In a nursery, tray choice has a direct impact on how plants perform once planted out. Root development, uniformity, and handling all play a role in the final outcome. That is where tray design becomes critical.
Transplant Systems TS trays have been developed over decades of real nursery use to consistently produce high quality seedlings and cuttings with uniform, reliable results.
A proven tray system, now available through PrimeHort
Following our acquisition of Transplant Systems Australia, New Zealand growers now have direct access to the full TS tray range.
These trays are widely used across Australia, particularly in commercial forest nurseries through to vegetable, flower, and specialist tree production where consistency, durability, and compatibility with automation are essential. Their performance in these environments has helped establish TS trays as a trusted option for large scale propagation. NZ growers are also using them, and the vegetable trays, like the TS-144V are particularly popular for automated handling and large drainage holes for well-aerated, active and uniform root systems.
Growers choose TS trays because they:
- Support automated handling, stacking, destacking and washing
- Are manufactured in Australia from durable high density polyethylene
- Deliver consistent, uniform plant growth across the tray
- Offer a long service life of 15 to 20 years under normal use
- Help reduce plastic use over time through their durability
The science behind the cell
At the core of every TS tray is a simple objective: Healthier plants in the nursery and better survival in the ground. Each cell has been engineered to guide root development in a controlled and natural way.
Key design features include:
- Concave arcs and side slots that direct roots toward air pruning points
- Venting across the tray surface to improve airflow and reduce fungal risk
- Sharp upper slot edges that shear fibrous hair roots at extraction
- Tapered slots and polished side walls to allow for easy plant removal
This combination encourages roots to branch laterally rather than spiral or deform.
What this means once planted out
When plants are transferred from tray to ground, root structure becomes critical. With TS trays, the air pruning process creates a dense, fibrous root system that:
- Establishes faster after planting
- Anchors more effectively in the soil
- Improves access to moisture and nutrients
- Supports stronger, more uniform canopy development
The result is plants that transition very successfully from nursery conditions to real world environments.
Product spotlight: TS-45
A good example of this in practice is the TS-45 forestry tray. It was originally developed in response to growers looking for an air root pruning alternative to the Hiko 40, without needing to change their existing benching or handling systems.
The result is a tray that delivers both operational and biological gains:
- Around 12 percent more seedlings per tray movement
- Square cells with air pruning of both lateral and bottom leader roots
- Proven long term durability under commercial nursery conditions
For many growers, this means improved efficiency without disruption, and a tray cost that is quickly recovered through increased output and longer lifespan.
Built for modern nursery operations
Beyond plant performance, TS trays are designed to integrate seamlessly into nursery systems. They feature:
- Compatibility with nursery automation systems
- Consistent tray sizing across the TS F series program
- Strength for repeated mechanical handling and washing
- Traceable batch production with strict quality control
- Manufacturing under recognised quality systems
This makes them a practical choice for nurseries looking to scale, streamline processes, or invest in nursery automation.
A long term solution
Durability is not just about strength. It is about reducing replacement cycles, lowering costs over time, and minimising plastic waste. With a lifespan of up to 20 years under normal use, TS trays offer a long term solution for growers focused on both performance and sustainability.
See the difference for yourself
Root development tells the full story.
Growing media washed out to clearly show root development from side slot cells.
We recognise that it’s a big investment to change out your tray systems. Often the best place to start is with a side by side comparison to see how it performs. We would be happy to help with a free tray sample, so please just get in touch and we’ll send one out to you.
