Past paper October 2021

Question 1

Name 4 distinct protective structures used in horticulture for crop production, propagation or display

Answer 1

Glasshouse
polythene tunnel
cold frame
cloche
conservatory

Question 2

describe 2 horticultural uses for protective structures used in horticulture for crop production, propagation or display; glasshouse

Answer 2

used to propagate a range of plants eg; Cyclamen persicum

For growing a main season crop eg; Lycopersicon esculentum

overwintering plants

display house

Question 3

describe 2 horticultural uses for protective structures used in horticulture for crop production, propagation or display; polythene tunnel

Answer 3

Used to grow a short season crop eg; Lactuca sativa
Plant propagation
Overwintering plants

Question 4

describe 2 horticultural uses for protective structures used in horticulture for crop production, propagation or display; Cold frame

Answer 4

Used to propagate hardy plants
Growing bedding plants
Hardening off plants eg: Impatiens walleriana

Question 5

describe 2 horticultural uses for protective structures used in horticulture for crop production, propagation or display; cloche

Answer 5

used to protect early season row crops

Starting French or Runner beans until established

Question 6

State two reasons why adequate ventilation is an essential part of successfully growing under protection. TEMPERATURES

Answer 6

Ventilation maintains optimum air temps for growing.

Temps that are too high can encourage soft growth - that is susceptible to pest/disease damage and lower yields.

Temps that are too low cause stunted growth, reduced flower production and lower yields.

Maintaining ambient levels of carbon dioxide with adequate ventilation enables photosynthesis to take place.
Inadequate ventilation can cause temporary depletion of it in the boundary layer around the leaf surface resulting in a reduction in growth.

Question 7

State two reasons why adequate ventilation is an essential part of successfully growing under protection; CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS

Answer 7

Maintaining ambient levels of carbon dioxide with adequate ventilation enables photosynthesis to take place.

Inadequate ventilation can cause temporary depletion of it in the boundary layer around the leaf surface resulting in a reduction in growth.

Question 8

State two reasons why adequate ventilation is an essential part of successfully growing under protection; RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Answer 8

controlling relative humidity avoids the occurrence of fungal diseases

Question 9

Describe one named method of ventilation ;

Answer 9

Forced draught or Fan ventilation

Install extractor fan at one end of structure
Construct an opening at the other end of the structure.
Hot, moist air is extracted from the structure by the fans
Cooler air enters through the opening
The air speed entering the structure is slow due to the large surface area of the opening.

A thermostat installed withing the structure can control the ventilation rate.

Question 10

Describe the properties of the following horticultural cladding materials; HORTICULTURAL GLASS

Answer 10

good natural light entry for a long period of time
easily broken-can be a risk to health
very heavy

Question 11

Describe the properties of the following horticultural cladding materials; POLYCARBONATE

Answer 11

usually twin-walled in construction which traps air

very good insulator

light weight and easy to handle

does not break easily and can be cut with a saw

Question 12

Describe the properties of the following horticultural cladding materials; POLYTHENE FILM

Answer 12

limited life span

can create condensation which results in an environment with a high relative humidity

susceptible to wind damage and snow loading

goes brittle over time

Question 13

Describe the properties of the following horticultural cladding materials; ACRYLIC SHEETS

Answer 13

can be obtained in limited sizes
tends to discolour over time
only available in a limited number of thickness

Question 14

Describe the properties of the following horticultural cladding materials; HORTICULTURAL FLEECE

Answer 14

reduces light levels creating a shade effect

does not retain heat

useful for frost protection for a short period of time

Question 15

Describe one method of heating a protected structure under each of the following headings; fuel used

Answer 15

gas
oil
electricity
bio-fuel
paraffin/kerosene

Question 16

Describe one method of heating a protected structure under each of the following headings; Heat distribution

Answer 16

Heat is distributed around the structure by air.

It can be direct from a fan heater in one corner.
It can be distributed via polythene ducting which distributes the heat evenly within the structure.

It can also be done by water through a network of pies running down the length of the glasshouse.
A circulating pump ensures the water runs within all of the pipework

Warm air rises so the heat source needs to be low down to ensure even heat distribution.

Question 17

Describe one method of heating a protected structure under each of the following headings; EFFICIENCY OF THE SYSTEM

Answer 17

Efficiency is dependent on the reliability and effectiveness of the heat source, combined with the ability to distribute heat around the structure quickly.

This is to ensure the system is responsive to any temp. changes in the structure.

Low thermal inertia provides a quick response.

Financial efficiency is also important IE; max. heat for min. cost.

Question 18

Describe the management of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION BY SEED

Answer 18

Propagated by seed.

Over fill clean trays with a John Inness seed sowing compost.
Tap tray to settle compost and strike off with a striking off board.
Firm with a firming board.
Sieve a fine layer of compost over the top of the tray and re-firm.
As seed is fine, mix with 50;50 dry silver sand to aid distribution.
Distribute mixture evenly over surface of tray
Seeds germinate at temp of 18-24’c
Once seeds are large enough to handle, prick out into modular trays

Question 19

Describe the management of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION BY STEM/TIP CUTTINGS

Answer 19

Cutting material must be true to type, healthy and pest/disease free.- collect from must above a node.

Cutting is 100mm long, prep. by cutting just below a node and remove basal leaves from a third of the length of the stem.

Insert cuttings into prepared clean trays in a 50;50 mix of coir;perlite.

Place cuttings in a closed case of mist unit with basal temp of 18-24’c.

Once sufficiently rooted they can be potted off.

Question 20

Describe the management of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under each of the following headings; POTTING

Answer 20

pot off into 9cm pots once root system established.

Use John Innes No.1 potting mix.
Half fill pot
Hold plant in centre of pot at suitable depth
Fill pot around plant-leave space for water and firm in.
The potted plants should be watered to settle the compost

Question 21

Describe the management of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana under each of the following headings; MAINTENANCE

Answer 21

Water regularly as required but they will tolerate dry conditions temporarily.
Feed in growing season with liquid or foliar feed
Monitor for pest/disease damage

Aphid, red spider mite, mealy bugs, sciarid fly, botrytis and powdery mildew can affect the plants and need to be controlled.

Deadhead as required to encourage more flowering.

Question 22

Describe the production of a named salad crop under each of the following headings; PROPAGATION (Solanum lycopersicum) aka tomato :)

Answer 22

propagate by seed.

Use a new/clean seed tray
over fill with John innes seed sowing compost
Tap tray twice on bench to settle compost-make sure corners filled.
Level surface with a striking board and firm with firming board.
Sow seeds evenly across the surface of the tray and lightly cover with a sieved compost.
Seeds germinate at 18-21’c in a closed case.
Seedlings are pricked out into 9-12cm pots when big enough to handle.

Question 23

Describe the production of a named salad crop under each of the following headings; PLANTING (Solanum lycopersicum) aka tomato :)

Answer 23

can plant and grow in; grow bags/hydroculture/pots/directly in soil.

Select plants for their even vigour, health,
Water well and handle with care when planting out to avoid damage
Plant to same depth as they were in their pots and firm in.

Question 24

Describe the production of a named salad crop under each of the following headings;
PLANT MAINTENANCE (Solanum lycopersicum) aka tomato :)

Answer 24

water at regular intervals to maintain field capacity.
Avoid wet/dry cycles.
Give high N feeds initially to support growth
Raise Potassium levels to encourage flowering/fruiting
Provide support to aid long term cropping with cordon training systems eg; S HOOK or ‘Efford’ bobbin systems.
Individual plants can be supported by a bamboo cane and ties.
In later stages of crop maintenance de-leafing of the lower leaves takes place to reduce the area of foliage and maintain air movement around the plant.