Innovation Proposals
Institute of Hydroponics Problems after G.S. Davtyan Institute of Hydroponics Problems after G.S. Davtyan
Division of Natural Sciences

Hydroponic production biotechnology of decorative tree-shrub saplings

N Investment project title Hydroponic production biotechnology of decorative tree-shrub saplings
1. Sector

Creation and improvement of urban green areas and parks

2. Project description

Soilless (hydroponic) method of tree-shrub saplings production gives an opportunity to increase planting density 8-10 times, simultaneously, providing air-water-nutrition optimal conditions for growth and development of over-ground and underground organs. Due to the high germination (65-98%) and sticking ability (52-87%) of the seeds and cuttings it is possible to obtain 8-10 times more standard saplings than in usual soil culture conditions, significantly reducing production period (1-2 years) and expenses (2-3 times) of the standard saplings. It is possible to obtain 80000-120000 saplings of evergreens (Thuja pyramidal and orientalis), 180000 saplings of trees (Platan and etc.) and 600000-900000 saplings of shrubs (Boxwood, Privet, etc.) from 1 ha nourished hydroponicum.

3. Project implementation period 3 years
4. Project location Etchmiadzin hydroponic nursery of G.Davtyan Institute of Hydroponics Problems of NAS RA
5. Project overall cost (USD) 646.000
6. Required investments (USD) 296.000
7. Own funds (USD) Providing of Etchmiadzin hydroponic nursery (2,3ha) with the cost of about 350.000
8. Creation of jobs At the beginning of the project At the end of the project
15 35
9. Payback period 3 years
10. Annual profitability index in case of Thuja pyramidalis - 96.5%, in case of Thuja orientalis - 19.5%, in case of Platan - 26.3%
11. Detailed costs

1st stage 
Preparation of hydroponic station for exploitation - approximately USD 20.800 (only in the 1st year) Obtaining and cultivation of planting material, seeds and seedlings - nearly USD 5.200 
2nd stage 
Planting of seedlings and 1st year exploitation of hydroponic nursery (salary, economic and other expenses) – nearly USD 93.500 
3rd stage 
2nd year care of saplings and exploitation of hydroponic nurser - nearly USD 72.700 
4th stage 
3rd year care of saplings, exploitation of hydroponic nursery and extraction of saplings – nearly USD 103.800 In total- USD 296.000

12. Offer to investor

To organize soilless production of a number of some valuable treeshrubs saplings in the Etchmiadzin hydroponic nursery (with 2,3 ha total or 1 ha nourished surface) in collaboration with the Institute and on joint, mutually beneficial basis. Reliability and economic efficiency of hydroponic method have been approved many times by massive scientific and industrial researches. More than 30 tree-shrub saplings may be produced (Thuja pyramidalis, Thuja orientalis, Platanus, Gleditschia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Celtis, Privet, Boxwood, Cornu, Spirae, Forsythia, etc. ).

13. Contact details

Albert Hovsepyan, Deputy Director of G.Davtyan Institute of Hydroponics Problems of NAS RA 
E-mail: hydrop {[ at ]} netsys.am 
Tel.: (+374 10) 562805, (+374 91) 006052 

Anna Tadevosyan, Deputy Director Institute of G.Davtyan Hydroponics Problems NAS RA 
E-mail: anntadevosyan {[ at ]} yahoo.com 
Tel.: (+374 10) 563015, (+374 91) 243151



The general view of Pyramidal Thuja saplings in the outdoor hydroponics (Yerevan)
The general view of Pyramidal Thuja saplings in the outdoor hydroponics (Yerevan)
One-year old seedlings of eastern plane-tree in conditions of outdoor hydroponics (Yerevan)
One-year old seedlings of eastern plane-tree in conditions of outdoor hydroponics (Yerevan)