Table 3 provides a separate column for producers to evaluate the costs of their current transplant production system against alternative transplant systems. Risk is a factor that can dramatically affect transplant cost. Generally, risk increases from plant beds to float systems and is highest in the outdoor direct seed float system. These risks can potentially affect the usable plant rate and plant quality. Producers should consider that higher levels of management are required to offset the increased risks in float plant production.
Risk management is essential in outdoor direct seeding systems.
The success of this system is highly dependent on weather conditions and management within the first 15 days after seeding. If beds are not adequately protected, a hard spring shower can dramatically reduce the usable plant rate by washing away or burying tobacco seeds. Table 2 below presents the cost per thousand in the outdoor direct seeding system under various usable plant rates and tray sizes. Producers who are considering direct seeding in outdoor beds should evaluate not only inputs that will reduce risk, such as various float bed covers, outdoor structure designs, and preventive fungicide applications, but also their ability to manage risk under this system. Increased risk in direct seeding is a major reason why many tobacco producers choose and continue to use outdoor plug and transfer systems.