Stripling

nounStandard termFarming

A young seedling that has had its leaves removed prior to transplanting.

A nursery seedling that has been deliberately stripped of its leaves before being planted out in the field. Removing the foliage reduces transpiration, preventing the young plant from losing too much water while its root system establishes itself in the new soil. This technique is common in forestry and certain tropical tree crops.

Heard on the job

The crew is out planting the teak striplings before the dry season peaks.