1. Tomato being grown on large scale in India. There is a huge demand for the seedlings of tomato. The trend to buy these seedlings from commercially nurseries is increasing amongst farmers. This has encouraged the commercial nursery venture under protected conditions. Different types of structures are used for growing the seedlings under protected conditions eg. Colches, Low tunnels, Medium tunnels, Walking tunnels, shade net house, Greenhouse etc. Farmers prefer to buy seedlings from nursery so as to reduce the efforts and resources required in the early stages of the plant. Introduction:

2. Cloches: Colches are structures covered with perforated polyethylene caps to protect seedling containers. Low Tunnels: These are small arc about 0.5 m tall. They cover the raised beds of tomato nursery. It is supported with a steel frame which is removed as required. Medium and Walking Tunnels: These structures are of medium height where a person can walk and carry out nursery operations. Shadenet House: These structures are covered with shade net and polyethylene. They are big enough to work inside. Structures Used:

3. Greenhouse: It has a wooden or steel frame and is covered with polyethylene. They are big enough to work inside and they create optimum condition for plant growth. Cover Material Used: Polyethylene: The polyethylene used for covering all structures is UV stabilized and 200 micron. This type of polythene has a life of 3 to 5 years. Structures Used: The selection of structure depends on the quantity of speedlings required. The commercial nursery owner prefers nursery under medium tunnels, shade net house or greenhouse. Raising Seedlings in Protected Nursery

4. Growing Seedlings in Shadenet House

5. It is either soil + FYM (1:1) or soil less media such as Cocopeat or peat. The media is disinfected with formalin @0.025%, 5L water/m 2. The disinfection is done morning or evening but never in noon. The soil is covered with black polyethylene for 36-72 hours after drenching the soil with formalin solution. Then polyethylene is removed and water is drained to remove formalin residues. Soil-less medium used in Nursery: Cocopeat Media:

6. Soil is thoroughly prepared. Raised beds of 10.0x1.0x0.30m 3 size(lxbxh) are prepared. Before preparation of bed add 1kg of single superphosphate,25g of Phorate /bed. Line sowing is done across the width of the bed at 7cm. The seed required for single bed is 40g. Ten beds are required for raising the seedlings for 1ha area. Seedlings raised under protected cultivation are exclusively F1 hybrids. Preparation of Bed:

7. Irrigation: Micro-sprinkler help to create good microclimate and bring about even distribution of moisture. Avoids exposure and displacement of seed. Protection against diseases and pests: Weekly spray of Malathion + Neem seed kernel extract 4% against aphids, mites, white flies, leaf miner and Bavistin 10mL/10L water against damping off and wilt. Climate Control: The temperature and humidity is maintained at 24-26 o c and 80% respectively. Aftercare:

8. Better management of the seedlings Production of healthy and quality seedlings is short time. Uniform growth of seedlings. Precision in production practices. Economy of inputs such as seed, insecticides, fungicides etc. Lesser effect of the adverse climatic conditions. Advantages: