Including Examiners Comments
R2104
UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION
Level 2
Monday 9 February 2015
14:50 – 15:40
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)
ALL questions should be attempted;
iii)
EACH question carries 10 marks;
iv)
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)
Use black or blue ink only. Pencil can be used for drawing purposes only;
vii)
Where plant names are required, they should include genus, species and
where appropriate, cultivar;
viii)
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
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ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
MARKS
Q1
a)
State SIX uses of seed within horticulture.
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b)
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State FOUR horticultural benefits of propagating plants from seed.
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Q2
a)
List SIX factors that affect the viability of seeds in dry storage.
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b)
State FOUR environmental conditions required by seeds to germinate.
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Q3
a)
Name ONE plant grown from EACH of the following:
i)
ii)
iii)
fine seed;
medium-size seed;
large-size seed.
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b)
Describe the method of sowing a medium – size seed under the following
headings:
i)
ii)
preparing a container for sowing;
sowing method.
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Q4
a)
State what is meant by the term ‘juvenility’ in vegetative propagation.
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b)
List FOUR methods of propagating plants by natural means.
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c)
State FOUR horticultural benefits of propagating plants by vegetative means.
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Q5
Describe the propagation of a NAMED plant by root cuttings under EACH of
the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
name of plant;
collection;
preparation of the cuttings up to insertion.
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Q6
a)
Name THREE types of facility used to propagate plants.
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b)
Describe how to manage the environment of ONE of the named facilities stated
in a), to encourage the rooting process.
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c)
State the aftercare of vegetatively propagated plants after removal from the
propagation facility, named in b).
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©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: 222879/SC038262
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R2104
UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION
Level 2
Monday 9 February 2015
Candidates Registered
Candidates Entered
Candidates Absent/Withdrawn
Candidates Deferred
594
494
90
10
83.17%
15.15%
1.68%
Total Candidates Passed
Passed with Commendation
Passed
Failed
419
216
203
75
84.82%
43.73%
41.09%
15.18%
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.
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.
4
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.
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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.
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Q1
a)
State SIX uses of seed within horticulture.
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b)
State FOUR horticultural benefits of propagating plants from seed.
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Q1a)
A wide range of uses of seed in horticulture were provided by the majority of candidates
who were awarded full marks. Suitable examples included; the production of seasonal
bedding plants, establishing wildflower meadows and green manure crops, establishing
lawns, the propagation of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, herbs and vegetable
plants.
Q1b) The benefits of propagating plants from seed was well understood by most candidates
who provided a number of suitable answers including;
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Seed propagation gives a wide variation of genotypes from which new cultivars can be
developed.
It may be the only method of reproduction for some types of plants.
Large numbers of plants can be raised from seeds.
Seeds can be stored and transported more easily.
Generally a less expensive way of raising large numbers of plants when compared
with vegetative propagation.
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Q2
a)
List SIX factors that affect the viability of seeds in dry storage.
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b)
State FOUR environmental conditions required by seeds to germinate.
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Q2a)
Candidates who included the following factors that affect the viability of seeds in dry
storage gained full marks.
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Temperature of the seed store. Viability is extended as the temperature is
lowered.
The presence of pests and diseases.
The moisture content of the seed store.
The physiology of the seed type i.e. long or short period of viability.
The moisture content of the seed.
The presence/concentration of oxygen in the seed store.
The stage of ripeness of the seed when it was harvested.
Q2b) Most candidates were able to state that seeds need; a suitable level of temperature, a
supply of moisture, oxygen and either light or dark to germinate and gained full marks.
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Q3
a)
Name ONE plant grown from EACH of the following:
i)
ii)
iii)
b)
fine seed;
medium-size seed;
large-size seed.
3
Describe the method of sowing a medium – size seed under the following
headings:
i)
ii)
Q3a)
preparing a container for sowing;
sowing method.
Most candidates stated a suitable plant example for each of the sizes of seed and gained
full marks. Correct examples included; Begonia semperflorens and Lobelia erinus for fine
seed, Lactuca sativa for medium-size seed and Cucurbita pepo, Quercus robur and
Helianthus annuus for large-size seed.
Q3b) The majority of candidates clearly described the sowing of a medium-size seed and
provided the following details to gain full marks.
Preparing a Container for Sowing
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Selection of a clean sterile container e.g. seed tray, pots or modules.
Filling the container with the growing media i.e. a fine seed compost e.g. loamless or
John Innes.
Overfilling the container.
Settling down the growing media by tapping the container.
Striking off the growing media level.
Creating a firm seed bed with the use of a firming board.
Sowing Method
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Either broadcast by hand or individually sown in pots or modules with the use of a
dibber.
Seeds must be evenly spaced.
Seeds must be sown thinly or at a suitable density for the specified container.
Seeds to be covered to a depth of 3 – 5mm.
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Q4
a)
State what is meant by the term ‘juvenility’ in vegetative propagation.
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b)
List FOUR methods of propagating plants by natural means.
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c)
State FOUR horticultural benefits of propagating plants by vegetative means.
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Q4a)
Candidates who stated that the term juvenility was when a young plant has not
reached the flowering or fruiting stage, can appear different from the parent and roots
more easily due to the presence of natural root hormones were awarded full marks.
Q4b) Most candidates had a good understanding that many plants can reproduce by
natural means and provided suitable examples which included; stem and root tubers,
division of bulbs, corms, rhizomes and offsets, simple and tip layering (stolons and
runners) and naturally broadcast seed.
Q4c)
There are many benefits of propagating plants by vegetative means. The best
candidates stated correctly that there is no necessity for the plant material to be
flowering, only one plant is required to reproduce new ones, exact copies of the
parent plant are produced (clones), vegetative propagation guarantees that a 100%
of the plants’ genes are passed onto the next generation and plants can reproduce
naturally by the production of perennating organs.
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Q5
Describe the propagation of a NAMED plant by root cuttings under EACH of
the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
name of plant;
collection;
preparation of the cuttings up to insertion.
Q5i)
Candidates named a range of suitable plants that can be propagated from root
cuttings including; Papaver orientalis cvs., Primula denticulata, Rhus typhina,
Anemone hybrida and Acanthus mollis and were awarded full marks.
Q5ii)
Collection of the cutting material was described by the best candidates as being
carried out in the dormant season for most spp. but late summer for Primula
denticulate. Material should be healthy, true to type and carefully lifted (to avoid
damage) and of a suitable thickness. Clean cuts ensuring polarity should be made to
detach the material from the parent plant, which is then cleaned of any soil or debris.
Q5iii) The majority of candidates were able to describe the preparation of the cuttings up to
insertion and included the following detail; a clean horizontal cut should be made at
the top of the cutting (proximal end) and a sloping cut at the bottom of the cutting
(distal end), which should be approximately 5cm in length for fat roots which will be
inserted vertically. Cuttings made from thin roots e.g. Primula denticulata have
horizontal cuts made at both ends of the cutting as they will be inserted horizontally
and therefore polarity is not important. A fungicidal dip can be applied to the cuttings.
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Q6
a)
Name THREE types of facility used to propagate plants.
3
b)
Describe how to manage the environment of ONE of the named facilities stated
in a), to encourage the rooting process.
3
c)
State the aftercare of vegetatively propagated plants after removal from the
propagation facility, named in b).
4
Q6a)
Most candidates named suitable types of facilities that can be used to propagate
plants and gained full marks. These included a; mist bench, fogging unit, cold frame,
heated propagator and heated frame.
Q6b) Candidates who were awarded full marks for this section of the question included
descriptions of the following in their answers;
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Q6c)
The control of the temperature i.e. by shading.
Provision of bottom heat (cuttings require warm bottoms and cool tops).
The control of relative humidity.
Suitable drainage.
Control of the airflow of the facility.
The best candidates correctly stated that the removal of dead and dying foliage,
watering/feeding, monitoring pests and diseases and their control, hardening off and
potting off/up are all included in the aftercare of plants once they have been removed
from the propagation facility.
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