June 2021 past exam paper

Question 1

what are two benefits of propagating plants from seed?

Answer 1

produces new variation from which new cultivars can be developed

only method of propagation for some species eg: annuals and biennials

may obtain large numbers of seed from each plant

can avoid transmission of virus

Question 2

name trees that can be propagated by seed

Answer 2

Quercus robur
Aesculus hippocastanum
Fagus sylvatica
Corylus avellana

Question 3

Describe the preparation of an outdoor site for seed sowing under each heading: weed control

Answer 3

remove annual weeds by hoeing, or a false or stale seed bed will allow weeds to germinate and then be hoed off.

perennial weeds can be removed with a fork or by the use of a translocated herbicide eg: glyphosate.

Weeds can also be burned off, or a mulch to a depth of 50-100mm can be used on a ‘no dig’ system of soil management

Question 4

Describe the preparation of an outdoor site for seed sowing under each heading: levelling and consolidation

Answer 4

remove large stones and roughly level the site with a landscape rake.

Consolidate by walking over the area with the heels and keeping the feet close together to remove any larger air pockets

Question 5

Describe the preparation of an outdoor site for seed sowing under each heading: tilth

Answer 5

a fine tilth is produced using a garden rake and raking in all directions to achieve a particle size of 10-12mm

Question 6

Describe the sowing of runner beans in open ground under the following headings; sowing time

Answer 6

runner beans are sown in open ground during late April to early May or to mid-June

Question 7

Describe the sowing of runner beans in open ground under the following headings; sowing method including depth and spacing

Answer 7

sow at depth of 50mm.

station sow with the canes placed in a wigwam circle.
Two seeds planted per cane 50-75mm apart using a dibber.
Canes are placed 300-400mm apart.

can sow beans in a ‘V’ shaped drill in rows.
Drills are drawn against a taut line using a swan neck or draw hoe.
Can be sown in single or double rows 400-500mm apart and 150-300mm in the row

Question 8

Describe the sowing of runner beans in open ground under the following headings: aftercare until germination

Answer 8

control any weeds

water soil when dry with a watering can, seep hose or sprinkler

protect seeds from cold weather, mice and birds by covering with netting and/or horticultural fleece

Question 9

name two plants propagates by means of root cuttings

Answer 9

Papaver orientale
Primula denticulata
Echinacea purpurea

Question 10

Describe the propagation, by root cuttings of Papaver orientalis under each of the headings: collection of material

Answer 10

cutting material collected from well established dormant or semi-dormant plant from November to early March

Collect from plants grown either in open ground or in pots which is true to type, healthy, free from pest and disease.

Remove upto a third of the roots by carefully lifting the plant with a fork and removing them with a pair of secateurs.

Wash propagation material to remove any soil

Question 11

Describe the propagation, by root cuttings of Papaver orientalis under each of the headings: preparation of cuttings

Answer 11

Cutting should be pencil thickness (6mm thick)

around 50-100mm in length depending on rooting environment temperature with a sharp knife/secateurs and a cutting tile.

Cuttings that are inserted vertically are prepared with a horizontal cut at the proximal end (nearest to the plant) and a 45’ angle is cut at the distal end (furthest away from the plant) to ensure polarity.

Question 12

Describe the propagation, by root cuttings of Papaver orientalis under each of the headings: rooting environment

Answer 12

insert cutting into deep pots eg: long toms.

growing media is 50:50 bark/coir/peat to perlite/grit or sharp sand.

cuttings are pushed into the growing media and top dressed with sharp sand or grit.

place pots on an open bench in a glasshouse with a temp of 7-12’c, or outdoors in a cold frame with the lid open.

Water cutting, but don’t water again until shoots appear.

Question 13

Describe the preparation of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under the headings: harvesting

Answer 13

fruit must be true to type, healthy, pest and disease free.

Fruit should be ripe, of the correct colour and slightly soft

Question 14

Describe the preparation of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under the headings: macerating and separating

Answer 14

after removing the stalk of the fruit the seed can be extracted from the fruit by squeezing it or cutting it in half and removing the seed.

The seed is placed in a bucket of water for a few days to ferment to assist the removal of the flesh

The seed can be sieved to remove the flesh and placed in clean water

Eventually the live seed will sink to the bottom of the bucket and the dead seed and any remaining flesh will float and can be skimmed off.

The live seed can be removed with a sieve.

Question 15

Describe the preparation of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) for seed storage under the headings: cleaning and drying

Answer 15

lay the seed out to dry on grease proof paper to enable it to be separated easily.

Keep the seed in a warm and dry area to dry completely before storage.
-any remaining chaff can be removed

Question 16

define the following term relating to seeds: viability

Answer 16

the seed contains a living embryo and will germinate when conditions are right

Question 17

define the following term relating to seeds: dormancy

Answer 17

a viable seed fails to germinate even when all germination requirements are met

Question 18

describe the changes that take place to a seed during germination

Answer 18

water is taken in through the micropyle.

seed swells and increases in volume.

the starch stored within the seed is broken down by respiration to release energy for germination to take place.

At this stage the rate of respiration increases and rapid cell division takes place.

The seed coat (testa) splits and the plumule and/or radicle emerge (depending on method of germination)

(epigeal and hypogeal)

Question 19

describe a suitable propagation facility for a softwood cutting of: Pelargonium sp. and the reason for the choice

Answer 19

open greenhouse bench.

Pelargoniums are succulent, often hairy leaved which will rot in excessive humidity.

The need and open, drier environment

Question 20

describe a suitable propagation facility for a softwood cutting of: Chamaecyparis sp.

Answer 20

closed case, mist unit, cold frame on North facing wall

moisture is lost over time.

A closed case will reduce the loss of moisture.

use of bottom heat reduces the time until rooting takes place as cuttings are taken in autumn/winter

Question 21

describe a suitable propagation facility for a softwood cutting of: Leaf bud cutting of Clematis sp.

Answer 21

Mist unit, fogging unit, closed case, dew point cabinet with bottom heat.

these are softer cuttings and require moisture from a mist unit etc. to provide a humid atmosphere and bottom heat to aid rooting

Question 22

describe a suitable propagation facility for a softwood cutting of: Leaf petiole cutting of Peperomia sp.

Answer 22

closed case, fogging unit

cuttings need a humid atmosphere to reduce moisture loss.

A mist unit is often too humid and the cuttings rot.

Bottom heat encourages rooting

Question 23

describe a suitable propagation facility for a softwood cutting of: Hardwood cuttings of Cornus sp.

Answer 23

Open ground, cold frame, cold glasshouse, polythene tunnel.

Take cutting late autumn when no foliage therefore moisture loss minimised.

Cutting roots over a period of months.

Can tie cuttings in bundles and place in sand in a cold frame to commence the rooting process.

They can then be inserted in the open ground in the spring