February 2020 past paper

Question 1

describe what is meant by the term ‘seed’

Answer 1

a seed is the result of sexual reproduction, containing the embryo plant.
A food supply is also contained in a seed coat.

Question 2

Label the internal and external structure of Phaseolus vulgaris (French Bean)

Answer 2

Testa = seed coat
Cotyledon = the food inside
Plumule = gives rise to the shoot (leafy looking bits)
Hypocotyl = the joining area between plumule and radicle
Radicle = root
Micropyle = the small hole and 1st point of entry for H20

Question 3

state 2 horticultural benefits of propagating plants by seed

Answer 3

produces variation from which new cultivars can be developed

Only method of propagation for some species

May obtain large numbers of seeds from each plant

seed can be stored easily

can avoid transmission of virus

Question 4

What is an orthodox seed?

Answer 4

A dry seed

Question 5

name some plants that have orthodox seeds (dry)

Answer 5

Lolium perenne
Lobelia erinus
Phaseolus vulgaris
Lactuca sativa

Question 6

what is a recalcitrant seed?

Answer 6

moist

Question 7

name some plants that you get recalcitrant seeds from

Answer 7

Quercus robur

Aesculus hippocasanum

Question 8

describe the preparation of the fruit Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under: Harvesting

Answer 8

Collect seeds that are true to type or of known provenance

Free from pests and diseases when they are ripe.

Question 9

describe the preparation of the fruit Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under: macerating, separating, cleaning

Answer 9

place the fruit in water, or scoop out the seed and place in water, and allow to ferment for 3 days.

If you whisk the seed and water the dead seeds and debris can be floated off using a sieve.

The live seed can be placed on greaseproof paper or a paper towel to dry.

Question 10

Decribe the ground preparation for sowing Pisum sativum (pea)

DO NOT INCLUDE DETAILS OF DIGGING)

Answer 10

The area to be sown is raked roughly level with a landscape rake before consolidating it by shuffling over the soil with flat feet to remove any large air pockets.

A base fertiliser eg: superphosphate can be aplied at a rate of 120g/m2 before creating a final tilth using a garden rake to a depth of 50mm

Question 11

Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: two distinct methods of sowing

Answer 11

sow in a narrow or trench drill.
station sowing with a dibber
sowing in a gutter

Question 12

Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: time of year when sown (in months)

Answer 12

late feb/march to June or October to November

Question 13

Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: depth of sowing

Answer 13

50mm

Question 14

Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: spacing off the seed

Answer 14

25-50 mm in drills and 25-50mm in each direction in trenches

Question 15

Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: protection after sowing

Answer 15

protect from rodents and birds by using fine mesh netting or cover with a cloche

Question 16

state four benefits of vegetative propagation

Answer 16

retains characteristics of parent plant

no need for pollination

propagation of clones

avoids seed dormancy problems

only possible method for some plants

plants mature more quickly

can control size of the plant by the use of specific rootstocks when grafting

Question 17

describe the effects of each of the following on the successful rooting of softwood stem cuttings: Juvenility

Answer 17

young plants are in active growth- not flowering and display juvenile foliage.
Younger wood has a greater capacity for rooting

Question 18

describe the effects of each of the following on the successful rooting of softwood stem cuttings: Plant health

Answer 18

plant material must be free from pests, diseases and virus, and show good balanced nutrition.

must be grown in correct light levels to avoid etiolation or scorched foliage

Question 19

state two environmental conditions suitable for softwood cuttings

Answer 19

moist conditions IE: high humidity
cooler aerial environment that root environment
basal warmth
not in direct light

Question 20

Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: collection of material

Answer 20

collect material Oct-Nov making sure it’s true to type, pest and disease free with green, juvenile foliage.

Apical and lateral growth can be (C) with an approx. length of 8-12cm or 10-15cm which is turning green or brown at the base

Question 21

Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: preparation of cuttings

Answer 21

prepare 8-12cm in length, just below a node with green or brown wood at the base.

Foliage is trimmed from the bottom 4-5cm or bottom thid of the cutting.

The base of the cutting can be wounded or heel cutting can be prepared.

medium strength hormone rooting powder is aplied to the base of the cutting

Question 22

Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: suitable environment

Answer 22

place cutting in a mist unit, or a closed case which provide basal heat and a humid environment.

They can be placed in a cold frame on a north wall

Question 23

Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: rooting media

Answer 23

a mixture of 50:50 peat or a peat alternative mixed with horticultural grit, perlite or vermiculite.

Mixture can be up to 70:30 grit to peat or a peat alternative during the winter

Question 24

Name two plants propagated by division

Answer 24

Hosta fortunei
Primula denticulata
Alchemilla mollis
Echinacea purpurea

Question 25

Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: Time of year when dividing (in months)

Answer 25

either between Oct-Nov or March-April

Question 26

Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: lifting the plant

Answer 26

lift plant carefully with a spade or fork when the ground is moist but not too wet and any excess soil is removed

Question 27

Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: method of division

Answer 27

clumps can normally be pulled apart using two hand forks back to back or with the hands.

Divisions should be approx. 15cm in diameter for replanting or smaller if being potted.

each division should contain healthy buds and any old sections of the plant should be discarded.

Any debris should be removed from the divisions