007 Greenhouse and Nursery Management

Question 1

Describe a greenhouse and why they are used

Answer 1

A greenhouse is where vegetation grows. It provides the ideal environment to magnify or reduce sunlight, temperature and to irrigate more efficiently.

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of a glass greenhouse

Answer 2

transmits light the best and insulates well

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of a acrylic greenhouse

Answer 3

long lasting, can be bent and molded

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of a polycarbonate greenhouse

Answer 4

strong, lightweight material and budget friendly. Diffuses light rather than transmitting it directly

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of a fiberglass greenhouse

Answer 5

Cheap, works well in extreme climates, can turn yellow.

Question 6

Describe a Gable-style greenhouse

Answer 6

straight walls and sloping roofs, provide plenty of sun and room inside

Question 7

Describe a A-frame greenhouse

Answer 7

long sloped roofs that extend to the ground and allow lots of sun but are limited in space.

Question 8

Describe an abutting greenhouse

Answer 8

connected to another structure

Question 9

describe the watering management within a greenhouse

Answer 9

Filter and clean the drained water. Misting is the most common watering technique or root zone irrigation management. Targeted water and nutrient supply will improve crop yield and fruit quality

Question 10

Describe what schedule production and the importance of it

Answer 10

Poor scheduling may cause growers to experience having small or non-flowering plants. To successfully schedule a crop, a grower has to decide the week of the year that the crop will be marketed and they you work backwards

Question 11

Describe how the environment is controlled and the importance of it

Answer 11

The control and modification of day and night temperatures, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels for optimum plant growth. It is important to help prevent diseases, boost plant growth, increase quality, and even save on energy

Question 12

What is the typical greenhouse media?

Answer 12

peat perlite coir parboiled rice hails and fine bark. Peat increases the WHC and decreases the weight. It is important to use sterilized media.

Question 13

How should you test the Media you use in the greenhouse?

Answer 13

test the media, pH, total soluble salts (electrical conductivity) and wet ability before use. Do not store the media that contains fertilizer for a long time

Question 14

What are some common pests in greenhouses and nurseries?

Answer 14

Aphids, fungus gnats, thrips, catepillars, whiteflies

Question 15

What are some ways to control these pests?

Answer 15

Predators, pathogens, keep doors/screens closed, maintain clean areas, pesticides, early detection (trapping system - to monitor pests)

Question 16

What are some common weeds found in the greenhouse?

Answer 16

Annual blue grasss, common chickweed, creeping woodsorrel, livermort, moss

Question 17

What are some ways to control weeds?

Answer 17

use gravel, black or plastic woven ground cover

Question 18

What are some common diseases?

Answer 18

botrytis (gray mold), powdery mildew, downy mildew (most floral and foliage plants)