The results are in from a comprehensive trial of Bustaseed Seedling Trays with standard commercial seedling trays undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast. The results show that seeds germinate better and seedlings grow better using the Bustaseed system.
Seedlings growing in Bustaseed and commercial seed trays.
When I first looked at Bustaseed’s seed growing modules back in August 2019, my first thoughts were how radical and clever they were. One of those things that are so obviously good you wonder why nobody thought of it years ago.
I started using the Bustaseed trays in 2020 and they were all I hoped. There’s a whole range of benefits to the system, not least that seedlings grow better in them than the old-fashioned module systems.
Still, it’s nice to have my view that the seedlings grow better in them confirmed by a trial carried out by the School of Biological Sciences of Queen’s University, Belfast. Bustaseed seedling trays were evaluated against a common/standard modular commercial seedling trays.
Cherry tomato seeds were sown in three types of compost in both types of module tray. A total of 18 trays were prepared for this germination experiment, nine of which were produced by Bustaseed® and the other nine were sourced from other commercial suppliers. The two types of trays were prepared in triplicate, dividing each type of compost into three propagation trays.
Highest Seed Germination – Bustaseed
The Bustaseed trays produced the highest average germination percentage.
The Bustaseed trays produced the highest average germination percentage.
The overall average germination percentage of the Bustaseed® trays including all growth media options was 71%, whereas the standard commercial seedling tray was 66%.
I believe this was because the design of Bustaseed modules where water is added to the tray to keep the compost continually moist is more effective than the usual top watering modules. Overhead watering can wash seeds off and damage roots that have just started growing.
Highest Shoot Biomass – Bustaseed
After 30 days the plants were removed, washed and then assessed. The researchers measured top growth by how much biomass was produced.
After 30 days the plants were removed, washed and then assessed. The researchers measured top growth by how much biomass was produced.
Despite variations in growth caused by differing composts, Bustaseed was the top performer. The researchers note:
When supplied with optimal/high yielding growth media the Bustaseed tray configuration can produce strong growth responses.
Highest Root Biomass – Bustaseed
They then measured the amount of root growth, once again Bustaseed trays were the top performer. Obviously, the more roots the more nutrients the plant can absorb and, therefore, result in better growth.
Conclusion
The researchers concluded that the compost used made a significant difference. As any gardener could have told them! And that the Bustaseed trays produced the best results overall when combined with the best compost.
More Information
I reviewed the Bustaseed trays when I first got them here: Bustaseed Modular Propagation System Review
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