RHS R2113 - Outcome - 4

Question 1

What is meant by the term ‘top fruit’

Question 2

What is meant by the term ‘soft fruit’

Question 3

List a dessert and culinary cultivar for Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry (Top Fruits).
Include factors for section, harvesting season and storage capability.

Answer 3

Apple
* Mamus ‘Braeburn’
* Mamus ‘Bramley’

Pear
* Williams

Plum
* Victoria

Cherry
* Stella

Question 4

List type of ‘Soft Fruits’ -

Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackcurrants
Gooseberries
Blueberries
Grapes

including suitable cultivars, choice of early, mid or late, flavour?freezing capability

Answer 4

1. Strawberries
2. Raspberries
3. Blackcurrants
4. Gooseberries
5. Blueberries
6. Grapes

Question 5

Describe production of Apple.
Consider
* choosing plants,
* fruit type,
* plant quality,
* rootstock choice,
* size of tree,
* training style,
* pollination compatability
* cultural requirements

Question 6

Describe production of Apple.
Consider
* choosing plants,
* fruit type,
* plant quality,
* rootstock choice,
* size of tree,
* training style,
* pollination compatability
* cultural requirements

Question 7

Describe production of softfruit
Consider
* ground preparation
* planting and support
* mulching
* pruning
* irrigation
* maintenance - pruning, top dressing, pest, disease, replacement /tying (where appropriate)

Question 8

State the advantages of purchasing certified stock

Answer 8

1. Is virus free
2. guaranteed true to name and type

Question 9

Describe how quality and yield can be determined by
* Base and Top dressing
* Mulching
* Weed control
* Irrigation
* Training ( reference Cordons, Fans, espalier and Step-overs)
* Appropriate pruning
* Pest and Disease control

Question 10

Describe the importance of formative maintenance and pruning for shape and yield

Answer 10

1. Formative pruning of apple tree from whip to produce open centered bush, and maintenance pruning of a spur bearing apple tree

Question 11

Explain the importance of cross pollination and fertilisation in top fruit.
Include flowering periods, compatability, diploid and triploid cultivars.

Answer 11

Compatability is
Non compatability is

Question 12

State 4 methods to ensure effective pollination

Answer 12

1. Cultivar selection
2. planting pollinators i.e. crab apple
3. Shelter belts and hedges to encourage pollinators prvide wind breaks
4. The use and placement of beehives

Question 13

Describe harvesting and stroage of top fruit.
* Period of harvest
* ripeness /under ripeness at picking
* Storage method
* Storage conditions
* period of storage

Answer 13

Apples
Pears
Plums
Cherries

Question 14

Name ONE common pest and ONE common disease for each fruit type

Answer 14

1. Apples
2. Pears
3. Plums
4. Cherries
5. Strawberries
6. Raspberries
7. Blackcurrants
8. Gooseberries
9. Blueberries
10. Grapes