Final Exam Flashcards
Photosynthesis
When green plants and other organisms use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water
Dormancy
The temporary suspension of a viable seed/plant growth 
Senescence 
The deterioration process involving the natural termination of the functional life of a particular organism (ex: leaf death)
What is horticulture?
It is the science and the art of the development, sustainable production, marketing, and use of high value ornamental plants
Name the areas of horticulture
Floriculture, landscape horticulture, interiorscaping, olericulture
Define olericulture
The growing, harvesting, processing, and marketing of vegetables
Define floriculture
The production, transportation, and use of flowers and foliage plants
Define landscape horticulture
The process of producing and using plants to make an outdoor space or environment more appealing
Define interiorscaping
The process of using foliage plants to create pleasing and comfortable areas inside buildings
The environment can be classified into what two components?
Biotic and abiotic
Name six ways that horticulture benefits the environment
- Aesthetic value
- Soil erosion control
- Absorption of atmospheric pollutants
- Absorption of noise
- Cooling effect
- Removes fertilizers and pesticides
Name some reasons why plants are important
- Food Source
- Shelter
- Air purification
- Aesthetics
- Stress reduction
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fuel/Biofuels
Define POINT SOURCE pollution
Definite and identifiable sources of pollution
Define NON-POINT SOURCE pollution
Pollution that cannot be specifically identified
Define PHYTOREMEDIATION
Phytoremediation is a process that uses plants to remove, degrade, or contain pollutants in the soil, water, or air.
Define BIOREMEDIATION
Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms or living organisms to break down and neutralize pollutants in the environment.
Name some reasons a person might be willing to pay more money from produce grown without pesticides (or grown ‘organically’)?
- ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: Consumer wants to support growing practices that support soil and environmental health and therefore is willing to pay more for it
- HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS consumers who feel produce is better for their health may be willing to pay more for it
- HIGHER PERCEIVED QUALITY: Consumers may perceive organic, or pesticide-free, produce as higher quality and therefore be willing to pay more for it
Define IPM
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on the long-term prevention of pests of their damage through a combination of environmentally friendly techniques
What is the goal of IPM?
Pest PREVENTION (NOT eradication)
Name 5 types of controls used in IPM
- Biological controls
- Cultural controls
- Mechanical controls
- Chemical controls
- Genetic controls
Define and give an example of a biological control (IPM)
Biological controls involve using natural enemies, such as predators or parasites, to manage pest populations.
Example: Introducing ladybugs (predators) to control aphids in a garden is a biological control method, as ladybugs feed on aphids, reducing their numbers without the use of chemical pesticides.
Define and give an example of a CULTURAL control (IPM)
Cultural controls in integrated pest management involve modifying agricultural practices or the environment to reduce pest infestations.
Example: Rotating crops to disrupt the life cycle of specific pests is a cultural control method. This practice helps prevent the buildup of pests that target a particular crop, promoting a more balanced ecosystem.
Define and give an example of a MECHANICAL control (IPM)
Mechanical control in integrated pest management involves the use of physical devices or methods to manage pest populations.
Example: Placing barriers, like insect screens or nets, to physically prevent pests from reaching crops is a mechanical control method.
Define and give an example of a CHEMICAL control (IPM)
Chemical controls in integrated pest management involve using pesticides or chemicals to manage and reduce pest populations.
Example: Applying insecticides to control a sudden outbreak of crop-damaging insects is a chemical control method. This approach helps mitigate immediate threats but is often used judiciously to minimize environmental impact.
Define and give an example of a GENETIC control (IPM)
Genetic control in integrated pest management involves using genetic methods to manage pest populations, often targeting specific traits or behaviors.
Example: Introducing genetically modified crops that express toxins harmful to certain pests is a genetic control method. The crops deter pests, reducing the need for external interventions like chemical pesticides.
List some problems that may result from pesticide usage
- Residue in food (related: human health concerns)
- Environmental pollution (related: drift and run-off, persistence in the environment)
- Pesticide resistance
- Harm to non-target species (related: disruption of natural predators)
What are highly volatile compounds? Give an example.
Highly volatile compounds are those which quickly evaporate into the air due to low boiling points, which can have implications for environmental impact, as HV substances may contribute to air pollution and can be subject to regulatory controls.
Examples: esters, ethanol, acetone, gasoline
Name the taxonomic categories in which plants are classified
- Kingdom
- Phylum/Division
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
