R2104 UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION

Transcription

1 Including Examiners comments R20 UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION Level 2 Monday 6 February 207 :50 5:0 Written Examination Candidate Number: Candidate Name: Centre Number/Name:.. IMPORTANT Please read carefully before commencing: i) The duration of this paper is 50 minutes; ii) iii) iv) ALL questions should be attempted; EACH question carries 0 marks; Write your answers legibly in the lined space provided. It is NOT necessary that all lined space is used in answering the questions; v) Use METRIC measurements only; vi) vii) viii) Use black or blue ink only. Pencil can be used for drawing purposes only; Where plant names are required, they should include genus, species and where appropriate, cultivar; Where a question requires a specific number of answers; only the first answers given that meet the question requirement will be accepted, regardless of the number of answers offered; ix) Please note, when the word distinct is used within a question, it means that the items have different characteristics or features. Ofqual Unit Code D/505/2965 Please turn over/..

2 Q a) b) c) ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS Name ONE plant example that produces fine seeds which are sown indoors. Describe how to prepare a container prior to sowing fine seed..... State THREE methods of avoiding diseases during seed germination. 6 3 Total Mark 2 Please see over/..

3 Q2 Describe the method of sowing Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass) under EACH of the following headings: i) primary cultivation; ii) production of the final tilth; iii) sowing time; iv) sowing rate; v) sowing method. 3 i).. ii). iii) iv) v). Total Mark Please turn over/.. 3

4 Q3 a) Name EACH of the following features labelled on the diagram below: Mist propagation unit 6 b) Name TWO plants that can be propagated using a mist propagation unit. 2 c) Name TWO facilities, other than a mist propagation unit, that can be used to root the plants named in b). 2 Total Mark Please see over/..

5 Q a) Name ONE woody plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings. b) Describe the propagation of woody plants by semi-ripe cuttings under EACH of the following headings: i) preparation of cuttings (not collection); ii) insertion; iii) aftercare until potting off. 2 3 i).. ii). iii) Total Mark Please turn over/.. 5

6 Q5 a) State FOUR factors to be considered when collecting plant material for the preparation of stem cuttings. b) Name ONE plant propagated by the methods listed in the table below: 6 Propagation method Named plant Softwood cutting Deciduous hardwood cutting Evergreen (conifer) cutting Root cutting Leaf petiole cutting Leaf lamina Total Mark Please see over/.. 6

7 Q6 Describe the collection and storage of a recalcitrant (moist) seed for a NAMED plant under EACH of the following headings: i) harvesting; ii) storage and packaging. Named plant... i).. ii). ******* 7 5 Total Mark

8 These questions are the property of the Royal Horticultural Society. They must not be reproduced or sold. The Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB. Charity Registration Number: /SC

9 R20 UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION Level 2 Monday 6 February 207 Candidates Registered 72 Total Candidates Passed % Candidates Entered % Passed with Commendation % Candidates Absent/Withdrawn % Passed 27.% Candidates Deferred % Failed % Senior Examiner s Comments: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a good range of plant knowledge and be able to give accurately named plant examples where appropriate. Common names and generic names are often too vague and cannot be rewarded in the positive manner that genus, species and where appropriate, variety/cultivar can. This is particularly important when answering questions relating to particular (named) plant(s). Marks can only be awarded for these narratives where the example(s) are correctly and fully identified. 2 Candidates must be able to display accurate knowledge of the technical terms and concepts detailed in the syllabus, in the context of horticulture and also be aware that wider interpretation will not be rewarded. The examination should be regarded as a possible introduction to higher level studies, which will only be open to those who are in possession of a clear understanding of the horticultural terms and concepts which are current. 3 The introductory rubric given on the first page of each question paper should be read carefully by candidates. At each examination there are a significant number of candidates who ignore or misread the instructions given and consequently may not perform as well as they could have done. 9

10 Candidates should pace themselves during each paper. The most successful candidates allow sufficient time to read the question thoroughly before answering it and also take time to read through their answers. They should take care to write as legibly as possible, so that the examiner is in no doubt about what is intended. 5 Candidates need to interpret key words within questions, particularly those such as state, list and describe. Questions requiring descriptions or explanations obviously require a more detailed answer than those requiring a list. 6 It is important to ensure that responses to questions are to the point. Candidates should bear in mind that small sketches might be used to convey information more succinctly than words. 7 Successful candidates ensure that their answers are focused and to the point. It is disappointing when they cannot be rewarded for their efforts because the answer is irrelevant to the particular question. Candidates should take note of the mark allocation for specific sections and allocate their time and efforts accordingly. 8 Diagrams can enhance an answer and where appropriate can replace detailed descriptions. They should be large, clear and well annotated, ensuring that labels are properly attached to the features they describe. Diagrams should preferably be in pencil. Colour may be used successfully but only where it is relevant to the answer. 9 In each examination it is clear that some candidates are ill prepared to answer papers of the type set. It is essential that candidates have the opportunity to practice questions. Ideally some papers should be answered in a time constrained situation. Appropriate feedback must, in any case be provided. 0

11 Q a) b) c) Name ONE plant example that produces fine seeds which are sown indoors. Describe how to prepare a container prior to sowing fine seed. State THREE methods of avoiding diseases during seed germination. 6 3 Qa) The majority of candidates were able to name a suitable plant which produces fine seed e.g. Begonia semperflorens Cultorum Group, Lobelia erinus, Digitalis purpurea, Petunia multiflora, Nicotiana sylvestris and were awarded full marks. Qb) Candidates included a range of appropriate points in their descriptions of the preparation of a container for sowing fine seed and gained full marks. These included: Suitable container e.g. half or full seed tray or half pot Clean, sterile equipment Sterile growing media Suitable growing media e.g. John Innes seed or loam-less peat or peat alternative based Over fill container with growing media Tap down to settle growing media Level off Firm with firming/presser board Sieve fine layer of growing media on surface Pre-soak container Qc) Most candidates were able to state suitable methods used to avoid diseases during seed germination. Acceptable answers included: Sowing seed thinly to avoid diseases e.g. damping off Cover the seeds with glass or plastic Avoid excessive humidity Provide good air flow/ventilation Practice good hygiene Use of chemical control e.g. fungicide Avoid over watering Use of clean water

12 Q2 Describe the method of sowing Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass) under EACH of the following headings: i) primary cultivation; ii) production of the final tilth; iii) sowing time; iv) sowing rate; v) sowing method. 3 Q2 The sowing of Lolium perenne was described well by many candidates who were awarded full marks. The best answers included: i) Primary Cultivation Single dig, rotavate, plough ii) iii) iv) Production of Final Tilth Break down the clods of soil with a fork, rotavate or harrow and remove any large stones and weeds. Rake the soil level and consolidate it by treading or rolling before applying fertiliser. Finally rake the soil in all directions to produce a tilth of approximately 0mm depth. Sowing Time April/May or September/October. Sowing Rate grams per m². v) Sowing Method The seed is weighed out and divided in half before being sown broadcast on a still day in two directions. The seed is lightly raked in and watered. 2

13 Q3 a) Name EACH of the following features labelled on the diagram below: Mist propagation unit 6 b) Name TWO plants that can be propagated using a mist propagation unit. 2 c) Name TWO facilities, other than a mist propagation unit, that can be used to root the plants named in b). 2 Q3a) Candidates who named the features correctly on the diagram of a mist bench gained full marks. These were:. Thermostat control or heat controller 2. Soil warming cable or hot water pipe 3. Rod thermostat, sensor or probe. Sand or growing media covering the warming cables 5. Mist nozzle 6. Moisture sensor, electronic leaf or timer Q3b) The majority of candidates named suitable plants that can be propagated using a mist propagation unit and were awarded full marks. These included: Softwood cuttings e.g. Fuchsia magellanica and Chrysanthemum morifolium Semi-ripe cuttings e.g. Rosmarinus officinalis and x Cuprocyparis leylandii The mist propagation unit can be used for seed propagation of some fine seed e.g. Begonia semperflorens Q3c) A range of alternative facilities were correctly named by candidates who gained full marks. These included: Close case or dew point cabinet Fogging unit Heated bench Cold frame Polythene tunnel/tent Hot bed and cold frame Use of hydroponics in the form of aquaponics 3

14 Q a) Name ONE woody plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings. b) Describe the propagation of woody plants by semi-ripe cuttings under EACH of the following headings: i) preparation of cuttings (not collection); ii) insertion; iii) aftercare until potting off. 2 3 Qa) The majority of candidates named a suitable plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings and were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included; Rosmarinus officinalis, Potentilla fruticosa, Lavendula angustifolia, Camellia japonica, Clematis montana, Buddleja davidii. Qb) The propagation of plants by semi-ripe cuttings was described well by many candidates who gained full marks. The best answers included: i) Preparation of Cuttings The cutting is trimmed below a node to make a cutting 50mm 00mm in length. A third of the lower leaves are removed and large leaves can be reduced in size by 50%. The lower stem of woody material can be wounded prior to being treated with a medium strength rooting hormone powder. ii) iii) Insertion Cuttings can be inserted directly into growing media containing bark, peat, perlite, vermiculite or propagation foam on a mist unit or close case or in containers e.g. cuttings tray, half pot or modular cell trays. Cuttings are graded and inserted with a dibber if required to a depth just below the last leaf. Cuttings can be firmed if required and watered in. Aftercare until Potting Off Cuttings must be kept moist by checking the mist, fogging unit or close case and providing shade if it is sunny. Any dead cuttings or foliage must be removed and regular checks should be made to ensure that there are no pests or diseases present e.g. damping off. A suitable temperature of 5ºC - 2ºC must be maintained.

15 Q5 a) State FOUR factors to be considered when collecting plant material for the preparation of stem cuttings. b) Name ONE plant propagated by the methods listed in the table below: 6 Propagation method Named plant Softwood cutting Deciduous hardwood cutting Evergreen (conifer) cutting Root cutting Leaf petiole cutting Leaf lamina Q5a) Most candidates provided a range of suitable factors and gained maximum marks. These included: Juvenility of the cutting material i.e. non flowering material or flower buds removed Correct hardness of wood In active growth softwood cuttings or current season s growth hardwood cuttings Pest and disease free Correct nutritional status True to type or plant name known and labelled Ensure mother /stock plant is left in a good condition Use of sterile/clean tools Time of day cuttings are collected i.e. ensure turgidity of cutting material Time of year will influence success of cuttings e.g. soft material being collected in spring or early summer Q5b) Many candidates provided a range of suitable plants that can be propagated by the methods listed and gained full marks. These included: Softwood cutting Pelargonium zonale, Fuchsia magellanica Deciduous Hardwood cutting Cornus alba, Buddleja davidii Evergreen (conifer) cutting Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, x Cuprocyparis leylandii Root cutting Rhus typhina, Primula denticulata, Papaver orientale Leaf Petiole cutting Saintpaulia ionantha, Peperomia caperata Leaf Lamina Streptocarpus rexii, Begonia rex 5

16 Q6 Describe the collection and storage of a recalcitrant (moist) seed for a NAMED plant under EACH of the following headings: i) harvesting; ii) storage and packaging. 5 Q6) The collection and storage of a named recalcitrant seed e.g. Aesculus hippocastanum, Quercus robur, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica was described well by most candidates who were awarded full marks. The best answers included: i) Harvesting When harvesting the seeds should be true to type, free from pathogens, undamaged and of a reasonable size. The seeds are collected when they are ripe in the autumn, as they fall from the trees. Seed can be placed in a polythene bag (to ensure that it does not dry out) and clearly labelled with the plant name and location. ii) Storage and Packing After removing the husks from the seed it should be mixed with either moist peat, sand or vermiculite and placed in a polythene bag which is clearly labelled with the plant name, location of collection of the seed and date collected. The seed should be stored in rodent proof containers for no longer than 3 weeks in a refrigerator at a temperature of ºC - 5ºC. ******* 6