2104 -Seed Propagation in Containers Flashcards
1
Q
Types of Containers
A
Pots Seed Trays Plug Trays Modules Root Rrainers
2
Q
Modular Tray
A
- Minimise root disturbance (plants that resent it)
- No need to prick out, less labour
- Take up more space, fewer plants
- Not often re-usable
3
Q
Seed Tray
A
- Less space, more plant
- re-usable
- quick & easy to prepare
- suitable for plant that do not mind root disturbance
- plants that are not susceptible to damping off
4
Q
Examples of Seed prop in - Tree, Shrub, Conifer, Perennial, Hedging, Bedding
A
Tree: Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior Shrub: Mahonia aquifolium, Fatsia japonica Conifer: Pinus nigra Herbaceous Perennial: Geum 'Mrs Bradshaw', Echinacea purpurea Bedding: Lobelia erinus, Tagetes patula, Tagetes erecta, Cosmos bipinnatus
5
Q
Seed sowing checklist
A
- Low fertility, sterile compost eg. J.I seed compost
- Container appropriate for seed number and density
- Fill and strike (striking-off board)
- Gently firm (firming board) for seed contact
- Sow (dibber if necessary)
- Cover
- Water (fine rose, or from underneath)
- Label with China Pencil
- Correct environment, cold frame, prop frame, glass cover
6
Q
Growing Medium must be….
A
- Friable (fro too penetration)
- Moisture Retentive (hold/provide adequate water)
- Well drained/aerated (Sufficient Oxygen supply)
- Low fertility (scorch roots and prevent P&D)
- Sterile (free of P&D)
7
Q
Large Seeds
A
Sown in individual modules, 7cm pots or plugs
Cucurbita pepo
8
Q
Medium Seeds
A
Sown on seed tray, sprinkled finely and covered with compost.
Lactuca sativa
9
Q
Fine Seeds
A
Mixed with dry silver sand to enable even distribution.
Sown on surface of seed tray and left uncovered.
Begonia semperflorens
10
Q
Sowing aftercare
A
- Keep at optimum temperature for species
- keep moist with clean water
- keep covered, protected environment
- Remove cover when seedlings emerge, increased ventilation and reduction of fungal disease
- Monitor for P&D regularly, take appropriate action
11
Q
Breaking Physical Dormany
A
- Scarification
deliberate controlled damage to the seed coat, allowing water to enter. Nicking seeds with a sharp knife. - Soaking in very hot water
- Soak in Sulphuric acid, but risk to Embryo
12
Q
Breaking Physiological Dormancy
A
- Stratification
Deliberate and controlled exposure to period of cold, or warm then cold.
Can mimic seeds natural environment, period of winter.
Put seeds in the fridge.
13
Q
Pricking Out
A
- Seeds that have grown in a seed tray
- Moves seeds from seed tray to individual modules or pots. (potting)
- Requires Care
- Best done in morning, cooler, retains moisture
- Grade seedlings, reject weak or diseased
- dibber and plant up to seed leaves
- water well and place in suitable environment, away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes
14
Q
Seedling Aftercare
A
- Can benefit from bottom heat (16-21c) species specific
- Shade from direct sunlight
- Good ventilation to avoid Damping Off
- Monitor soil moisture
- Check for P&D regularly, remove dead diseased plants
- Harden off gradually, protecting from temperature extremes
15
Q
Seedling Diseases
A
- Damping Off
- Botrytis