Past paper June 2022 Flashcards
state one use for a cloche in protected cropping
A cloche can be used to protect crops eg; strawberries/lettuce from environmental conditions eg; frost
name some cladding materials suitable for a cloche or low tunnel
polythene film
horticultural glass
twin walled polycarbonate
what is a benefit of polythene film when used as a cladding material?
cheaper than hort. glass or polycarbonate
what is a limitation of polythene film when used as a cladding material?
only lasts for one season
what is a benefit of horticultural glass when used as a cladding material?
long lasting
retains heat
what is a limitation of horticultural glass when used as a cladding material?
breaks easily which may be a health and safety issue
what is a benefit of twin walled polycarbonate when used as a cladding material?
retains heat very well
what is a limitation of twin walled polycarbonate when used as a cladding material?
expensive compared to polythene film and horticultural glass.
State two benefits of growing a tomato crop in a protected structure compared with outside.
improvement in quality and yield of crop
longer growing season, cropping commences earlier
can use biological control methods more effectively
State two limitations of growing a tomato crop in a protected structure compared with outside.
pest and disease can spread more easily
costs to provide/control environment eg; light & heat
Watering is essential
name two disorders that can damage a tomato crop
blossom end rot
cracking/splitting of tomatoes
Describe blossom end rot in tomatoes
caused by insufficient calcium in the plant tissue
maintain a balanced fertiliser status in growing media
maintain soil temps
check pH of growing media
water regularly
describe cracking/splitting of tomatoes
caused by erratic watering
water regularly
maintain optimum moisture content in growing media
state three methods by which shading can be provided for a growing crop within a protected structure.
shade paints to the outside of the glasshouse eg; Redusol
Wooden slat blinds - can alter angle to give more/less shade on outside of GH
Netlon, a shading material attached on the outside of the GH of the glazing bars on the inside
describe what is meant by the term ‘supplementary lighting’
providing additional lighting in addition to any natural light in a glasshouse/polythene tunnel.
It tops up the natural light available
The quality of light is not critical
Can be used when natural light is the limiting factor in photosynthesis for optimum plant growth.
what type of lights can be used for supplementary lighting?
sodium lights - very efficient.
State the importance of each of the following terms in relation to protected cropping, giving one example of each. SHAPE OF THE STRUCTURE
the shape contributes to the amount of natural light entering it.
The greater the angle of incidence, the greater the amount of light transmitted in.
A dome shape, of Mansard enabled higher light transmission during winter when the sun is naturally low in the sky.
State the importance of each of the following terms in relation to protected cropping, giving one example of each ORIENTATION OF THE STRUCTURE
East-West is preferable for natural light energy as most of the glass is south facing therefore allows max. light transmission.
east-west best for spring, autumn/winter
north-south best for summer
State the importance of each of the following terms in relation to protected cropping, giving one example of each ; DAMPING DOWN
this is the process whereby water is sprayed onto benches and paths withing a protected structure to raise the levels of relative humidity, as well as reducing the air temps.
State the importance of each of the following terms in relation to protected cropping, giving one example of each; VENTILATION OF THE STRUCTURE
You must maintain the optimum growing cond. during warm weather by reducing air temps.
Ventilation is important when reducing the level of relative humidity and maintaining the ambient level of c02 in a protected structure.
Ventilation minimises presence of fungal diseases affecting a growing crop.
State the importance of each of the following terms in relation to protected cropping, giving one example of each ; BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
The applicationg of living predators, parasites or pathogens to control pest/diseases.
Encarsia formosa is used to control glasshouse whitefly
Biological pest control is preferable as no chemicals are used-therefore natural predators/parasites are not harmed
state four important factors to be considered when establishing a crop of bedding plants under each of the following headings; SEED SOWING
use clean mains water
clean/new containers
partially sterile growing media
Use John Innes seed sowing compost - moisture retentive/low nutrient status
Appropriate conditions for germination - temps 18-24’c
method of sowing - consider density/method is dependent on size of seed
what sowing method is used for small seeds?
broadcast
what sowing method is used for large and medium seed?
space sown, usually covered.
state four important factors to be considered when establishing a crop of bedding plants under each of the following headings; PRICKING OUT
Do when cotyledons fully expanded
Handle seedling by cotyledon/seed leaves to minimise physical damage
use JI No.1 growing media as moisture retentive, free draining, low nutrient levels
Method:
Select healthy seedlings
Make suitable hole with a dibber so roots don’t turn upwards.
Space well in tray to allow for growth
Firm gently with dibber and water in.
explain how to prick out seedlings.
Method:
Select healthy seedlings
Make suitable hole with a dibber so roots don’t turn upwards.
Space well in tray to allow for growth
Firm gently with dibber and water in.
name one pest that may cause damage to a named bedding plant
Pest; aphids, slugs, whitefly
Bedding plant; Lobelia erinus, Salvia splendens
Describe two health and safety issues that need to be considered when displaying plants in a domestic building
plants with spines eg; cacti, and those with poisonous foliage must not be used, or positioned where people cannot brush past them.
Plant containers must be watertight, so no leaking that will lead to a slip hazard.
Plants must not block exit’s, esp. fire exit
Describe three maintenance tasks that need to be carried out when growing Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in a domestic building. IRRIGATION
irrigation - provide manually or via an automatic drip system.
Can use a hydroculture system which provides both water and nutrients
Must keep growing media moist, avoid cycles of wetting/drying
Describe three maintenance tasks that need to be carried out when growing Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in a domestic building. POLLUTION OR DUST
occurs in areas where there is high volume of pedestrian traffic
Remove dust from foliage with a dry/slightly damp cloth so photosynthesis not compromised.
Describe three maintenance tasks that need to be carried out when growing Kalanchoe blossfeldiana in a domestic building. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL
Check regularly for pest/disease.
eg; scale insect, mealy bug, powdery mildew, botrytis.
Insects can be controlled with biological means
diseases can be controlled by ensuring environmental conditions are optimum
