DREVO Nursery: production, adaptation, and support of planting material
From seed and mother plant to a sustainable ecosystem
The DREVO nursery is more than just a place to grow seedlings. It's a specialized center for preserving genetic resources, propagating plants, adapting planting material, and preparing it for specific environmental conditions.
The nursery's work doesn't end with the sale or transfer of the plant. It continues after planting through a digital passport, survival monitoring, consulting support, and analysis of the results.
The main principle of DREVO:
The nursery is responsible not for the quantity of seedlings produced, but for their origin, quality, survival rate, and ability to become part of a sustainable plant community.
1. The nursery's place in the DREVO system
The nursery connects:
genetic pool;
mother gardens;
seed bank;
clone archives;
laboratories;
reforestation projects;
forest gardens;
farms;
urban greening;
digital platform DREVO Plant ID;
analytical system DREVO AI.
The general chain looks like this:
Genetic material → mother plant → seeds, cuttings or scions → reproduction → cultivation → adaptation → quality control → delivery → landing → accompaniment → monitoring → adult → new source of seeds and planting material.
This is how a continuous life cycle of the plant is created.
2. The main tasks of the nursery
The DREVO nursery performs several interrelated functions.
Production function
Cultivation:
trees;
shrubs;
perennial herbs;
vines;
coastal plants;
ground cover species;
rootstock;
grafted varieties;
plants for land restoration.
Genetic function
Preservation and propagation:
old varieties;
local ecotypes;
rare lines;
mother plants;
resistant seedlings;
wild relatives of cultivated plants.
Adaptation function
Preparing plants for:
climate of the territory;
local soil;
watering regime;
wind;
heat;
cold;
salinization;
future plant community.
Research function
Conducting tests:
varieties;
rootstock;
growing methods;
substrates;
irrigation methods;
hardening systems;
methods of transportation and landing.
Educational function
Training:
gardeners;
farmers;
volunteers;
schoolchildren;
specialists;
keepers of queen collections.
Service function
Support of plants after transfer to the customer or project.
3. Types of DREVO nurseries
Central Nursery
The main production and scientific center of the region.
It may include:
seed bank;
mother garden;
clone archive;
laboratory;
greenhouses;
hardening areas;
quarantine;
training center;
composition;
digital control system.
Regional nursery
Produces plants for a specific climate and geographic zone.
Its material is adapted to:
local temperatures;
duration of the season;
soil types;
precipitation characteristics;
local diseases and pests.
Project nursery
It is created directly next to a large project.
Used for:
forest restoration;
landscaping of large areas;
formation of protective strips;
dune stabilization;
creation of forest gardens;
restoration of mountain slopes.
The main advantage is the ability to adapt plants directly to the future planting site.
Mobile nursery
Consists of transportable modules:
container greenhouses;
shadow structures;
irrigation systems;
work desks;
small refrigeration chambers;
seed storage modules;
instrumental stations.
It can move between projects.
Public nursery
Created at:
cooperative;
schools;
environmental center;
farmers' association;
urban community.
Its mission is to engage people in the conservation and propagation of native plants.
Reserve nursery
Designed for storing duplicates of particularly valuable genetic lines.
It must be geographically separated from the main collection.
4. Functional zones of the nursery
The nursery is divided into separate zones to avoid mixing materials of different origins and sanitary status.
4.1. Reception area
Accepted here:
seeds;
cuttings;
gains;
plants;
soil samples;
accompanying documents.
Each batch receives a temporary identifier until verification is completed.
4.2. Quarantine zone
Used for new and potentially contaminated material.
It hosts:
visual inspection;
insulation;
diagnostics;
observation;
laboratory tests;
Sanitary treatment.
The material does not enter main production until its safety is confirmed.
4.3. Seed zone
Includes space for:
reception;
cleaning;
drying;
sorting;
testing;
stratification;
seed storage.
4.4. Sowing and germination zone
Equipped with:
work desks;
cassettes;
seeding containers;
adjustable lighting;
fogging systems;
heating;
ventilation;
humidity control means.
4.5. Greenhouse zone
Used for:
early cultivation;
rooting cuttings;
winter vaccination;
cultivation of heat-loving species;
restoration of weak plants.
4.6. Shadow zone
Suitable for species sensitive to:
direct sun;
overheating;
dry wind;
sudden evaporation.
4.7. Open area
Here plants are prepared for natural conditions.
They gradually receive:
more sunlight;
natural temperature fluctuations;
wind exposure;
less frequent watering.
4.8. Mother garden
Source:
seeds;
cuttings;
grafts;
otvodkov;
root shoots.
4.9. Clone archive
Preserves copies of valuable varieties and genetic lines.
4.10. Rootstock zone
Used for production of:
seed;
clonal;
dwarf;
semi-dwarf;
vigorous rootstocks.
4.11. Grafting zone
It is equipped with separate workstations, storage systems for grafts and means for sanitizing instruments.
4.12. Adaptation zone
It simulates the conditions of the future landing:
drought;
wind;
increased solar load;
cool climate;
limited nutrition;
local soil type.
4.13. Finished goods area
Plants that have passed quality control and are ready for delivery are stored here.
4.14. Isolator
Used for plants showing symptoms after initial approval.
4.15. Compost and substrate zone
Intended for:
compost preparation;
bark storage;
production of leaf humus;
mixing substrates;
disinfection of reusable materials.
4.16. Water circulation zone
May include:
rainwater collection;
filtration;
reservoirs;
reuse of permitted wastewater;
water quality control.
5. Production planning
The nursery works not only on current orders.
It is necessary to formulate a long-term plan that takes into account:
planting season;
growing period;
expected projects;
safety stock;
percentage of defects;
survival rate;
need for rootstocks;
vaccination dates;
seed stratification time;
required age of plants.
For each type, a production cycle is determined.
For example:
Seed collection → cleaning → stratification → sowing → growing seedlings → transplant → formation of the root system → hardening → quality control → project transfer.
For grafted plants the following are added:
growing rootstock → preparing the scion → vaccination → fusion → crown formation → varietal control.
6. Assortment planning
The nursery's assortment is formed according to a functional principle.
It should include:
frame trees;
pioneer species;
fruit trees;
nut-bearing plants;
nitrogen-fixing species;
windbreak trees and shrubs;
anti-erosion plants;
honey plants;
ground cover species;
coastal plants;
medicinal plants;
rare local varieties;
fodder trees;
plants for pollinators;
species for specific regional communities.
The DREVO nursery should not focus only on the best-selling ornamental crops.
7. Production from seeds
Seed preparation
Before sowing, the following are checked:
origin;
purity;
humidity;
fullness;
germination;
sanitary condition;
the need for stratification;
the need for scarification.
Sowing
For each batch the following are recorded:
date;
way;
depth;
substrate;
temperature;
quantity;
mood;
responsible employee.
Germination
Controlled by:
humidity;
temperature;
ventilation;
world;
the appearance of mold;
uniformity of seedlings.
Picking
Seedlings are transplanted after the formation of a sufficient root system and the first true leaves, if the biology of the species allows such an operation.
Culling
Plants are removed:
with severe defects;
with rot;
with pronounced virus-like symptoms;
with irreversible damage to the roots.
An unusual shape should not automatically be considered a defect. It may be of genetic interest and should be monitored.
8. Production from cuttings
Cuttings allow you to preserve the properties of the mother plant.
Used:
green cuttings;
semi-lignified;
lignified;
root;
leafy - for species that are capable of reproducing in this way.
For each culture the following is determined:
optimal age of shoot;
length of the handle;
number of kidneys;
procurement period;
substrate;
air humidity;
temperature;
the need to stimulate rooting;
duration of rooting.
The mother plant and the batch of cuttings must be linked by a digital pedigree.
9. Propagation by layering
The method is used for plants that are capable of forming roots on shoots.
Main methods:
horizontal layers;
arcuate;
vertical;
aerial;
mother layering beds.
This method is particularly useful for producing clonal rootstocks and shrubs.
10. Production of grafted plants
The production line includes:
Preparing the rootstock.
Preparation of scion.
Verification of origin.
Vaccination.
Marking.
Content in conditions of fusion.
Survival control.
Removing rootstock suckers.
Formation of the scion.
Confirmation of varietal affiliation.
Each grafted plant receives a double entry:
rootstock passport;
graft passport.
You cannot limit yourself to indicating only the name of the variety.
11. Tissue culture
Laboratory propagation can be used for:
fast production;
preservation of rare lines;
material improvement;
propagation of difficult-to-root plants;
creating backup collections.
After the laboratory, the plants undergo gradual acclimatization:
Closed sterile environment.
High humidity.
Transition to non-sterile substrate.
Gradual decrease in humidity.
Increased illumination.
Transfer to the greenhouse.
Transfer to an open area.
This transition is one of the most vulnerable stages.
12. Production of plants with a closed root system
Plants are grown in:
cassettes;
containers;
pots;
special air-root containers;
biodegradable containers.
Advantages:
possibility of a longer planting season;
less root damage;
ease of transportation;
accurate accounting;
high survival rate with good quality.
Risks:
root twisting;
container overheating;
drying out;
dependence on frequent watering;
formation of weak root architecture.
13. Open-root production
Plants are grown in the ground and dug up during the dormant period.
Advantages:
low cost;
low transport weight;
natural root development;
convenience of mass plantings.
Risks:
drying out of roots;
limited boarding period;
damage during excavation;
higher sensitivity to transportation.
Roots must be protected from sun, wind and drying out from the time of digging until planting.
14. Containers with root system management
The right container should guide the roots, not force them to spin in circles.
Used:
vertical ribs;
air pruning holes;
lattice bottom;
fabric containers;
deep forest cassettes.
The formation of a straight and branched root system in trees is especially important for dry and windy areas.
15. Substrates
There is no universal substrate for all plants.
Possible components:
mature compost;
leaf humus;
bark;
wood fiber;
sand;
loam;
mineral supplements;
coconut fiber;
perlite;
pumice stone;
biochar.
For each substrate the following are assessed:
moisture capacity;
air permeability;
density;
structural stability;
acidity;
electrical conductivity;
nutrient content;
sanitary condition.
DREVO Nursery strives to use locally sourced, renewable ingredients and reduce dependence on mined peat.
16. Soil as a biological environment
The substrate should not be considered only as a mechanical support.
It is a medium for:
roots;
bacteria;
mushrooms;
protozoa;
soil microfauna;
metabolism.
However, the artificial introduction of microorganisms must be justified. Not every commercial biological product is suitable for a specific species and soil.
17. Mycorrhization
For some plants, the connection with mycorrhizal fungi is important.
Mycorrhiza can contribute to:
assimilation of phosphorus;
access to water;
root development;
stress resistance;
formation of the soil network.
The most reliable approach is to use compatible mushrooms and healthy soil from a reputable source.
The transfer of forest soil from natural ecosystems must not destroy its place of origin and may be restricted by law.
18. Watering in the nursery
The main goal of watering is not just to provide water, but to form a healthy root system.
Too frequent surface watering can lead to:
superficial roots;
depending on constant moisture;
poor stability after landing;
development of fungal diseases.
Watering should take into account:
view;
age;
container size;
substrate;
temperature;
wind;
stage of development;
future landing conditions.
19. Water quality
The following are checked:
pH;
electrical conductivity;
salt content;
bicarbonates;
sodium;
chlorides;
possible contamination;
sanitary safety.
For sensitive plants, poor water quality may be more important than a lack of fertilizer.
20. Water supply system
The nursery can use:
rainwater;
well water;
surface water after testing;
purified water;
recirculation of permissible effluents;
drip irrigation;
micro-sprinkler irrigation;
fogging;
bottom irrigation.
Different areas of the nursery require different systems.
21. Plant nutrition
Fertilizer is applied only after evaluation:
substrate;
plant conditions;
the type;
growth rates;
quality of irrigation water;
future purpose.
Overfeeding can create a large but weak plant with:
loose tissues;
low frost resistance;
high sensitivity to drought;
imbalance of the crown and roots.
The goal is not maximum growth, but balanced development.
22. Formation of the root system
The quality of the roots is more important than the decorative shape of the crown.
The following are checked:
no twisting;
uniform distribution;
the presence of active small roots;
absence of rot;
correspondence of the root volume to the crown size;
absence of strangling roots;
correct position of the root collar.
Root system problems that develop in the nursery may only become apparent several years after planting.
23. Crown formation
The basic architecture of the tree is formed in the nursery.
Necessary:
maintain a stable central conductor when it is characteristic of the species;
prevent dangerous forks;
remove damaged branches;
do not prune excessively;
take into account the future function of the plant.
The shape of a tree for reforestation may differ from the shape of a tree for the street, garden, or pasture.
24. Hardening of plants
Hardening is a gradual preparation for open ground conditions.
It includes:
increase in illumination;
reduced wind protection;
reducing the frequency of watering;
increase in temperature fluctuations;
reduction of intensive nutrition;
preparing fabrics for winter or the dry season.
A sudden transition from a greenhouse to open ground causes stress and increases mortality.
25. Climate adaptation
Plants must be grown taking into account the future planting site.
For cold regions the following are assessed:
completion of growth;
maturation of shoots;
frost resistance;
root stability;
bud break period.
For arid regions:
water efficiency;
root depth;
sun resistance;
the ability to recover from water deficiency.
For the coasts:
wind resistance;
salt aerosol;
sand;
high solar load.
26. Local adaptation
It is advisable to carry out part of the production cycle near the future planting site.
This allows plants to get used to:
local water;
temperature fluctuations;
length of the day;
wind;
local microbiota;
the actual level of solar radiation.
Project nurseries may use local soil as a component of the adaptation substrate after checking its safety.
27. Pre-landing preparation
Before transfer, plants are checked:
compliance with the order;
identifier;
health;
root system;
substrate humidity;
container stability;
vaccination status;
absence of quarantine symptoms;
degree of hardening;
suitability for transportation.
The plant receives planting recommendations.
28. Readiness categories
Category A - Ready for landing
A fully adapted plant with a well-formed root system.
Category B - ready with additional care
Can be planted with provision of watering, protection or temporary shade.
Category C - requires further growing
Insufficiently developed root system or weak adaptation.
Category D - observation
The plant has atypical characteristics and is temporarily not transmitted.
Category E – culling or sanitary disposal
The plant does not meet the minimum requirements or poses a sanitary risk.
29. Seedling quality standard
A quality plant should have:
confirmed identity;
known origin;
healthy root system;
correct root collar;
stable trunk;
absence of dangerous damage;
appropriate ratio of roots and crown;
signs of active development;
absence of quarantine organisms;
digital passport or party passport.
Large size is not the main indicator of quality.
30. Marking
Each individually valuable plant receives:
persistent identifier;
label;
QR code;
entry in DREVO Plant ID.
Bulk shipments may be marked with a group code and then assigned individual numbers after boarding.
The label must contain at least:
view;
variety or ecotype;
code;
origin;
production date;
readiness category.
31. Digital passport of a seedling
The passport includes:
unique number;
view;
variety;
genetic origin;
seed lot;
mother plant;
rootstock;
scion;
method of reproduction;
dates of production operations;
used substrate;
history of transplants;
adaptation mode;
control results;
photograph;
planting recommendations;
final destination.
32. Party passport
For bulk material the following are recorded:
batch number;
quantity;
view;
origin;
production area;
age;
size;
container;
date of completion;
results of sampling;
percentage of defects;
appointment.
After the transfer, the party is assigned to a specific project.
33. Transportation
During transportation, plants are protected from:
drying out;
overheating;
frost;
winds;
mechanical damage;
rollovers;
pollution;
mixing of parties.
Particular attention is paid to the roots of plants with an open root system.
Before loading the following are checked:
humidity;
fastening;
marking;
route;
duration of transportation;
weather conditions.
34. Landing kit
The following set may be transferred along with the plant:
instructions;
QR code;
landing scheme;
barrel protection;
support;
garter;
mulching material;
root protection agent;
humidity sensor;
passport;
Primary care schedule.
For large projects, kits are formed according to seat types.
35. Transfer of planting material
During the transfer the following is recorded:
recipient;
date;
quantity;
state;
transport;
destination;
storage conditions before planting;
responsible for landing.
This makes it possible to determine at what stage possible losses arose.
36. Planting as part of the nursery's responsibility
The nursery must provide requirements for:
the size of the planting hole;
position of the root collar;
soil preparation;
irrigation;
mulching;
garter;
protection from animals;
shading;
pruning.
For large projects, it is advisable to have a nursery representative participate in training the planting team.
37. Planting hole
Size and shape depend on:
root system;
soil type;
drainage;
climate;
relief;
irrigation method.
The root collar should not be deepened uncontrollably.
In heavy soil, a deep hole with loose filling can turn into a reservoir of stagnant water.
38. Correcting roots during planting
Before landing, the following are checked:
twisted roots;
damaged areas;
strangling roots;
dense container lump;
dry roots.
The correction must be careful and appropriate to the type and condition of the plant.
39. Watering after planting
Primary irrigation provides:
soil-root contact;
elimination of air voids;
restoration of water balance.
The subsequent schedule should not be determined automatically by the calendar. It depends on:
soils;
weather;
plant size;
season;
root system;
mulch;
precipitation.
40. Mulching
Mulch helps:
retain moisture;
reduce overheating;
suppress unwanted vegetation;
form an organic layer;
protect the soil from the rain.
The mulch should not be in close contact with the trunk and should not cover the root collar.
41. Garter and supports
The support is used only when necessary.
Too tight a hold:
limits the movement of the barrel;
prevents the formation of strong tissues;
may damage the bark.
The garter is checked regularly and removed in a timely manner.
42. Post-landing protection
Depending on the territory, the following apply:
protection from rodents;
protection from ungulates;
protection from livestock;
sunburn protection;
wind protection screens;
temporary shading;
protection from mechanical equipment;
fire safety measures.
43. Accompanying planting material
Support includes several levels.
Information support
Providing instructions and a digital passport.
Consulting support
Answers from specialists to questions about care.
Field support
Inspection of the planting site and condition of the plants.
Digital support
Collect photos, metrics and events via DREVO Plant ID.
Analytical support
Data evaluation with DREVO AI.
44. Periods of support
First month
Controlled by:
water stress;
stability;
damage;
leaf condition;
correct landing.
Season 1
Evaluated:
increase;
survival rate;
root development;
need for watering;
animal damage;
signs of disease.
First winter or dry season
The plant's ability to withstand the region's main climatic stress is tested.
Second and third years
The transition from care dependence to independent development is assessed.
Fifth year
For long-term projects, the correctness of the choice of species, origin and planting technology is assessed.
45. Survival index
The following are calculated for the party:
number of plants transferred;
number of planted;
number of living after a month;
number of survivors after the first season;
the number of survivors after the critical climatic period;
the number of sustainably developing plants.
It is important to distinguish:
formal survival;
weak existence;
normal development;
sustainable independent development.
46. Causes of losses
When a plant dies, the probable cause is recorded:
low quality material;
damage during transportation;
improper storage;
landing error;
drying out;
overwatering;
frost;
wound;
wind;
animals;
disease;
incompatibility of rootstock and scion;
inappropriate appearance;
vandalism;
unknown reason.
The purpose of such accounting is to improve the system, not to find someone to blame.
47. Guarantee for planting material
The warranty model must take into account the distribution of responsibility.
The nursery is responsible for:
identity;
origin;
sanitary condition;
compliance with the declared quality;
proper preparation of the plant.
The boarding organization is responsible for:
transportation, if carried out independently;
storage;
correct fit;
initial care.
The owner of the site is responsible for:
subsequent watering;
protection;
implementation of agreed recommendations.
All conditions are fixed in advance.
48. Replacing plants
Replacement can be carried out if confirmed:
hidden root damage;
identification error;
vaccination incompatibility;
disease present before transmission;
non-compliance with the standard.
If the cause was improper planting or lack of care, the plant can be replaced under different conditions.
49. Returning data to the nursery
Each project becomes a source of new knowledge.
Information about:
survival rate;
grows;
diseases;
productivity;
climate responses;
rootstock efficiency;
behavior of different origins;
results of adaptation.
This allows us to improve the production of future generations.
50. DREVO Nursery Manager
The digital nursery management module includes:
plant catalog;
lots of seeds;
mother plants;
rootstocks;
gains;
production tasks;
zone maps;
watering;
transplants;
stocks;
sales;
transfer to projects;
quality control;
survival statistics.
51. Plant production chart
It automatically generates a chronology:
receipt of material;
sowing or propagation;
emergence of roots;
picking;
transplantation;
vaccination;
pruning;
processing;
movement;
hardening;
CONTROL;
transfer;
landing;
monitoring.
History is not deleted after sale.
52. Nursery map
All zones are displayed in a digital plan.
The user can see:
location of parties;
number of plants;
delivery time;
watering regime;
sanitary status;
warnings;
free areas;
travel routes.
53. Nursery sensors
Possible installation of sensors:
temperatures;
air humidity;
substrate humidity;
illumination;
electrical conductivity;
pH;
water level;
water consumption;
state of greenhouses.
Automation should not replace visual inspection of plants.
54. DREVO AI in the nursery
Artificial intelligence can help:
forecast completion times;
identify heterogeneous parties;
analyze water consumption;
identify signs of stress from photographs;
plan transfers;
forecast demand;
compare substrates;
assess survival;
look for the causes of mass losses;
select plants for the project.
AI recommendations are confirmed by a specialist.
55. Automation
The following can be used in the nursery:
automatic watering;
transport carts;
container handling robots;
sorting systems;
cameras;
marking stations;
drones for inventory of large sites;
automatic ventilation systems.
Repeatable operations should be automated, while maintaining manual control of important biological decisions.
56. Quality control
Control is carried out at several stages:
Upon receipt of material.
After germination or rooting.
Before transplantation.
After vaccination.
Before hardening.
Before transmission.
After landing.
For mass batches, random control is used, and for rare genetic lines, individual control is used.
57. Sanitary control
The following are checked regularly:
leaves;
shoots;
roots;
substrate;
water;
greenhouses;
tools;
incoming material.
The principle of integrated protection is applied:
prevention;
sanitation;
biological methods;
mechanical removal;
spot treatments;
chemicals only when necessary and within the law.
58. Instrument hygiene
Instruments are cleaned and disinfected:
between infected and healthy batches;
during vaccination;
when pruning mother plants;
after work in quarantine;
when moving between valuable collections.
59. Waste management
Divided into:
healthy plant remains;
potentially contaminated material;
used substrate;
plastic;
package;
chemical waste;
organic waste.
Infected material does not enter regular compost without safe treatment.
60. Nursery stability
An eco-friendly nursery strives to:
collect rainwater;
reduce single-use plastic;
reuse containers after processing;
use local substrates;
reduce peat;
use renewable energy;
create your own compost;
maintain biodiversity;
reduce transport distances.
61. The nursery's own ecosystem
The nursery may include:
flowering stripes;
places for pollinators;
hedges;
reservoirs;
areas of natural vegetation;
trees for birds;
reference soil zone.
However, such elements should not increase sanitary risks for production areas.
62. Nursery staff
Main roles:
supervisor;
seed specialist;
vaccination specialist;
agronomist;
forest ranger;
phytopathologist;
custodian of the gene pool;
irrigation specialist;
digital platform operator;
logistician;
support coordinator;
volunteers and interns.
In a small nursery, one person can combine several functions.
63. Personnel training
Employees should know:
Basics of Botany;
plant identification;
sanitary rules;
work with passports;
reproduction methods;
irrigation basics;
signs of stress;
transportation rules;
safety precautions;
ethics of preserving genetic resources.
64. Volunteer programs
Volunteers can participate in:
collecting seeds;
transplant;
marking;
care;
landing activities;
monitoring;
keeping photo diaries;
creation of educational materials.
Work with quarantine, rare and genetically valuable material is carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.
65. Educational nursery
The nursery can be a space for practical learning.
Topics:
the path of a plant from a seed;
root structure;
vaccination;
local varieties;
pollination;
soil biology;
forest communities;
adaptation to climate;
digital passports;
preservation of genetic heritage.
66. Economic model
The nursery's income can be generated from:
plant sales;
custom production;
contract growing;
boarding services;
accompaniment;
training;
consultations;
licensed propagation of varieties;
research projects;
grants;
membership programs;
care of queen collections.
67. Contract growing
For a large project, the following is agreed upon in advance:
assortment;
origin;
quantity;
dimensions;
deadlines;
container type;
degree of adaptation;
reserve;
acceptable substitution;
acceptance conditions;
tracking system.
This reduces the risk of material shortages and accidental substitution of species.
68. Safety stock
The nursery is stocking additional plants.
The size of the reserve depends on:
difficulties in reproduction;
expected marriage;
project duration;
risk of loss;
re-production capabilities;
values of the genetic line.
For rare materials, the reserve is created not only by quantity, but also by placement in different nurseries.
69. Regional network of nurseries
DREVO can unite independent nurseries through a single standard.
Each network participant:
maintains independence;
maintains digital records;
confirms origin;
observes sanitary rules;
participates in the exchange of materials;
returns the results data.
70. Distributed genetic reserve
Valuable varieties and ecotypes are located in several places.
This approach protects them from:
fire;
floods;
diseases;
technical accident;
loss of land;
cessation of work of one nursery.
71. Regional specialization
Each nursery can specialize in certain groups:
alpine plants;
fruit varieties;
drought-resistant trees;
coastal plants;
nut crops;
forest species;
medicinal plants;
local shrubs;
plants for swamp restoration;
plants for dune stabilization.
72. Nursery passport
Each nursery in the network receives a digital passport.
It includes:
Name;
location;
climate;
square;
specialization;
production capacity;
queen collections;
equipment;
water sources;
sanitary status;
certification;
responsible specialists;
quality statistics;
survival rates of produced plants.
73. Performance indicators
It is not only sales volumes that are assessed.
Key indicators:
germination percentage;
rooting percentage;
success of vaccinations;
root quality;
percentage of defects;
water consumption per plant;
share of local components;
marking accuracy;
preservation of genetic lines;
survival rate after planting;
percentage of plants growing without intensive care;
satisfaction of projects and recipients.
74. Environmental indicators
The nursery may take into account:
water consumption;
energy consumption;
waste generation;
use of plastic;
share of renewable energy;
use of pesticides;
compost production;
area of natural zones;
number of preserved local varieties;
number of restored plant communities.
75. Minimum standard of the DREVO nursery
Each nursery must provide:
Traceable origin of the material.
Separate accounting of parties.
Quarantine of incoming plants.
Sanitary control.
Protection of genetically valuable material.
Checking the root system.
Adaptation to landing conditions.
Marking.
Instructions for the recipient.
Taking into account the results after landing.
Protection of personal and genetic data.
Accident and illness response plan.
76. Example of a production passport
Identifier:DREVO-CH-WTZ-NUR-AP-2026-00184 View:domestic apple tree Variety:old regional variety Rootstock:local seed Source of scion:mother tree DREVO-CH-ZH-MT-0041 Vaccination date:March 18, 2026 Container:12 liters Substrate:compost, wood fiber, loam and pumice Growing area:open adaptation site Root condition:complies with the standard Readiness category: A Purpose:public forest garden Recommended planting time:dormant period Accompaniment:24 months.
77. Example of a mass batch passport
Party code:WOOD-MA-ATL-NUR-TAM-2027-006 View:tamarisk of local origin Quantity:4,500 plants Reproduction method:rooted cuttings Number of mother plants: 85 Age:one season Container:deep forest cassette Adaptation:wind, sun, limited watering Purpose:inner coastal defense line Insurance reserve: 12 % Support period:three years.
78. Full life cycle
The DREVO system combines all stages:
Preservation of genetic material → choosing a mother plant → seed collection or vegetative propagation → production → root formation → adaptation → quality control → digital passport → transportation → landing → accompaniment → monitoring → assessment of survival → adult → inclusion in the plant community → possible receipt of a new generation.
The final principle
A good nursery produces not a product, but the beginning of a future ecosystem.
Each seedling carries within itself a genetic history, the results of human labor, and the potential for decades or centuries of life.
Therefore, the DREVO nursery evaluates its work not at the moment of plant delivery, but when it has successfully taken root, adapted, entered the plant community, and begun to fulfill its ecological, economic, and cultural functions.
The quality of a nursery is determined not by the number of plants at the gate, but by the number of healthy trees that continue to live after planting.
Selection of species, varieties and genetic diversity
Scientific principles for the formation of sustainable ecosystems DREVO
Introduction
One of the most common mistakes in landscaping is the desire to plant as many identical plants as possible.
This approach may be convenient for production, but in nature, sustainability is ensured not by the number of identical organisms, but by diversity.
Every ecosystem consists of thousands of interconnected species, varieties, populations, and microorganisms. It is their diversity that allows a forest, steppe, or garden to survive droughts, diseases, pests, frosts, and climate change.
Therefore, DREVO's main goal is not the mass planting of one "best" variety, but the creation of a sustainable living system.
1. The principle of biological diversity
The higher the diversity of an ecosystem, the higher its resilience.
The variety includes:
species diversity;
genetic diversity;
age diversity;
spatial diversity;
functional diversity;
microbiological diversity.
Each level reduces the risk of complete destruction of the system.
2. Five levels of DREVO diversity
| Level | What does it include? |
|---|---|
| Genetic | different genotypes within a single species |
| Species | different types of plants |
| Population | plants from different regions of origin |
| Ecosystem | combination of different natural communities |
| Landscape | diversity of territories and habitats |
3. Why monoculture is dangerous
Monoculture means growing one species, variety, or even one genetic line.
Problems of monocultures:
mass spread of pests;
rapid development of diseases;
equal sensitivity to frost;
the same response to drought;
decrease in soil stability;
reduction of biodiversity;
degradation of ecosystem connections.
Even high-yielding varieties can cause catastrophic losses.
4. Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity is the differences between individual organisms of the same species.
For example, two pine trees may belong to the same species, but differ in:
growth rate;
frost resistance;
depth of the root system;
resistance to fungi;
crown shape;
need for moisture.
It is these differences that allow a species to adapt to a changing environment.
5. Local ecotypes
Local plant populations are of particular value.
They were formed over tens, hundreds or thousands of years in specific climatic conditions.
Such plants are usually better adapted to:
local soils;
duration of winter;
wind regime;
amount of precipitation;
local pests;
seasonal changes.
Therefore, when restoring natural areas, preference is given to local ecotypes.
6. Introduction of new species
The use of non-native species is possible but requires evaluation.
It is necessary to take into account:
probability of invasiveness;
compatibility with local flora;
impact on pollinators;
impact on soil organisms;
ability to reproduce naturally;
potential spread.
Each introduction should be accompanied by long-term monitoring.
7. Plant categories in DREVO
All plants can be divided into several groups.
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Local natural species | The basis of recovery |
| Local ecotypes | Most preferred |
| Historical cultivated varieties | Preservation of heritage |
| Modern varieties | Production |
| Introduced species | Trials |
| Experimental lines | Scientific research |
8. Balancing productivity and sustainability
Maximum yield does not always mean maximum sustainability.
Sometimes a more moderate yield is provided by:
lower losses;
longer plant life;
less use of chemicals;
more stable harvest;
better recovery from stress.
9. Genetic reserve
Each DREVO organization must gradually form its own genetic reserve.
It includes:
seed bank;
collection of cuttings;
mother plants;
fabric collection;
digital passports of origin;
herbariums;
DNA archive (if possible).
10. Seed bank
For each batch the following are recorded:
origin;
coordinates;
collection date;
mother plants;
storage conditions;
germination test results;
photographs;
genetic line (if known).
11. Mother plants
Mother plants are a source of:
cuttings;
grafting material;
seeds;
genetic conservation of the variety.
They require special protection and a separate passport.
12. Mixed plantings
When creating new areas, it is recommended to use mixed compositions.
For example:
main tree species;
secondary trees;
shrubs;
herbaceous layer;
nitrogen-fixing plants;
honey plants;
ground cover plants.
This structure is closer to natural ecosystems.
13. Age diversity
A sustainable forest contains plants of different ages:
young;
middle-aged;
mature;
old-age;
natural undergrowth.
This ensures continuous updating of the community.
14. Functional diversity
It is important to consider not only the species, but also their ecological functions.
Examples:
nitrogen fixation;
deep loosening of the soil;
accumulation of organic matter;
attracting pollinators;
erosion protection;
shadow creation;
animal feed base;
mycorrhizal relationships.
15. DREVO Genetic Strategy
When creating projects, it is recommended to adhere to the following principles:
do not use a single variety;
save multiple independent lines;
regularly update seed material;
avoid excessive inbreeding;
support the exchange of materials between regions while observing phytosanitary requirements;
document the origin of each batch.
16. Digital genetic passport
Each batch of seeds or plants can have a digital passport, including:
unique identifier;
view;
variety;
ecotype;
origin;
gathering place;
date;
photographs;
breeding history;
laboratory tests (if conducted);
growing results;
resistance to stress factors.
17. Monitoring genetic diversity
The following are assessed periodically:
proportion of native species;
proportion of local ecotypes;
number of varieties;
number of uterine lines;
mixing coefficient;
age structure;
success of natural regeneration.
18. Long-term climate adaptation
Climate change requires the gradual formation of more resilient populations.
In this case, it is recommended:
maintain local lines;
gradually test more southern ecotypes;
avoid abrupt replacement of the entire population;
maintain comparative plots;
analyze the results for decades.
19. Genetic Ethics
DREVO adheres to the following principles:
conservation of natural diversity;
respect for local ecosystems;
open documentation of origin;
careful use of selection;
long-term monitoring;
preventing the loss of rare genetic lines;
preservation of cultural and biological heritage.
20. The main principle of DREVO
There is no ideal plant for all conditions.
There is a properly selected combination of species, varieties, genetic lines and ecological functions that forms a stable living system.
It is diversity, not uniformity, that is the key to the long-term sustainability of forests, gardens and restored natural areas.
DREVO's mission is to preserve not only individual plants but also the evolutionary potential of nature. The greater the genetic and species diversity, the greater the ability of ecosystems to adapt to future changes and serve future generations.
