity

80 % to 100 %, temperature around 20 to 25 °C and rooting 'media' with good porosity,

38
water holding capacity and good drainage. A bench equipped with bottom heating

system, cooling system and mist unit can be used ensure the desired parameters. All

these systems together with the rooting bench, where cuttings are generally placed, are

collectively called as 'Mist Propagation Unit'(MPU).

Mist propagation unit in olive nursery

Potting of rooted cuttings

1) Callus is formed on the basal area of the cuttings about 20 to 25 days after planting.

Callus formation indicates the presence of rooting activities. Initial rooting starts

appearing after 40 to 45 days while most of the roots develop within 60 to 65 days after

the plantation of cuttings in the nursery beds.

2) A random sampling of cuttings is done from different places in the beds to observe

the situation with reference to their rooting. Rooted cuttings are then shifted in the pots

or plastic bags. The cuttings in which only callus is observed, should be replanted so

that they may give roots.

39
3) The size of polythene bags used for shifting of rooted cuttings may be 9 inches in

length and 5 inches in width, while it may vary depending on the situation and the

requirement. Polythene bags with black color are preferable, because there are less

chances of forming algae or green stain.

4) Pots are filled up to half with a moist mixture having soil, sand and manure in equal

proportion; place the rooted cutting into the poly bag in such a way that the roots are

not curled. Fill the remaining portion of the poly bag with the mixture leaving 1 cm.

space on the top of the poly bag for irrigation.

5) Give irrigation to the plants immediately after shifting to the bags. Give shower

irrigation regularly with intervals depending on seasonal and weather conditions.

6) Keep the shifted plants in plastic house between controlled conditions and outside

atmosphere for the adaptation or hardening process. The temperature of plastic house

should be 2 °C more in winter and 2 °C less in summer as compared to the outside

temperature.

7) Hand weeding should be done regularly to control the weeds .

8) Plants may be shifted in larger sized poly bags (6x12 inch) when their roots grow

larger and are seen in the bottom or side holes in the bags.

9) Watering is important before transferring the plants to the larger size bags.

10) The adaptation stage may last for a period of 30 to 45 days depending upon the

season.

40
 Potting of Cuttings in polythene bags

Potted Cuttings shifted under green house

Olive cuttings planted under Tunnel

41
4. Layering

In propagation through layering, a good branch is selected to induce root

production while it is still attached to the parent plant. In this way, a new plant can be

developed in a relatively short time and with less effort than other methods of

vegetative propagation.

Aerial layering is a popular Propagation technique being adopted on commercial

scale. Branches of Suitable size are selected and media constituting a proper ratio of

soil, FYM, leaf mold are combined to prepare a well moistened material after giving a

cut on the epidermis of the selected branch and applying IBA solution (3000 PPM).

Before making the cut, leaves and twigs on the selected shoot 7 to 10 cm above and

below the point to be injured. This stimulates the development of new roots from the

injured area. The material described above is fastened on the branch with a plastic sheet

to conserve the moisture contents on a suitable level so that rooting phenomenon may

be completed. As rooting becomes visible the rooted branch is detached from the

mother tree and planted in the polythene tubes and kept under controlled environmental

conditions.

Best results from air layering are obtained when vigorously growing, young and

healthy shoots are selected for propagation. The leaves on selected shoots should be

open to sunlight as they manufacture more food for growth, development and root

formation. Shoots having a diameter from 0.5 to 2 cm are best for air layering. Layering

is usually done in the months of June, July and August. Branches from well-developed

trees, free from pests and diseases are selected for air-layering (Sajjad et al., 2014).

42
 Air layering

5. Propagation by ovule

Ovule propagation of olives is based on the use of ovules, special fo rmations

which usually grow around the collar area and the lower part of the trunk of adult olive

plants. Latent buds containing reserve substances are present on ovules, which, when

detached from the tree, can feed various buds and roots which develop dur ing the

following vegetative season. During autumn-winter season they are removed and

planted in the ground at a depth of 20-25 cm. Mother plant may mutilate by this method

and many plants cannot be produced.

In Greece, a new propagation system was develop ed in seventies, based on the

use of fragments of ovular mass which are treated in nurseries using a technique like

that used for hardwood cuttings. Mother plant is irreparably damaged in this case.

43
6. Propagation by Suckers

This method uses suckers which grow directly from the ovules around the collar

area of adult plants. Various roots are formed at the base of the soil -covered shoots and

once an autonomous root apparatus has developed, it is detached from mother plant and

transplanted in the soil. Rhizogenic hormones, notching at the point where the sucker is

inserted, in addition to covering it with soil, can be practiced promoting the root growth

at the base of the suckers. Main drawback of this method is, it cannot be used for the

large-scale productions, because of the manpower required and the number of plants

obtained from a single mother plant is limited. Furthermore, plants developed from

suckers have a long juvenile period and production starts late.

Hardening of Plants:

Hardening of nursery plants is the practice, usually carried out after appropriate

initial growth and development but before transplanting into the field. This process

involves a transitional phase in which plants are left outside during daylight hours only

and in an area where they can be shaded and protected from wind. Irrigation is also

reduced or restricted during the hardening period. Plant is gradually allowed exposure

to outer environment with increasing amount of sunlight to stay out later.

44
 Hardening and shaping of Olive plants in sheds

Nutrition management:

Types of Manures

The excretory product of animals including urine and dung, along with husk, straw and

other organic materials are used as manures for nursery plants. The well rotten and

decomposed manure is called Farm Yard Manure (FYM). On an average a well

decomposed FYM may contain 0.5 per cent nitrogen (N), 0.5 per cent Potassium (K 2 O)

and 0.3 per cent Phosphorous (P 2 O 5 ). For the best performance of fruits plants, balanced

nutrition of the nursery plants is important. Balance nutrition can be achieved by

applying nutrients in organic as well as inorganic form. Sources of plant nutrition

include Organic manures, Inorganic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers and Bio fertilizers.

Organic Manures

Organic manures are prepared by using animal and plants’ debris.

It can be classified as follows:

1. Manures from plant origin such as green manures/leaf manure.

2. Manures from animal origin including cow dung and poultry manure

3. Manures from animal and plants origin e.g. Farm Yard Manure and compost.

45
 4. Organic fertilizers e.g. fish, bone meal, blood meal.

Bio fertilizers

1. Nitrogen supplying biofertilizers include Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospyrillum,

Acetobacter.

2. Phosphate supplying biofertilizers include Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)

3. Microbial decomposers i.e. Trichoderma viridae

Important Points for Nutrition Management

1. Balanced and Selective nutrition should be given to the mother plants through

soil or irrigation. Excessive use of nitrogen may reduce the root growth.

2. Different types of rooting media are used in the nursery. It is important to

provide nutrition according to need of plants.

3. Special attention is required in the nursery to nutrition during sprouting, root

initiation and hardening stage. Reclamation of deficiency can be done through

the nutrient application of foliar sprays.

4. For balanced nutrition inorganic fertilizers, organic manures and bio fertilizers

should be used together.

Fertilizer Requirement for Nursery Plants

Application of Manures and Fertilizers in a Nursery is done to provide adequate

nutrients for growth and development of nursery plants, to provide essential nutrients

during critical growth period of plants so that well developed, healthy and disease/pest

free plant growth can be achieved.

1. Media for filling polythene bags is prepared by thoroughly mixing soil and

decomposed FYM or compost.

46
 2. Drenching of soluble fertilizers is done 5-6 times according to growth stages of

nursery plant.

3. Application of fertilizers by foliar spray is done 5-6 times according to plant

growth stage.

Application Methods of Manures and Fertilizers

1. Broadcasting

Bulky organic manure like compost and FYM are broadcasted over the beds and

mixed thoroughly with the help of a rake or spade. After the beds are well prepared,

seeds are sown .

2. Fertilizer Placing Near Plants in Polybags

Fertilizers are directly placed in the polythene bags near the stem with the help

of weeding hoe in adequate doses.

3. Fertigation

Proper dose or amount of fertilizers can be mixed in the water b efore application

of irrigation to nursery plants through sprinkler or drip irrigation system or drenching

near the stem.

4. Foliar Fertilization

Fertilization of plants or feeding nutrients to the plants by spraying chemical

fertilizers on the foliage is called foliar fertilization. It is also called as spray

fertilization or foliar feeding.

47
 Foliar application of fertilizers

Pest Control:

The nursery is the first source of olive plants. They may be the source of

contamination if they are not pest and diseases free. To prevent any contamination and

get healthy olive plants, growers should strictly:

1. Keep the nursery away from contaminated areas

2. Use a safe substrate

3. Use a safe plant material

4. Use a resistant stock to prevent soil fungus and nematodes

5. Treat the soil with pesticide to control insects, diseases and nematodes before

transplanting the young olive plants

6. Regularly fumigate or sterilize all material to prevent any type of contamination

and keep the nursery safe.

48
 The development of effective, economical pesticides has a deep effect on man's

constant battle with pests. In many cases pesticides have been included as devices for

planned pest control program without serious hazards to humans or environment.

Pesticides application should be done at proper time, at right rate by using suitable

equipment. The application of pesticides is done on seeds, foliage and other parts or in

soil to control various pests and diseases. Different methods of pesticides application

are soil application, seed treatment, foliar application, granular application, seedling

root dip, baiting, fumigation, etc.

Common insects of Olives

These are the insects of established orchards but their prevalence in nurseries must be

checked and preventive / curative measures be considered accordingly. An expert

advice can be sought for insect management.

Olive fruit flies

Olive Black Scale

49
 Olive wooly aphids

Hover fly, a beneficial insect Lady bird beetle, a beneficial insect

Common diseases of Olives

There are several diseases affecting plants in nurseries and in the farms. Adoption of

preventive and curative measures as per experts advise is very important. The infested

plants are not accepted by the certification agencies hence could not off er for sale to

farmers which may be a huge loss to the nurserymen. The major diseases of olives in

nurseries and in the established orchards include;

• Crown gall
• Leaf mold
• Olive knot
• Peacock leaf spot
• Phytophthora root rot / Gummosis
• Rhizoctonia root rot
• Verticillium wilt
• Xylella quick decline

50
Crown gall Leaf Mold Olive knot

Peacock leaf spot Rhizoctonia root rot Xylella quick decline

51
 SOPs FOR OLIVE NURSERY DEVELOPMENT
(Rules for nursery certification by FSC&RD)

Successful transmission of true-to-type and healthy olive plants of recommended

varieties is the prime objective of every successful Fruit Plant Propagation Scheme.

Infra-structure required to achieve these aims consists of two indispensable components

i.e., Germplasm Unit (GPU) and Commercial Fruit Plant Nursery along with specified

nursery structures i.e. green houses and hardening tunnels.

A. GERMPLASM UNIT (GPU)

Establishment of GPU is mandatory to provide a sustainable base for nursery and

orchard development. The GPU consists of two parts i.e., Mother block and

Multiplication Block.

1. Mother Block

• This will be the primary source of true-to-type and disease-free plant propagating

material.

• Will be established in Public (Research institute or university) sector.

• It should have pest free soil and surroundings. Preferably the block should be in

a protected screen house to avoid transmission of diseases through insect vectors.

In-case the screen house is not available, plants in the block should have an

isolation of at-least 1000 meters from any un-certified olive plant.

1. In case of exotic material, the planting trees must be:

a. from authentic source

b. will have full morphological description

c. with Sanitary & Phyto-sanitary (SPS) certificate.

52
 2. Prior to planting in the mother block, all mother trees will have to be

tested negative for prescribed debilitating viruses and free of other

difficult to control diseases.

3. Preferably there will be two mother trees of each variety in the block.

4. The block will have annual monitoring for disease or any other

abnormality.

5. The diseased, abnormal or off-type plants will be immediately removed

from the block.

6. The block should have up-to-date documentation of plant sources, layout

and management practices.

2. Multiplication Block

• Can get established in public as well as selected private sector.

• Can be in an open field.

• It should have 2 m surroundings free from any other vegetation.

• Will have annual monitoring for varietal integrity and health status.

• The diseased, abnormal or off-type plants will be immediately removed

from the block.

a. Color coding should be practiced maintaining varietal identity

during transfer of propagating material from multiplication block to

the nursery.

b. The block should have up-to-date documentation of plant sources,

layout and management practices.

53
 B. COMMERCIAL FRUIT PLANT NURSERY

1. Pre-requisites

a. Must be registered with Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

(FSC&RD).

b. Nursery land should be free from nematodes, soil borne pathogens and water

logging.

c. It should have no previous/current plantation of high feeding vegetables and

other plants like;

i. Potato, mango and deciduous trees to avoid nematodes.

ii. Tomato, eggplant, pepper, potato, peppermint, chr ysanthemum, cotton &

asters to avoid the fungus V. dahlia.

iii. Strawberries, plum, peach, raspberries, Rheum spp. and Sambucusnigra to

avoid viral infection.

2. Management/Cultural Practices

The nursery should:

a. Use propagating material only from GPU.

b. Maintain an isolation distance of at least 15 m from uncertified plants.

c. Have at-least 2 m vegetation free surroundings.

d. Use axillary buds/apical shoots for nursery plant production when in-vitro plant

propagation technology is applied.

e. Maintain record for:

i. Layout of plantation

ii. Sources of propagating material

54
 iii. Management practices

f. Well-designed building, propagation area and plant growing facility for the

newly rooted plants.

g. Controlled supply/application of uncontaminated water supply. Untreated sewage

water must never be used for irrigation.

h. Have clean mettle foot path.

i. Display a scientifically prepared map at its front entrance.

j. Have screen/ lathe -house to safeguard the plant against disease transmitting

vectors.

k. Prefer container grown plantation by using sterilized containers, tools and soil to

minimize the soil disease, nematode etc.

l. Practice land rotation after 3 cycles of olive plantation, in -case of field

plantation.

m. Have trained staff in pest management and Phyto-sanitary measures.

3. Certification Standards

a. The varietal identity should be strictly maintained at each stage of propagation

and at each part of the nursery. Color coding should be maintained to ensure

varietal identity.

b. At-least two inspections will be carried out to ensure varietal purity and disease-

free status of the plants. First inspection will be at the time of budding/grafting

and second will be conducted before plant sale.

c. In case of grafting, the plants selected for sale should have:

a. Functional grafts

55
 b. No buds/shoots below the graft union

c. vigorous upright main stem/shoot

d. The grafted plant should bear following attributes:

i. 10 - 15 cm grafting height.

ii. 1.0 - 1.5 cm root stock diameter at 10-15 cm height.

e. In-case of field plantation, 20 cm plant to plant and 30 cm row to row distance

should be maintained.

f. Nurseries should prefer to sell plants at an age between 12 and 24 months as they

are considered more suitable for field plantation.

g. Recommended plant height at the time of sale is 50 - 75 cm.

h. The plants should have 99.8 % varietal purity for certified category.

i. The certified plants should bear the label in accordance with section 17 of

“Pakistan Fruit Plants Certification Rules, 1998”.

Certified Plant Production Protocols

Pre-requisite for registration of fruit plants nursery

1. Application on prescribed proforma duly filled for all information required.

2. Provision of land owner certificate (Fard malkiyat) of nursery area.

3. Copy of CINC.

4. Map of nursery showing location from main road and nursery details.

5. Proof of Nursery registration fee deposit (challan) in favor of FSC&RD.

6. Test reports of soil and water analysis.

56
Pre-requisite for production of certified nursery plants

1. Registration of Nursery with Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department

(FSC&RD).

2. Registration of Olive Variety with FSC&RD whose certified nursery plants are to be

produced.

3. Propagation material (cuttings) must be obtained from recognized multiplication block

established with any research institute of public sector/university or registered fruit plant

nursery of private sector in collaboration with public sector institute.

4. Regular inspection of FSC&RD experts at different nursery growing stages i.e., cutting

plantation in nursery beds for rooting, transplanting of rooted cuttings in nursery

containers and final/salable stage of nursery plants.

5. Health monitoring of nursery plants and potting media by FSC&RD or relevant public-

sector institute.

57
Application Form for Nursery Registration:

58
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