Hop Biology and Cultivation Flashcards
What type of plant are hops?
Hops are a climbing perennial plant
Perennial plants live for more than two years and do not need to be replanted annually.
Are hops dioecious, and what does that mean?
Yes, hops are dioecious, meaning an individual plant produces either male or female flowers
Dioecious plants have distinct male and female individuals.
Why are only female hop plants cultivated?
Only female plants are cultivated because they alone produce hop cones
Male plants produce pollen, which can lead to seed formation in female plants.
What must be done with male hop plants in cultivated regions?
Male plants must be eradicated to prevent pollen release
This is essential to ensure seedless female hop cones.
Where are hops indigenous?
Hops are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America
They are not native to the Southern Hemisphere.
In which regions have hops been introduced outside their native areas?
Hops have been introduced in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America
These regions are not native to hops.
What is the latitude range where hops can grow effectively?
Hops can grow between the 34th and 55th parallel of latitude
This range provides the necessary daylight periods for hop growth.
What types of regions do hops prefer for growth?
Hops can grow in cool and moist regions, as well as dry and arid regions
Irrigation is necessary for hops in dry and arid regions.
What is vernalisation in hops?
Vernalisation is required for hops to flower
Low winter temperatures encourage the dormancy necessary for vernalisation.
What kind of support do hops require as they grow?
Hops need tall trellises with wooden support frames and wires
This structure allows hops to climb as they grow.
How has artificial light been used in South Africa for hop cultivation?
Artificial light has been used to extend the effective day length
This helps ensure that hops receive the required period of daylight.
What advancements have been made in hop breeding in South Africa?
A breeding program has developed new varieties that can handle shorter daylight hours
This removes the need for artificial lighting for those varieties.
