METHODS OF GROWING FEIJOA SEEDLINGS (ACCA SELLOWIANA BERG.) IN THE HUMID SUBTROPICS OF RUSSIA

The paper presents the results of studying the growth and development of feijoa seedlings (Acca sellowiana Berg.) under various cultivation methods – with a closed root system (CRS) and an open root system (ORS). Various containers are used for cultivating plants with CRS: peat-drying and pressed pots made of cellulose, clay, perforated, plastic cups, etc., which, depending on the material, differ in shape (cylindrical, square), height, and diameter. Peat, sand, and perlite were used as the substrate. Seedlings with an open root system are grown directly in the ground. Each method has its own positive and negative sides. The positive thing for plants with a closed root system is that damage to the underground part is excluded; this contributes to a high survival rate of plants. Plants can be planted all year round. There are also disadvantages here – the higher cost of seedlings, because it consists of labor costs, the cost of soil and additives to it, the purchase of special containers, film, daily watering, compliance with temperature conditions and other factors. Seedlings with an open root system are grown in the soil. This method has disadvantages: a short planting period, when digging from the ground, they are forced to cut off part of the skeletal roots on which the active roots are located. Due to poor root regeneration, vegetation is delayed by 10–12 days compared to seedlings with a closed root system. And despite all efforts, only 78 % of such seedlings adapt.