Module 12: Plant Selection, Harvesting, and Shipping Flashcards
How to secure large soil balls in balled and burlapped crops?
Drum-lacing is sometimes use dto secure large soil balls – go around base, top, zigzag from top and bottom and back
What percentage of cut flower exports to the United States comes from Colombia?
60%
Colombia is the top exporter of cut flowers to the United States.
Which country is the second largest exporter of cut flowers to the United States?
Ecuador
Together with Colombia, South America accounts for 92% of cut flower exports.
What are the three factors that often determine the success of greenhouse growers?
- Production costs (low)
- Transportation costs (low)
- Quality (high)
What recent gardening trend involves the use of plants that benefit pollinators?
Use of native and pollinator friendly plants
This trend reflects a growing awareness of ecological gardening.
What is xeriscaping?
A gardening method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.
What type ofgrowing strategy are growers
transitioning from growing large numbers of, such as poinsettias?
Growing for contracts only
This indicates a shift in market demand and profitability.
When harvesting nursery crops, what are the three methods mentioned?
- Bare rooted
- Balled and burlapped
- Container nurseries
Why do growers harvest bare-root plants in the fall?
Soil is frozen in spring, making harvesting difficult.
What are some benefits of bare-root harvesting?
- Less girdling of roots
- Roots can be inspected and spread
- Sturdier trunks
- Cheaper and easier to transport
What are the limitations of bare-root plants?
- Available only during the dormant season
- Should be planted quickly or heeled in
- Generally restricted to small deciduous shrubs and trees
What should a balled and burlapped tree look like?
Soil ball should be round instead of flat or misshapen.
What are some benefits of using balled and burlapped plants?
- Can be used for larger plants
- Suitable for both evergreen and deciduous plants
- Can be dug during growing season
What are the challenges associated with handling balled and burlapped plants?
- Heavy and awkward to handle
- Requires trained staff for hand harvesting
- Hydraulic tree spade needed for mechanical harvesting
What is an advantage of container plants in terms of harvesting?
Can be harvested anytime by loading plants from their production sites. Not much labour; weeding grading, tagging.
How are bare-root nursery crops typically shipped?
Bundled or boxed.
What type of staff typically works in unskilled labor positions in plant production?
People with less education in horticulture, trained on site.
What level of education is often required for middle management in plant production?
Usually have college level degrees.
What is the role of an extension agent in plant production?
Makes research available to the public.
How are balled and burlapped trees usually shipped?
Tied to pallets or skids, may need forklift
how are container plants usually shipped?
stacked or boxed.
What should be done to burlap when balled and burlapped crops are stored for a long period of time?
If stored for long period of time the burlap should be treated (Rot resistant)
How should balled and burlapped crops be handled?
Should be handled carefully by the soil ball – can be placed into burlap lined wire baskets. Tighten wire baskets to secure the burlap.
