5.5 Translocation of adult plants Adult C. megacarpa plants will be transplanted using the following methods:
• Locate the known individual plant by the previously recorded GPS point and its unique identifying number. • Attach the appropriate aluminium identifying tag (which contains the plants’ unique identifying number) with a loop of stainless-steel wire to the trunk of the plant. • Record sex (if known) and presence of reproductive structures. Remove all mature and viable seed for growing on as outlined in Section 5.7. Immature seeds/propagules to be left on the adult plant. • The area around each individual plant shall first be checked to locate any seedlings. These seedlings will be dealt with as per Section 5.6. • All leaf fronds shall be trimmed back to where the rachis is attached to the stems. • A trench shall be dug around each plant (either by hand or with the assistance of an excavator or backhoe), taking care not to damage any associated seedlings, the root system or caudex of the adult plant. Excavation of soil within the root zone (if necessary) shall be undertaken by hand wherever possible to avoid damage and minimise loss of coralloid root clusters, taking care to retain as much soil and organic matter around the root ball as possible. • Any damaged roots shall be trimmed with secateurs and a fungicide/insecticide powder applied to the damaged surfaces. • Hessian shall then be wrapped around the root ball and secured using tie down straps or similar to prevent the loss of soil during extraction. Plants shall then be carefully lifted/scooped up using the bucket of the excavator or backhoe and transported to the onsite Nursery/ holding area. • During transportation by truck to the nursery, plants shall be placed directly on large sawdust filled bags to cushion roots and prevent damage. If the weather conditions require, the plants will be covered and kept shaded during transportation. • Any damage occurring during salvage or transport operations shall be photographed and recorded in the translocation database.
5.5.1
On-Site Nursery Handling • The plants shall be kept shaded and transported directly to the onsite nursery and potted in large rigid containers, (not grow bags) in a custom Cycad Mix as soon as possible from the time the plant is excavated, taking care to avoid bruising of plant stems.
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Mundic Gully TSF Translocation Project - Cycas megacarpa
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