Past Paper September 2020

Question 1

Label a diagram for named protective structures

Answer 1

eg; glasshouse
Polythene tunnel
cold frame
cloche
conservatory

Question 2

state two common uses for a glasshouse

Answer 2

used to overwinter tender plants

to grow long season crops eg tomatoes

Question 3

state two common uses for a ; polythene tunnel

Answer 3

to grow short season crops eg; self-blanching celery or lettuce
overwinter tender plants?

Question 4

state two common uses for a ; cold frame

Answer 4

To harden off plants before putting in final position

Raising vegetable plants or lettuce

Question 5

state two common uses for a ; cloche

Answer 5

Covers rows of crops eg; strawberries

Protect plants from the elements

Question 6

state two common uses for a ; conservatory

Answer 6

to grow houseplants in or display plants that are too tender for outside

Question 7

Name 4 environmental factors important in the care of plants growing in a protected environment.

Answer 7

Temperature - soil and air
Relative humidity
NAtural light
Water availability
Availability of O2 or C02

Question 8

Describe two effects on plant growth relating to; Temperature

Answer 8

A reduced air or soil temp will reduce the rate of photosynthesis, growth rate and rate of respiration within the plant

Question 9

Describe two effects on plant growth relating to; Relative Humidity

Answer 9

A low level of humidity will cause an increase in transpiration, leaf scorch, and temporary or permanent wilting of the plant

Question 10

Describe two effects on plant growth relating to; NATURAL LIGHT

Answer 10

A lack of natural light will cause weak, spindly growth, softer growth and make the plants more prone to attack be pests and diseases.

Question 11

Describe two effects on plant growth relating to; WATER AVAILABILITY

Answer 11

lack of water will cause temporary or permanent wilting, affecting the plants ability to take up nutrients and to carry out photosynthesis.

Question 12

Describe two effects on plant growth relating to; AVAILABILITY OF CARBON DIOXIDE OR OXYGEN

Answer 12

a lack of either will affect the growth rate of the plant and the level of yield of any crop

Question 13

Describe how a grower can maximise natural light transmission in a protected structure under each of the following headings; SITE SELECTION

Answer 13

select a site which is not shaded by trees or existing buildings

East-west orientation of the structure is ideal to maximise natural light transmission

Question 14

Describe how a grower can maximise natural light transmission in a protected structure under the heading: SELECTION OF PROTECTED STRUCTURE

Answer 14

The structure should have a curvilinear or mansard shape with high eaves to optimise the angle of incidence for maximum light transmission.

Stronger construction materials eg; aluminium/steel is preferred as they block out less light that wood.

The structure should be clad in hort. glass as max light transmission is allowed - compared to polythene film which has a lower rate of transmission

Question 15

Describe how a grower can maximise natural light transmission in a protected structure under the heading; GROWING WITH THE STRUCTURE

Answer 15

Staged benching - enables several tiers of plants to be accommodated and avoids shading some plants.

Use of a reflective material eg; milky polythene reflects light back onto the crop

Use training and support systems to ensure max. light is available to the crop.

Question 16

Describe the production of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION

Answer 16

sow seed broadcast in a seed tray/modular tray using seed growing media.

Place trays on a heated bed 18-23’C

Check regularly for damping off disease on seedlings

Prick out seedlings (handle by seed leaves) into modular trays or 9cm individual pots.

Maintain moisture levels at all times

Question 17

Describe the production of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) under each of the following headings; Planting and support

Answer 17

When the first truss of flowers have formed, plant into growbags, border soil or large pots.

Plant at correct depth with minimal root disturbance , graded and well firmed.

Remove any damaged foliage.

Use bamboo canes for support establishing a layering system with an ‘S’ hook to accommodate a full seasons growth.

Question 18

Describe the production of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) under each of the following headings; CROP MAINTENANCE (5 points)

Answer 18

Plants must be tied to a bamboo cane, or wound around the string lines when layering to accommodate stem growth.

Remove side shoots and de-leaf as required to maintain a single growing point.

Water regularly.

Provide ventilation to reduce the relative humidity and maintain ambient C02 levels.

Feed with high potash feed to encourage successful flowering and fruiting.

Question 19

State what is meant by each of the following methods of pest and disease control in a protected structure; CULTURAL

Answer 19

The prevention/control of pests and diseases through the management of the growing environment.

This includes crop rotation, 
Using resistant cultivars, 
Timing of cultivation/planting, 
Modification of soil pH, 
Managing levels of humidity in a protected structure.

Question 20

State what is meant by each of the following methods of pest and disease control in a protected structure; BIOLOGICAL

Answer 20

Biological control is the application of living predators, parasites or pathogens to control pests and diseases.

Use the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to control Red Spider Mite

Use the parasitic wasp Encarsia formose to control Glasshouse Whitefly

Question 21

Name the predatory mite used to control Red Spider Mites

Answer 21

Phytoseiulus persimilis

Question 22

Describe two reasons for using cultural and biological methods to limit the damage caused by pests and diseases.

Answer 22

No build up of chemical residue in crops and the environment

Less hazards to humans when using pesticides.

Resistance to pesticides is reduced

No clearance periods needed prior to harvesting crops

Question 23

State two advantages and two limitations for two distinct names framework materials used for protective structures. ; ALUMINIUM

Answer 23

light weight, strong for glazing bars
Low maintenance
Corrosion resistant
Glazing bars are thin so allows good light transmission

may not be strong enough for structural supports
Does not retain heat well
Is not aesthetically pleasing

Question 24

State two advantages and two limitations for two distinct names framework materials used for protective structures. ; WOOD

Answer 24

easy to cut and join
Retains heat so reduces heat requirement
Aesthetically pleasing

High level of maintenance
Needs to be thick for strength so cuts out light and creates shadows.
Will eventually rot and warp