Unit 2

Question 1

6 abiotic factors for optimum growth

Answer 1

1) temperature
2) humidity
3) air circulation
4) light intensity
5) oxygen (at root)
6) moisture/ water for photosynthesis

Question 2

Which nutrient is important for leafy green growth

Answer 2

Nitrogen

Question 3

Ideal pH for most availability of macro and micronutrients

Answer 3

6.5 to 6.8
(Slightly acidic)

Question 4

Ericaceous plant examples

Answer 4

Blueberries
Heather
Rhododendron
Pine
Like more acidic soils due to
The nutrients available in soils at that pH level

Question 5

Plant problem-
What should
You do?

Answer 5

Check all abiotic factors (6)
Then check pH of soil

Question 6

What is this

Answer 6

Intervenal chlorosis caused by Nitrogen deficiency

The leaf is not ps properly, it breaks down the chloroplasts in leaf and transports them to apex meristem cells to put energy into new growth.

Fix with blood, fish, bone

Question 7

Use of wood chips as mulch?

Answer 7

When wood chip breaks down it uses up a small amount of nitrogen from soil, although long term it has a positive effect and will release nitrogen and other nutrients over time.

Question 8

What is this?

Answer 8

Marginal discolouration
A phosphorus deficiency in Zea mays leaf edge takes a reddish tinge, can go bronze brown spots with necrosis, cause blemish and stunting in fruits

Question 9

What is phosphorus for in plants?

Answer 9

Production of ATP and energy, without it the sugars from Ps can’t be accessed

Question 10

Pyramid of pest management

Answer 10

Cultural
Physical/ mechanical
Biological
Chemical

Question 11

Carrot planting
Cultural management

Answer 11

Choose seed from reliable source
Choose seed which is bred to be more resistant e.g Daucus carota ’Resistafly’
Clean tools
Rotate crops
Ensure soil prep is appropriate- tithe soil finely
Ensure a robust watering and feeding program is in place for soil and plants
Plant carrot seeds to final spacing straight away, to avoid disturbing root development and introducing pathogens and pest

Question 12

Carrot planting
Physical mechanical pest and disease management

Answer 12

Plant in raised beds to deter carrot fly who can only reach 1.5m
Adjust the timings of sowing to fit less productively with the carrot fly life cycle
Install fencing to deter rabbits
Employ game keeper to keep rabbit populations manageable
Plant carrot rows interspersed with other crops so it’s harder for pest to spread
Partner plant with strong smelling alien and lamiaceae family plants to deter rabbits

Question 13

Planting carrots
Biological control of pests

Answer 13

Research any predatory species who could be introduced to the area without further detrimental environmental impact
E.g. introducing appropriate nematodes to an infestation of vine weevil

Question 14

Planting carrots
Chemical control of pests and diseases

Answer 14

Research and apply an appropriate product like grazer that deters rabbits from eating carrot foliage
Use natural garlic oil products before chemical option

Question 15

Reporting dangerous plants and diseases, use of weed killers in accordance to which legal document?

Answer 15

Wildlife and countryside act 1981 section 9

Question 16

What does iron deficiency look like?

Answer 16

Yellowing of young leaves as iron isn’t mobile in plant, can’t move from old

Question 17

What plants may demonstrate an iron deficiency?

Answer 17

Acid loving plants like azaleas, also pear (Pyrus communis) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

Question 18

Why do ericaceous plants have a tendency to iron deficiency?

Answer 18

Because iron isn’t as available for uptake in more acidic soils.