Improving Intensive Production With Transplants

Project Leader: Mike Giltner, Giltner Greenhouse, Pueblo, CO Technical Advisor: Mike Bartolo, Vegetable Crops Specialist, Rocky Ford, CO Project Year: 2005

Project Summary

The objective of this experiment is to prove that the use of transplants can be beneficial compared to direct seeding using the more expensive, but more commonly used hybrid seeds. It could save farmers money and resources. There are several ways to improve production of transplants, such as: 1.) add supplemental light early in transplant development to stimulate a better growth pattern; 2.) alter plant size- have small, medium, and large plugs to compare the chance of survival among sizes; 3.) use a drip system that a traditional farmer could afford to install. It would alleviate transplant shock, reduce water consumption, and improve overall production.

The seeds being used for research are the Pueblo Chile Pepper, Hybrid Bell Pepper, Mountain Spring Tomato, Solitaire watermelon, and the Crimson Sweet watermelon. The plot being used will be divided into four subplots. One will be watered strictly by flood irrigation. The other three will have an inexpensive drip system.