Unit 5: Stems, Leaves, & Roots

Question 1

What is a biennial vegetable, what is unique about them?

Answer 1

They have a 2 year life cycle = first year they grow vegetatively and store energy in root, tuber etc. then are dormant in winter = year two they use energy to accelerate growth and reproductive structure and seeds

they dont flower in the first year = low cal but rich in nutrient

Question 2

what are the roots that store energy of biennial and perennial plants called?

Answer 2

storage roots, not tubers.

Question 3

what are tubers?

Answer 3

they are a storage organ made of stem tissue underground

Question 4

What plants come from the mustard (Brassica oleraceae) family?

Answer 4

Kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage etc.

Question 5

What is unique about the mustard family?

Answer 5

They are all a single species! they use bolting to select for a biennial that will produce flowers in the first year

Question 6

how do brussel sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli differ?

Answer 6

cabbage = swollen stem in centre
brussel sprouts = axillary buds
broccoli = nearly mature flowers
cauliflower = proliferating stem tips (curds)

Question 7

What is an example of a perennial?

Answer 7

artichokes (consume the immature inflorescence) 
and asparagus (young unexpanded shoots)

Question 8

what is the issue with perennials?

Answer 8

farmers go several years with no harvest and no replanting = no return until they plant is mature and flowers

Question 9

What is the most important root/tuber?

Answer 9

in terms of calories = potato

Question 10

why did the potato blight have such a big impact?

Answer 10

1. crops are vegetatively propagated meaning they are have low genetic diversity and limited selections were
2. most potatoes are male sterile and dont produce seeds which is why they are propagated as true seeds would not create uniform crops

Question 11

What is a rutabaga?

Answer 11

A genetic hybrid between a turnip and cabbage.

Question 12

are sweet potatoes related to yams?

Answer 12

NO! Yams are native to Africa, Asia, and S. America and can grow up to 50kg. Manoic and Cassava are the same crop = storage roots. Sweet potatoes can be grown as annuals (temperate) or perennials (tropics) and are TRUE roots from the NEW WORLD.

Question 13

What is an excellent tropical root crop?

Answer 13

Cassava