Past paper October 2021

Question 1

State 2 benefits of living windbreaks for fruit and vegetable crops

Answer 1

naturally filter wind resulting in reduced crop damage on the leeward side

beneficial to wildlife as they create a habitat

Aesthetically pleasing

long lived compared to a fence

does not require a lot of maintenance

Question 2

State 2 limitations of living windbreaks for fruit and vegetable crops

Answer 2

takes time for it to establish and become effective

root competition with adjacent crops for nutrients and water

takes up more space than a fence

may harbour pests and diseases

requires annual maintenance

Question 3

name two plant species suitable for a living windbreak

Answer 3

Fagus sylvatica
Taxus baccata
Thuja plicata

Question 4

describe two named methods used to extend the productive season of outdoor crops; CLOCHE

Answer 4

cloche ; a solid frame with glass/plastic/perspex/twin-walled polycarbonate cladding.

Glass cloches are usually heavy enough to withstand wind, but plastic ones need to be anchored to the ground.
Cloches protect late crops from early frosts and winds, they also can be used to over winter crops.

Question 5

describe two named methods used to extend the productive season of outdoor crops; COLD FRAME

Answer 5

A solid framed structure made from brick or wood.
Will have glass/plastic/perspex/twin-walled polycarbonate lights.

Crops are protected from early frosts and enable crops to be overwintered.

Question 6

describe two named methods used to extend the productive season of outdoor crops; other methods other than a cold frame or cloche

Answer 6

horticultural fleece
enviromesh netting
polythene film
low tunnel

Question 7

name some vegetables which would benefit from a cloche, cold frame, horticultural fleece, polythene film and other methods that extend the productive season of outdoor growing.

Answer 7

lettuce - Lactuca sativa
Carrot - Daucus carota
Salad leaves
Beetroot

Question 8

name some fruit which would benefit from a cloche, cold frame, horticultural fleece, polythene film and other methods that extend the productive season of outdoor growing

Answer 8

Strawberry

Question 9

Describe how the quality and yield of vegetable crops are affected by each of the following factors; WEED CONTROL

Answer 9

weeds compete for water, light and nutrients which will reduce the quality and yield of vegetable crops

Weeds act as host plants for diseases eg: Capsella bursa-pastoris, which is a host for clubroot in brassicas.

Question 10

Describe how the quality and yield of vegetable crops are affected by each of the following factors; IRRIGATION

Answer 10

veg crops need regular, even watering to swell the crop, produce high quality vegetables and to maximise yield

irregular or overwatering may cause roots to split eg; carrots/parsnips/tomato fruits.
This reduces the quality and yield of the veg.

Question 11

Describe how the quality and yield of vegetable crops are affected by each of the following factors; THINNING

Answer 11

thinning prevents overcrowding and allows good aeration- this reduces the risk of the fungal disease Botrytis and ensures the quality and yield of the crop is not affected.

Question 12

Describe the production of winter cabbage under each of the following headings: Soil pH

Answer 12

Soil pH needs to be 6.5 and above - alkaline.
On an acidic soil it is more likely to get clubroot.
Raise the soil pH by adding lime or calcified seaweed

Question 13

Describe the production of winter cabbage under each of the following headings:; SOWING

Answer 13

sow seed mid-April to mid-May in a prepared seedbed.
sow thinly in drills 15cm apart at a depth of 1-2cm.
Cover, label and water.
You can sow singly in modules that are left outside (think of Tony’s lettuce!)

Question 14

Describe the production of winter cabbage under each of the following headings: TRANSPLANTING

Answer 14

Transplant into their final positions in June/July when there are approx 5-6 true leaves - think of the kale etc I put in with Chris)

Water well the day before planting

Use a trowel/dibber to make a hole 30-60 cm (depending on cultivar)

Puddle in with lowest leaves at ground level and firm in well

Question 15

Name one host fruit and one control method for each pest; CODLING MOTH

Answer 15

Apple;

Use pheromone traps or Deltamethrin

Question 16

Name one host fruit and one control method for each pest; WINTER MOTH

Answer 16

Plume, Apple, Pear, Cherry;

Deltamethrin
Grease bands around tree
Encourage birds into the garden

Question 17

Name one host fruit and one control method for each pest; BLACKBIRD

Answer 17

Raspberry
Straawberry
Blackcurrant;

Netting and fruit cages

Question 18

Name one host fruit and one control method for each pest; BIG BUD MITE

Answer 18

Blackcurrant, red/white currants

Dig up and burn heavily infected plants
Buy certified stock
Plant resistant cultivars eg; Blackcurrant ‘Ben Hope’

Question 19

Name one host fruit and one control method for each pest; SLUG

Answer 19

Strawberry;

Hand pick them off and dispose away from crops
Encourage predators eg; birds, frogs and hedgehogs.

Question 20

Name a dessert apple

Answer 20

Beauty of Bath
Blenheim Orange
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Discovery

Question 21

Name a culinary apple

Answer 21

Grenadier
Bramleys Seedling
Newton Wonder

Question 22

List 6 factors to be considered when choosing apple trees for a small garden

Answer 22

Dessert  or culinary cultivar required
Early, mid or late season cultivar
Pollination compatibility
Pest, disease and disorder susceptibility
Storage capability
Ultimate size of tree
Cultural requirements
Suitability for the soil/growing conditions
Potential yield

Question 23

Name two training systems used for growing apple trees

Answer 23

Espalier
Cordon
Step-over