Including Examiners Comments R11 UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS & THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION Level Tuesday 9 February 016 1:50 15:0 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 10 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 L/601/067 1 Please turn over/..
Q1 ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS State the distinct benefits to plant growth, of EACH of the following protected structures used for growing plants by completing the table below. Protected structure Distinct benefits Greenhouse. 3.. Polythene tunnel. Cold frame. Conservatory. Total Mark Please see over/..
Q a) Name FOUR distinct cladding materials which can be used in the construction of protective structures. b)........... Describe the properties of TWO of the cladding materials named in a). 6......................... 3 Total Mark Please turn over/..
Q3 a) Illustrate on the diagrams below how heat distribution in a glasshouse can be controlled by: i) natural ventilation; 3 ii) forced draught/fan ventilation. 3 b) Describe ONE NAMED method by which air temperature can be reduced within a protected structure (excluding ventilation)............ Total Mark... Please see over/..
Q For EACH of the materials below used in the construction of plant containers, state: i) property(ies) of the material; ii) its suitability for interior display; by completing the table below. Material Property(ies) Suitability for interior display terracotta.. plastic.. natural stone Total Mark Please turn over/.. 5
Q5 a) Describe a method of forcing a NAMED bulb. 6 b) Describe ONE NAMED disease of the bulb named in a) under EACH of the following headings: i) name of disease; ii) symptoms; iii) control. 1 1 i)..... ii)..... iii)... 6 Total Mark Please see over/..
Q6 a) Name ONE fern suitable for display in a domestic building. 1 b) Name THREE environmental factors that must be considered when displaying plants inside domestic buildings. 3 c) State how EACH of the factors named in b) influence plant growth. i).. ii). iii) ******* 7 Total Mark
These questions are the property of the Royal Horticultural Society. They must not be reproduced or sold. The Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU3 6QB. Charity Registration Number: 879/SC0386 8
R11 UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS & THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION Level Tuesday 9 February 016 Candidates Registered 360 Total Candidates Passed 51 876% Candidates Entered 307 85.8% Passed with Commendation 77 5.08% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 8 13.33% Passed 17 56.68% Candidates Deferred 5 39% Failed 56 18.% Senior Examiner s Comments: 1 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. 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
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. 10
Q1 State the distinct benefits to plant growth, of EACH of the following protected structures used for growing plants by completing the table below. Protected structure Distinct benefits Greenhouse Polythene tunnel Cold frame Conservatory. 3..... Q1) Most candidates were able to state appropriate benefits to plant growth of the specific protected structures and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included: Greenhouse Increased control of environmental factors e.g. irrigation, supplementary lighting, heat, humidity control. Increased yields. Extended season of cropping. Propagation of tender plants. Polythene Tunnel Potential for all year round cropping. More even growth. Cold Frame Hardening off of young plants. Rooting takes place more quickly when propagating plants from hardwood cuttings. Conservatory Suitable environment to display groups of plants e.g. Orchids. Higher night temperatures depending on heating system. 11
Q a) Name FOUR distinct cladding materials which can be used in the construction of protective structures. b) Describe the properties of TWO of the cladding materials named in a). 6 Qa) Candidates who named horticultural glass, twin walled polycarbonate, polythene sheeting, acrylic or shade netting as cladding materials that can be used in the construction of protective structures gained full marks. Qb) Candidates were expected to clearly describe the properties of cladding materials to gain maximum marks. The best answers included: Horticultural Glass heavy but has good natural light transmission. It is a stable material which is effective over a long period of time. It retains long wave radiation and so warms up when exposed to direct sunlight. Horticultural glass is fragile, breaks easily and is not easy to cut. Twin Walled Polycarbonate is light in weight and does not bend. It is easy to work with and can be cut with a saw. It has excellent heat retention properties and its light transmission properties are good but deteriorate over time. 1
Q3 a) Illustrate on the diagrams below how heat distribution in a glasshouse can be controlled by: i) natural ventilation; 3 ii) forced draught/fan ventilation. 3 b) Describe ONE NAMED method by which air temperature can be reduced within a protected structure (excluding ventilation). Q3a) Candidates who were able to illustrate how heat distribution in a glasshouse can be controlled by different types of ventilation were awarded full marks. i) Natural Ventilation is where cool air enters the glasshouse at low level via louvres, ventilators or an open door and leaves the structure through the roof ventilators after being heated by the radiation within the glasshouse. ii) Forced Draught/Fan Ventilation is where cool air enters the glasshouse via louvres or ventilators in the side of the glasshouse and the hot humid air is forced out by the use of extractor fans situated on the other side of the structure. Q3b) The majority of candidates described either damping down or the use of shading as suitable methods to reduce air temperature within a protected structure and gained maximum marks. The best answers included: Damping Down is the use of water which is applied to the plants or paths within a protected structure to assist with the cooling process. As the water evaporates it has a cooling effect removing the latent heat from within the structure. Water can be applied using an irrigation system or a hose pipe using a lance and rose. Shading can be applied to the outside of the glasshouse structure in the form of a paint or shading laths. The use of shade netting or a thermal screen can be used to provide shade inside a protected structure. 13
Q For EACH of the materials below used in the construction of plant containers, state: i) property(ies) of the material; ii) its suitability for interior display; by completing the table below. Material Property(ies) Suitability for interior display terracotta.. plastic.. natural stone Q) Full marks were awarded to candidates who were able to clearly state the properties of specific materials used in the construction of plant containers as well as their suitability for interior display. The best answers included: Terracotta The properties of terracotta are that it is porous which allows moisture to evaporate from the sides and it is heavy in weight. It is suitable for interior display as it is available in a range of shapes and sizes and it is aesthetically pleasing. Plastic The properties of plastic are that it is impervious to water which makes the growing media more moisture retentive and it is long lasting. It is suitable for interior display as it is available in a range of colours and can mimic other materials very well. Natural Stone The properties of natural stone are that it is very heavy to lift and move and it is only available in a few shapes. It is suitable for interior display as it is durable but is only available in a limited range of colour shades. 1
Q5 a) Describe a method of forcing a NAMED bulb. 6 b) Describe ONE NAMED disease of the bulb named in a) under EACH of the following headings: i) name of disease; ii) symptoms; iii) control. 1 1 Q5a) The majority of candidates provided good descriptions of the forcing of Narcissus Tête-à-tête and were awarded full marks. The best answers included the following details. At the end of September to early October bulbs are planted in containers without drainage holes using bulb fibre so that half of the bulb is out of the growing media. The containers of bulbs are placed in a cold moist environment at a temperature of ºC e.g. a refrigerator for 13 weeks to encourage root production. Following the cold period the containers of bulbs are placed in a well lit, warm environment at a temperature of 16ºC for four weeks before the bulbs will flower. Q5b) The best candidates who were able to name a disease of the forced bulb and describe its symptoms and control were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included: i) Daffodil Basal Rot ii) iii) The bulb will feel slightly soft as the brown, spreading rot develops. A pinkishwhite fungus may be visible between affected scales and on the basal plate on bulbs that are being stored. Eventually the bulb rots completely and appears mummified. If infected bulbs are planted the foliage may turn yellow prematurely and the bulb may not flower. Neck rot may also be present if the infection has occurred through the neck of the bulb after flowering has finished. Grow resistant cultivars e.g. Narcissus tazetta, do not replant Narcissus where infection has occurred and do not store damaged or soft bulbs. 15
Q6 a) Name ONE fern suitable for display in a domestic building. 1 b) Name THREE environmental factors that must be considered when displaying plants inside domestic buildings. 3 c) State how EACH of the factors named in b) influence plant growth. i).. ii). iii) Q6a) The majority of candidates named Adiantum raddianum as a suitable fern for display in a domestic building and gained full marks. Q6b) A range of suitable environmental factors were named correctly by candidates who were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included: Natural light. Air temperature. Relative humidity. Soil moisture. Dust and pollutants. Q6c) The best candidates related their answers to the influence of specific environmental factors on plant growth and gained full marks. Suitable answers included: Natural Light A lack of natural light will result in etiolated growth which is weak and spindly and more susceptible to pests and diseases. Flowering plants will not form buds or flower and the variegation on the foliage of some plants will be lost. Air Temperature Fluctuations in air temperature are most damaging to plant growth. This may occur when draughts are a problem from external doors. Evapotranspiration rates can become excessive resulting in leaf scorch, poor growth and even death of the plant. Low air temperatures may reduce the plant processes which will result in poor and erratic growth while temperatures below freezing will result in cell damage. Relative Humidity Low relative humidity, which is common in domestic buildings can cause the plant to dry out quickly, can affect nutrient uptake and may result in leaf scorch. ******* 16