Techniques for producing native seedlings for container, bareroot (plug+1), and seed increase production

Abstract

Some native species present challenges for efficient propagation and production due to small seed size, low germination and establishment rates, as well as sensitivity to transplanting. In the Pacific Northwest, 3 species, Spiraea douglasii Hook. (Rosaceae), Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim. (Rosaceae), and Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. (Fabaceae), are grown as container or bareroot (plug+1) stocktypes at the Coeur d’Alene Forest Service nursery in northern Idaho using Jiffy plugs for ease of germination, growth, and planting. We have found that this method overcomes production challenges for small-seeded bareroot and container plants and shortens time to seed harvest for seed increase needs.