Transplant System Trays
Posted by Jason on 26th May 2026
Fernland is now stocking the full Transplant Systems air-root pruning seedling tray range, giving Australian forestry nurseries, revegetation contractors, and commercial vegetable seedling producers access to one of the most technically advanced propagation tray systems available.
Built from UV-stabilised virgin HDPE and engineered for both manual handling and nursery automation, the Transplant Systems range covers six tray configurations across three distinct footprint groups. Whether you are producing native tubestock for revegetation projects, raising hardwood or softwood forestry seedlings, or propagating vegetable transplants at scale, there is a tray in this range designed specifically for the job.
What Is Air-Root Pruning and Why Does It Matter?
Air-root pruning is the process by which roots are naturally terminated when they reach an air gap at the cell wall. Instead of circling or spiralling inside the container, the root tip desiccates on contact with air, causing the plant to produce a flush of new, lateral root branches. The result is a compact, fibrous root plug with a high density of young, vigorous roots rather than a single taproot or a mass of circling roots.
For nurseries producing transplants, the practical benefits are significant. Seedlings with well-formed, fibrous root systems establish faster after field planting, show higher early survival rates, and are less susceptible to transplant shock. For revegetation contractors working with Australian natives in challenging site conditions, the quality of the root plug at the point of planting can determine whether a project meets its establishment targets.
Transplant Systems trays achieve air pruning through a combination of side-slot openings in the cell walls, raised internal sections that direct roots toward those openings, and in some models, base vents and root deflection fins. The geometry varies by tray to suit specific production systems and plant types.
The Transplant Systems Range at Fernland
Fernland stocks six Transplant Systems trays, grouped below by footprint to help with benching and handling decisions.
Narrow Footprint: Hiko-Format Benching Width (385mm)
TS-24F: 24-Cell Native and Tubestock Tray
The TS-24F is the largest-cell tray in the range, designed for plants that need extended time in the nursery or a larger root volume before field planting. With a 292 cc cell volume and a cell depth of 100 mm, it is particularly well suited to producing Australian native tubestock for revegetation projects, where root system development prior to outplanting is critical to field survival.
The complex internal wall structure and side slots promote air pruning and prevent root spiralling. Trays nest securely for stable stacking, which matters in high-throughput nurseries managing large volumes across multiple production cycles. At 218 plants per square metre, it is designed for species that command the space.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS24F-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 385 x 289 x 100 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 62 x 62 x 100 mm |
| Cell Volume | 292 cc |
| Plants per m2 | 218 |
TS-45F: 45-Cell Forestry Tray (Hiko Alternative)
Developed as a direct alternative to the generic Hiko 40 tray used widely in Australian forestry and revegetation nurseries, the TS-45F matches the 385 mm tray width for seamless integration with existing Hiko-format benching systems. An extra end row of five cells gives 12% more seedlings per tray movement compared to a standard 40-cell configuration, while maintaining the same 93 cc cell volume.
Square cells with tapered slots direct roots toward side-slot openings for effective air pruning of both lateral roots and the taproot. Sharp cell-wall edges shear off fibrous roots during extraction, improving plug quality. The tray is suited to softwood and hardwood seed production as well as mini-cuttings of high-value woody plants.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS45F-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 385 x 216 x 85 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 41 x 41 x 85 mm |
| Cell Volume | 93 cc |
| Plants per m2 | 540 |
Square Format: 383 mm Footprint
TS-100F: 100-Cell Forestry Tray
The TS-100F is a workhorse tray for professional forestry nurseries producing hardwood and softwood seedlings at scale. Its square footprint delivers 23% more plants per square metre than older 81-cell square trays, with raised internal sections directing roots toward side-slot openings for four-sided air pruning. Corner and inter-cell vents improve canopy airflow, reducing fungal disease risk during the humid conditions common in Queensland greenhouse production.
The tray can also carry 25 mm paper pots, with air pruning occurring on roots that penetrate the paper. Built for repeated nursery cycles, it is designed for both manual handling and nursery automation.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS100F-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 383 x 383 x 73 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 38 x 38 x 73 mm |
| Cell Volume | 73 cc |
| Plants per m2 | 676 |
TS-100V: 100-Cell Vegetable Tray
Sharing the same 383 x 383 mm footprint as the TS-100F but with a shallower 55 mm cell depth, the TS-100V is purpose-built for commercial vegetable and cut flower seedling production. The shorter, square cell produces a flat rootball suited to transplanting into open furrows and NFT hydroponic systems, where plug geometry directly affects the speed and reliability of mechanical transplanting.
Small round vents between cells allow vertical airflow, reducing fungal disease risk in high-humidity production environments. A circular base hole enables quick, reliable plug extraction. The engineered base prevents root spiralling and encourages natural root pruning.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS100V-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 383 x 383 x 55 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 38 x 38 x 55 mm |
| Cell Volume | 55 cc |
| Plants per m2 | 676 |
Square Format: 395 mm Footprint
TS-144V: 144-Cell Vegetable Tray
The TS-144V is widely used by large-scale vegetable seedling producers worldwide and is one of the most density-efficient trays in the range at 927 cells per square metre. Root deflection fins at the base prevent root curl and stimulate rapid root advancement into the soil after transplanting: within 24 hours of planting, seedlings consistently show stronger root growth compared to non-finned cells. Large drainage holes maintain a well-aerated root zone throughout the propagation cycle.
The tray is designed for straightforward cleaning, stacking, and separation, keeping labour costs manageable in high-volume operations.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS144V-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 395 x 395 x 40 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 32 x 32 x 40 mm |
| Cell Volume | 26 cc |
| Cells per m2 | 927 |
TS-256F: 256-Cell Forestry Tray
The TS-256F is designed for producing small forestry seedlings destined for open-field nursery beds and bare-root planting. Air-pruning bases produce healthy, fibrous root systems without root curl. After the formative growth phase, seedlings are manually lifted, root pruned, and transported to site for planting, making plug geometry and root quality in this tray directly linked to plantation establishment outcomes.
The TS-256F is engineered for compatibility with certain transplanting machinery. Contact the Fernland team for details if you are running mechanised transplanting operations.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | 3-TS256F-AU |
| Tray Dimensions | 395 x 395 x 50 mm |
| Cell Dimensions | 24 x 24 x 50 mm |
| Cell Volume | 16 cc |
| Cells per m2 | 1,600 |
Choosing the Right Tray for Your Operation
With six configurations across the range, the right tray depends primarily on your production system, the plant type, and the end-use destination of the seedling.
For native revegetation tubestock produced in Queensland subtropical conditions, the TS-24F is the primary option. The large cell volume supports the root system development required for seedlings going into challenging field conditions, and the 292 cc cell gives adequate growing time for slower-developing native species.
Forestry nurseries running Hiko-format benching systems looking to upgrade from a standard 40-cell tray should look at the TS-45F first. You retain full benching compatibility, pick up 12% more cells per tray movement, and gain a tray designed specifically around air pruning rather than adapted for it.
For hardwood and softwood forestry seedlings on a square benching system, the TS-100F delivers high plant density with robust air pruning on all four sides. The inter-cell and corner vents are a practical advantage in subtropical greenhouse environments where humidity management is a constant concern.
Commercial vegetable operations should assess which plug geometry suits their transplanting system. The TS-100V produces a flat rootball suited to furrow and NFT transplanting. The TS-144V targets higher density production with faster post-transplant root establishment. Both are compatible with nursery automation.
The TS-256F is specifically for forestry nurseries producing small seedlings for open-field nursery beds or where mechanised transplanting is in use. Enquire with our team if you need guidance on transplanter compatibility.
Growing Media for Air-Root Pruning Systems
Air-root pruning trays perform best with a growing medium that drains freely, maintains adequate aeration through the root zone, and wets up reliably after dry-down cycles. A medium that stays too wet will reduce the effectiveness of the air-pruning mechanism; one that dries unevenly will produce inconsistent plug development across the tray.
Fernland stocks a range of coir-based growing media and peat substrates suited to propagation in cell trays, including the GrowRite cocopeat and coir product range. Our team can advise on substrate selection for specific tray and plant combinations.
Pot Levy Exemption
Transplant Systems trays qualify for pot levy exemption under Australian nursery industry regulations. A Pot Levy Exemption Form is available for download directly from the Transplant Systems product pages, or contact the Fernland team for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Transplant Systems trays compatible with existing Hiko benching systems?
The TS-45F is specifically designed to match Hiko 40 tray benching width at 385 mm. It integrates with existing Hiko-format benching without modification and adds 12% more cells per tray compared to the standard Hiko 40 configuration.
What material are Transplant Systems trays made from?
All Transplant Systems trays are injection-moulded from UV-stabilised virgin HDPE. Handled correctly, they are rated for a service life of up to 20 years.
Are these trays compatible with nursery automation?
Yes. The range is designed for both manual handling and automated nursery systems. Tray dimensions are uniform within each footprint group, supporting automation-compatible handling. Contact the Fernland team to discuss specific automation requirements.
Which tray is recommended for Australian native revegetation tubestock?
The TS-24F is the recommended tray for native revegetation tubestock production. Its 292 cc cell volume and 100 mm cell depth support root development for species that require extended nursery time before outplanting in the field.
Can Transplant Systems trays be used with paper pots?
The TS-100F can carry 25 mm paper pots, with air pruning occurring on roots that penetrate the paper. Contact Fernland to discuss paper pot compatibility across other tray configurations.
Are these trays available for the TS-256F transplanting machinery?
The TS-256F is engineered for compatibility with certain transplanting machinery. Contact the Fernland team for details on specific machine compatibility before ordering.
Order or Enquire
Transplant Systems trays are available now through Fernland. Browse the full air-pruning tray range online, or contact the Fernland team on 1800 672 794 to discuss volume pricing, benching compatibility, or growing media recommendations for your production system.