IPPS New Zealand

Damien Naidu completed his MSc at the University of Natal (Durban), in affiliation with the CSIR, entitled: “The impact of physical characteristics of Pinus patula on Kraft pulp properties”. He previously completed a BSc and BSc Honours degree, at the University of Natal (Durban) that focused on animal behavioural ecology and cell biology. Damien is presently employed by Sappi Forests as a Principal Researcher Officer at Sappi’s Shaw Research Centre, in Howick. His main research focus is the vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus and nursery technology. Damien has published numerous scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has also authored many internal research documents for Sappi Forests Research. Clonal asexual propagation by cuttings is an efficient technique for capturing genetic gain in forestry. However, selected clones (selected for growth, wood properties and stem form) often prove to be difficult to root, thereby limiting the rate of deployment for further field testing and subsequent commercialisation. This constraint will also delay the time taken for new clones to be identified. It is thus imperative that a propagation system runs efficiently and economically to realise genetic gain. It is widely hypothesised that rooting ability of clones is under genetic control. Although true for some clones, this study showed that the sand bed mini-hedge system resulted in improved rooting percentages through rejuvenation, better nutrition and improved climatic control of hedges. Additional benefits of this system included a more robust root system, faster growth and improved plant quality of mini-cuttings, which are favourable traits to reduce transplant stress when planted in-field.

Why is growing media quality so important? What are the most important properties of a good growing medium? What are the advantages of Lithuanian peat moss for use as growing medium?

Discussion of the parameters of water analysis and conversions.

The nursery industry is highly dependent on container plant production. Utilizing sustainable inputs and adopting sustainable practices have become a significant trend for horticultural production world-wide. This has led to a significant increase in pot-in-pot nursery production in the US, especially for large caliper trees traditionally produced as field-produced balled – and - burlapped crops (McNiel et al., 1996). Pot-in-pot production is a combination of traditional container and field production where the production container is placed within an in-ground socket pot.

The nursery industry is highly dependent on container plant production. Utilizing sustainable inputs and adopting sustainable practices have become a significant trend for horticultural production world-wide. This has led to a significant increase in pot-in-pot nursery production in the US, especially for large caliper trees traditionally produced as field-produced balled – and - burlapped crops (McNiel et al., 1996). Pot-in-pot production is a combination of traditional container and field production where the production container is placed within an in-ground socket pot

His main research focus is the vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus and nursery technology. Damien has published numerous scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has also authored many internal research documents for Sappi Forests Research. Clonal asexual propagation by cuttings is an efficient technique for capturing genetic gain in forestry. However, selected clones (selected for growth, wood properties and stem form) often prove to be difficult to root, thereby limiting the rate of deployment for further field testing and subsequent commercialisation. It is widely hypothesised that rooting ability of clones is under genetic control. Although true for some clones, this study showed that the sand bed mini-hedge system resulted in improved rooting percentages through rejuvenation, better nutrition and improved climatic control of hedges. Additional benefits of this system included a more robust root system, faster growth and improved plant quality of mini-cuttings, which are favourable traits to reduce transplant stress when planted in-field.