SEEDLING PRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION TO THE FOREST NURSERIES

In order to do large-scale reforestation projects, we need hundreds of thousands of plants. For that, we need large nurseries where seeds can grow in a controlled environment. The aim of creating different nurseries is to ensure adaptability and biodiversity. We have nurseries in different regions of Armenia and at different altitudes. The reason is to raise our opportunity to grow more tree and shrub species that specifically address reforestation/afforestation requirements. Our nursery activity is based on ongoing research.

Our Nurseries

BENJAMIN GUMUCHDJIAN NURSERY, GUGARK

Gugark nursery is located not far from the Vanadzor-Dilijan main road and covers about 3.5 ha. Altitude is 1700 m. Climate and soil conditions in Gugark will allow us to grow about 10 tree and 5 shrub species with the bare-root system. With the seedlings grown here, we will primarily address regions located at higher altitudes (1500-2200 m). Currently, 24 people work in the Gugark nursery.

Our Greenhouses

GUGARK GREENHOUSE

With the support of the Embassy of Japan in Armenia, we’ve built a second 500m2 greenhouse in the “Benjamin Gumuchdjian” nursery in Gugark. New greenhouse has a production capacity of 122.400 close-roots seedlings. Our new and large greenhouse is an important addition to our facilities and a great support to our reforestation action.

The greenhouse allows growing species that are hard to cultivate in the nursery, as well as earlier planting in the fall season or later planting in the spring.

DR. GARY AND LINDA ASSARIAN GREENHOUSE, VANADZOR

In cooperation with the Agrarian State University, we built a greenhouse in front of Vanadzor branch main building. This greenhouse has a dual function: the major part is dedicated to growing tree seedlings in containers, and another part serves for educational and research purposes for students and professors of the university.

Tree seedlings grown here are more viable. The main idea is that during the entire growth and planting process of the tree seedlings, the root system is not disturbed, and the seedlings are not damaged during the transportation process. This offers the opportunity to have healthy and viable seedlings in a short period of time and a higher survival rate during reforestation activities. The growth of tree seedlings in containers for afforestation and reforestation programs is widely used in many countries.