Object is to reduce frequency of root deformations on forest plants induced during transplanting operations in nurseries.
According to the rules, it is not allowed to commercialize plants affected by root deformations.
Problem. Mechanical transplanters classically used in forest nurseries run with a circular-type conveyor. This kinematics is not suitable for deep transplanting required in forest nurseries. It results in club or bent roots which occurs at approximately ten centimeters depth.
Solution. Forest nurseries and plant genetics division imagined and patented a new transplanting process named "linear process". In this new kinematics, transplanting is realised by translation and not by rotation. In that way, plants are hold vertically during all the transplanting stages, this fact warrants a good root-system straightness.
A successful industrialisation. GREGOIRE-BESSON Company, located in Montingé/Moine 49230, purchased the CEMAGREF patent and elaborated on this technical foundation an original machine: "The CEMAG transplanter". This technology, developed first for forest nurseries, is nowadays appreciated by market gardeners for transplanting vegetables like leek or cabbage.
Correspondence: P. Baldet, CEMAGREF, Forest Nurseries and Plant Genetics Division, Domaine des Barres, 45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France
Telefax: +33-38 95 03 59