RHS Level 2 R2104 Vegetative Propagation

Question 1

What is meant by vegetative propagation?

Answer 1

Producing a clone of the parent plant. It involves asexual reproduction

Question 2

State the benefit to the plant of vegetative propagation.

Answer 2

Fertilisation is not needed.

Question 3

Identify natural/artificial methods of vegetative propagation.

Answer 3

Bulbs.
Corms.
Rhizomes.
Stolons/runners.
Suckers.
Stem.
Root tubers.
Divisions.
Layers.
Cuttings.

Question 4

State the horticultural benefits of vegetative propagation.

Answer 4

Quicker to achieve a finished plant.
Produces plant identical to parent plant.
Variegation/certain characteristics can be propagated.
It’s the only method for some plants.
Some seed is hard to germinate or have dormancy problems.
No requirement for pollination to take place.

Question 5

State the limitations of vegetative propagation horticulture wise.

Answer 5

Can transfer diseases and viruses.
Limited availability of material.
Lack of genetic variation therefore prone to pests and diseases.
Can require some skill and knowledge to do.
Propagation equipment and different environments needed.
Some methods require large amount of space, e.g. layering.

Question 6

What is meant by the term juvenility?

Answer 6

Young new growth of a plant before it reaches maturity.

Non flowering.

Question 7

What is meant by the term Plant Health.

Answer 7

Free from pests and disease.
Having the optimum balanced levels of nutrients.
Providing correct level of light.

Question 8

State one named pest and how to avoid it during the rooting process.

Answer 8

Scariad fly/fungus gnat - use quality soil, avoid over watering

Question 9

State one named disease and how to avoid it during the rooting process.

Answer 9

Black leg/dampening off.

Avoid over watering.

Question 10

Describe what is meant by the term ‘clone’

Answer 10

Individual or group of plants derived from a vegetative single source which makes them genetically identical.

Question 11

What plant can be propagated by simple layering and when?

Answer 11

Magnolia stellata

Autumn or spring.

Question 12

Describe the propagation by simple layering of Magnolia stellata. Include selection of material and method.

Answer 12

Selection:
Choose material true to type and pest and disease free.
Make sure it’s young, pliable but woody.
Current or immediate previous seasons growth.
Vegetative but not flowering.
Method:
Soil around mother plant should be well prepared, weed free and include organic matter.
Create shallow trench, 10cm deep. 40-60cm from mother plant, or use container filled with growing medium.
Wound the stem by removing a small section of bark to encourage rooting.
Bend down stem into trench and secure with a peg to hold in place. Support excess stem with a vertical cane.
Back fill the trench with soil and water.

Question 13

Name some types of commercial propagation facilities used to grow plants

Answer 13

Misting propagation unit.
Greenhouse, heated or not.
Polytunnel
Northwall coldframe
Heated benches.
Fogging unit.

Question 14

How to manage the environment of a misting propagation unit to encourage rooting process.

Answer 14

Ensure facilities and sensors are clean.
The bottom heat is controlled thermostatically.
Check the settings and control of mist nozzles.

Question 15

What is the aftercare of vegetatively propagated plants after removal from the propagation facility.

Answer 15

Plants may need to be potted up.
Weaning the plants from the propagation environment.
Removal of dead or diseased material.
Hardening off.
Watering.
Foliar feeding if required.

Question 16

What is the scientific name for tomato?

Answer 16

Solanum lycopersicum

Question 17

Describe the collection of cutting material of softwood cuttings.

Answer 17

Fuchsia sp.
Taken in spring and early summer.
Take early in the day when moisture content of plant is higher.
Choose new growth which is true to type and undamaged.
Take cutting above a node.
Place cutting in a plastic bag until ready to use.

Question 18

Describe the preparation of the cuttings of softwood cuttings.

Answer 18

Trim below a leaf node.
Remove lower leaves to avoid rotting in soil.
Cutting should be 5cm long

Question 19

Describe the growing media and insertion of cutting of softwood cuttings.

Answer 19

Use a clean sterile pot.
Use 50% organic matter and 50% grit/vermiculite.
Firm soil and water it.
Use dibber or pencil to make a hole.
Insert cutting 25mm into soil ensuring foliage does not touch growing media.

Question 20

Propagation of streptocarpus sp. By leaf lamina cuttings.

Answer 20

Use sharp clean knife.
Flat clean surface.
Cut horizontal sections in a chevron shape 25-35mm in length. Lower point of chevron pointing to lower part of leaf.
Use mixture of organic matter and grit/perlite.
Clean sterile tray.
Insert prepared cuttings vertically, point down, 12mm into growing media.
Ensure they are spaced so they are not touching each other.
Place in a closed case or fogging unit with bottom heat.
18-24oc basal temp.
Shading is required.