February 2020 past paper Flashcards
describe what is meant by the term ‘seed’
a seed is the result of sexual reproduction, containing the embryo plant.
A food supply is also contained in a seed coat.
Label the internal and external structure of Phaseolus vulgaris (French Bean)
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
state 2 horticultural benefits of propagating plants by seed
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
What is an orthodox seed?
A dry seed
name some plants that have orthodox seeds (dry)
Lolium perenne
Lobelia erinus
Phaseolus vulgaris
Lactuca sativa
what is a recalcitrant seed?
moist
name some plants that you get recalcitrant seeds from
Quercus robur
Aesculus hippocasanum
describe the preparation of the fruit Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under: Harvesting
Collect seeds that are true to type or of known provenance
Free from pests and diseases when they are ripe.
describe the preparation of the fruit Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under: macerating, separating, cleaning
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.
Decribe the ground preparation for sowing Pisum sativum (pea)
DO NOT INCLUDE DETAILS OF DIGGING)
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
Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: two distinct methods of sowing
sow in a narrow or trench drill.
station sowing with a dibber
sowing in a gutter
Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: time of year when sown (in months)
late feb/march to June or October to November
Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: depth of sowing
50mm
Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: spacing off the seed
25-50 mm in drills and 25-50mm in each direction in trenches
Describe how to sow Pisum sativum (pea) under each heading: protection after sowing
protect from rodents and birds by using fine mesh netting or cover with a cloche
state four benefits of vegetative propagation
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
describe the effects of each of the following on the successful rooting of softwood stem cuttings: Juvenility
young plants are in active growth- not flowering and display juvenile foliage.
Younger wood has a greater capacity for rooting
describe the effects of each of the following on the successful rooting of softwood stem cuttings: Plant health
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
state two environmental conditions suitable for softwood cuttings
moist conditions IE: high humidity
cooler aerial environment that root environment
basal warmth
not in direct light
Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: collection of material
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
Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: preparation of cuttings
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
Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: suitable environment
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
Describe the propagation of Chamaecyparis spp. (eg; False Cypress) under the following headings: rooting media
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
Name two plants propagated by division
Hosta fortunei
Primula denticulata
Alchemilla mollis
Echinacea purpurea
Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: Time of year when dividing (in months)
either between Oct-Nov or March-April
Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: lifting the plant
lift plant carefully with a spade or fork when the ground is moist but not too wet and any excess soil is removed
Describe the division of Alchemilla mollis under the following heading: method of division
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
