NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 1 of 10
Assessment Schedule – 2006
Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Describe modification of livestock reproduction
or plant propagation to improve productivity (90453)
Section A: Agriculture
Evidence Statement
Q
Evidence
1 (a)
(1) Speculum and light source.
The speculum is inserted
into the vagina and by
squeezing the handle the
vaginal cavity is enlarged,
allowing for the inseminator,
with aid of the light source,
to identify the cervix.
(i)
Achievement
(2) Pistolet or inseminating
tube. This item is inserted
into the vagina to reach the
opening to the cervix. By
depressing the plunger, the
semen sample is deposited
at the entrance to the
cervix.
CODE
1 (a)
(ii)
Describes how
BOTH the speculum
and light source are
used to locate the
cervix, AND how the
pistolet deposits
semen at the
entrance of the
cervix.
NOTE: Not -"inside"
or "through" cervix.
2  A1
It is essential that semen is
deposited as close to the
opening of the cervix as
possible, in order that a high
number of sperm have a chance
of passing through the
convoluted cervix into the uterus
to fertilise the eggs present in
the oviducts. Opening the vagina
with the speculum will allow the
operator a better chance of
inserting the inseminating tube
close to the cervical opening.
Explains how the
use of equipment in
named parts of the
reproductive system
increases the
chance of fertilisation
of eggs.
2  M1
CODE
1 (b)
Like other forms of AI, cervical AI
allows for the use of genetically
superior rams over a large
number of ewes. Thus, more
offspring possess the desirable
genes present in the ram. These
genes will relate to productive
features, such as fertility or wool
quality, that have a positive
economic implication.
CODE
Judgement
Merit
Describes how an
economic /
productive feature is
enhanced/ better
genetics through use
of genetically
superior ram.
Explains how AI
produces a large
number of offspring
with desirable genes
in minimal time, or
how AI relates to
production feature of
wool or financial
returns.
A2
M2
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 2 of 10
Q
Evidence
2 (a)
(1) Screen Monitor. This item is
positioned in a darkened area
in a sheep race. It sends a
beam of ultrasound via the
probe. It converts the echo
returning to the monitor into
an image allowing the number
of foetal lambs to be counted.
Achievement
Judgement
Merit
Describes positioning
of monitor and probe
to ‘read’ images.
(2) Probe. This item is connected
to the monitor and the
headpiece rotated on the bare
patch of skin near the udder of
the ewe (position required).
CODE
2 (b)
(i)
2  A1
Success is determined by accuracy
in detecting all foetuses. Accuracy
is affected by clarity of the image
on the monitor. With increased
foetal lambs, especially at an early
stage in pregnancy, it is difficult to
identify foetal mass with accuracy.
Explains
Another factor is that foetal lambs
may be reabsorbed by the body in
response to increasing stress of
pregnancy brought about by
increased foetal lamb size, and
environmental stresses associated
with cold temperatures and
restricted feed supplies.
OR
EITHER
how multiple foetuses
mask each other,
resulting in reduction
in accuracy
how named sources
of stress are greater
for ewes with
multiples resulting in
the need to reabsorb
foetal material for
survival.
CODE
2 (b)
(ii)
Using scanning can improve
economic returns because:

there are no dry ewes to
cause problems (such as mismothering) at lambing,
therefore more lambs survive
for sale

more feed can be made
available for in-lamb ewes,
therefore increasing survival
rates due to increased birth
weights. This also means
better milk production and
shorter time to slaughter when
market prices are at a
premium.

better feeding of in-lamb ewes
reduces ewe deaths from
metabolic diseases such as
pregnancy toxaemia, therefore
meaning lower costs in ewe
replacements.
CODE
M1
Describes a response
with economic
implications arising
from the scanning of
in-lamb ewes /
differential feeding.
A2
Explains how the
scanning of in-lamb
ewes produces a
positive economic
response.
M2
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 3 of 10
Q
Evidence
3 (a)
To ensure the accuracy of results, all
offspring from stags must experience
the same environmental conditions
from an early age. Conditions should
include running offspring in the same
paddock and ensuring all are subject
to the same feed, climatic conditions
and management practices (such as
shelter, drenching, vaccination,
standardised times for weighing and
velveting).
(i)
Achievement
CODE
3 (a)
(ii)
Judgement
Merit
Describes conditions
to which all offspring
must be subject.
2  A1
Running offspring of stags under the
same environmental conditions will
allow each stag’s genetic abilities to
be expressed, rather than the
influence of any variation in the
manner in which the stags have been
raised from an early age. Removal of
environmental factors means the
phenotype reflects the genotype.
Explains how running
offspring under the
same environmental
conditions results in
an accurate estimate
of genetic ability.
Phenotype = Genotype +
Environment.
2  M1
CODE
3 (b)
EITHER Situation 1:
(i)
Stag = Pete. If Ringo is selected,
clear reasoning must be evident
for merit to be awarded.
(ii)
Venison production reflects the
yearling weight of stags. The
higher weights are rewarded
with higher $ returns.
Pete does not have highest BV,
only second-highest (+12), but
results are very reliable given
the larger number of progeny
(130) whose performance is
recorded.
Correct stag identified
Explains how the
data recorded
favours the selection
of the identified stag
for the selected
situation. TWO ideas
required.
A2
M2
OR Situation 2:
(i)
Stag = Ringo
(ii)
Velvet production comes from
older stags (3+ years).
Consideration must be given to
adult size because a small stag
producing the same quantity of
velvet as a larger stag is more
economic due to lower feeding
costs. Ringo’s data shows a +4
BV for velvet weight, and his
data is most reliable because of
the large number of offspring
recorded.
CODE
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 4 of 10
Q
Evidence
4
Using selected bulls via AI is the
only technique that will improve
the genetic ability of the cows to
increase milk production. It also
allows for more rapid genetic
improvement because the bull
with the best BV can be used
over all cows. In combination
with the renewed pastures,
maximum milk-production in the
long term will be gained
Judgement
Merit
Achievement
Describes how AI
influences milk
production
Excellence
A candidate who
chooses induction or
culling must also
EITHER
Explain a technique
that could lead to
improved milk
production. (M1)
Justifies by way of
comparison why
using selected bulls
via AI is a better
technique for
improving milk
production than the
proposed
alternatives.
OR
Explain how a
technique could lead
to improved milk
production. (M2)
Induction is a technique used to
cover previous management
difficulties, and should be used
with discretion only on older,
mature cows to avoid cow
deaths, etc. Increased milk
production from some cows will
be offset by the loss of
production / death of others.
(Also, in future years some
markets will boycott NZ product
if widespread use of inductions
continues, which means that any
increase in production would not
be rewarded.)
Critical thinking
involves
discrimination when
assessing,
interpreting and
judging information.
It considers fact
rather than opinion,
bias, unstated
assumptions and the
like.
Culling 20% of the lowerproducing cows each year may
increase production per cow, but
culled animals must be replaced
by better-producing cows if
overall milk production is to be
increased. The cost of doing so,
and the need to ensure that
replacement cows are available,
are other considerations that
complicate this option.
CODE
Critical thinking is
the driver of the
award of Excellence.
It is possible for
Excellence to be
awarded if, when
justifying ANY
selected option, the
candidate
demonstrates criticial
thinking.
A2
M1 or M2
E
Judgement Statement
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
3 A1 + 2 A2
Achievement + 3 M1 + 2 M2
1 E + 3 M1 + 2 M2
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 5 of 10
Assessment Schedule – 2006
Agricultural and Horticultural Science: Describe modification of livestock reproduction
or plant propagation to improve productivity (90453)
Section B: Horticulture
Evidence Statement
Q
1 (a)
Evidence
Achievement
Techniques include:
(1) Use of fully enclosed glass / plastic /
fibreglass houses which trap radiant energy,
thereby elevating air temperature.
Judgement
Merit
Describes
techniques in
terms of physical
features / timing /
use.
(2) Use of overhead micro-irrigation units to
maintain constant water levels.
(3) Use of specialised growing media such as
commercially produced seed sowing mix,
vermiculite, etc, or combinations used in
seed-sowing containers.
(4) Use of bottom heating elements under seed
trays
(5) Use of iron mesh screening material that
elevates seed trays approximately 10–15 cm
above ground level.
CODE
1 (b)
How techniques provide conditions for successful
seed germination:
(1) Glass / plastic / fibreglass houses control
heat (maintaining approximately 20+ degrees
around seed trays) and by doing so enhance
seed respiration so germination can occur.
(2) Micro-irrigation units maintain the moisture
levels of growing media (established by
soaking and draining containers at seed
sowing) thus providing moisture to soften the
testa / initiate the chemical processes
necessary for seed germination to begin.
2  A1
Explains how
the techniques
described in (a)
improve seed
germination,
with reference
to plant
physiology.
(3) Specialised growing media provide a balance
between water retention and drainage
qualities, resulting in the availability of oxygen
(or water) needed for respiration and seed
germination.
(4) Bottom heating provides the correct
temperature for the reactions to optimise the
rate of the chemical processes necessary for
seed germination to begin.
(5) Mesh framework allows for a flow of air /
oxygen below the seed trays, as well as
allowing surplus water to drain away from the
seed trays. Oxygen is necessary for the
process of respiration and vital for the
germination of seeds and development of
rooting systems.
CODE
2  M1
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 6 of 10
Q
1 (c)
Evidence
Achievement
Examples of how techniques produce
rapid and even growth of seedlings
propagated from seed:
(1) Protected environment: The warm
temperature provided by the
glasshouse will uniformly speed up
photosynthesis. As a result,
seedlings will grow evenly at a fast
rate and produce a larger leaf
mass for photosynthetic purposes.
This will produce large, healthy
seedlings in minimum time.
Judgement
Merit
Description of
techniques relates
environmental
factors to
improvement in
uniformity of
seedling
production.
Explanation of
techniques relates
environmental
factors to plant
control
mechanisms and
the production of
large, healthy
seedlings in
minimum time.
2  A2
2  M2
(2) Micro-irrigation units: Maintaining
high humidity in the atmosphere
and adequate levels of moisture in
the growing medium will reduce
transpiration and increase water
uptake. This increases
photosynthesis and will produce
large, healthy seedlings in
minimum time.
(3) Specialised growing media:
Provision of good aeration in the
growing medium is essential for
the supply of oxygen to roots.
Oxygen is essential for respiration
and root growth. Improved root
growth will increase water and
nutrient uptake, leading to an
increase in photosynthesis. These
responses will produce large,
healthy seedlings in minimum time.
(4) Mesh framework: This improves air
circulation around roots and
prevents waterlogging and a cold
root environment. This leads to
increased respiration in roots,
which increases photosynthesis.
This will produce large healthy
seedlings in minimum time.
Other relevant techniques could include
CO2 enrichment, manipulation of daylength, etc.
CODE
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 7 of 10
Q
2 (a)
(i)
Evidence
Achievement
Hormone application
Judgement
Merit
Correctly describes
relevant steps in
appropriate order.
Stem cut below the node,
Cut end is soaked for 24 hours in a dilute
solution of root-promoting hormone (either
IBA or NAA), or dipped for 1 minute in
stronger hormone-liquid formulations, or the
cut surface is dipped into talc (powder)
formulations of the same hormones and
excess material shaken off.
OR
Callus control
Either rub the callus gently to injure the
outer cell mass, or soak the cell mass in
dilute acid (eg vinegar) for up to 30 minutes.
CODE
2 (a)
(ii)
2  A1
Hormone application
Explains how the
steps ensure
success.
Synthetic root promoting hormones (IBA,
NAA) stimulate adventitious root formation
in stem- and leaf-cuttings. Root formation is
essential for water and nutrient uptake and
success when producing plants using this
technique. Higher hormone concentrations
are used in cuttings that are difficult to root.
OR
Callus control
Preventing callus formation at the end of
the cutting will more easily allow root
emergence.
2  M1
CODE
2 (b)
Hormone application
By applying the appropriate hormone in the
concentration required, a larger number of
adventitious roots will be produced.
Because of the increased ability to absorb
water and nutrients, and better anchorage
in the growing media, larger and stronger
plants will be produced. A greater survival
rate will result, especially if the plants are
transplanted, therefore ensuring a larger
number of plants for sale.
Describes how
improved root
production impacts
on a factor that
determines plant
survival – improved
survival rate must
be related to extra
root growth.
Explains how
improved root
production impacts
on a factor that
determines plant
survival and links to
large number of
marketable plants /
faster production
giving a higher
turnover.
OR
Callus control
A greater number of stronger roots will be
produced, therefore increasing the ability of
the plant to absorb water and nutrients, and
creating better anchorage in the growing
media, thus producing larger and stronger
plants. A greater survival rate will result,
especially if the plants are transplanted,
therefore ensuring a larger number of plants
for sale.
CODE
A2
M2
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 8 of 10
Q
3 (a)
(i)
Evidence
Achievement
Selecting or using plant material:
Describes ONE
action taken in
selecting or using
plant material
when using the
selected technique.
Grafting (eg whip and tongue)
Select disease-free plant material.
OR
Ensure that cuts made at the top of the
rootstock and the base of the scion are
the same in shape and angle.
OR
Perform graft in early spring when buds
of the rootstock are beginning to swell
but before active growth.
Budding (eg T-budding)
Select disease-free plant material.
OR
‘Lifting of bark’: A shield bud removed
from the scion wood is inserted into a Tcut in the rootstock and bound with tape
or rubber patch.
OR
Selecting bud material appropriate to
time of budding, eg summer budding
requires buds from current year’s wood.
CODE
A1
Judgement
Merit
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 9 of 10
Q
3 (a)
(ii)
Evidence
Achievement
Grafting (eg whip and tongue)
This action ensures that there is no
transmission of diseases, such as those
caused by viruses.
OR
This action ensures that the interlocking
surfaces make maximum contact and
that cambium layers are aligned. This
will result in a successful ‘take’, resulting
in increased chance (other factors
supplied) of producing mature plants
when using this technique.
Judgement
Merit
Explains why the
action taken when
selecting or using
plant material is
essential for
success when
using the selected
technique.
OR
This action coincides with the scion
wood being dormant, and can be used
immediately. This results in a better
union and therefore ‘take’, thereby
increasing success.
Budding (eg T-budding)
This action ensures that there is no
transmission of diseases, such as those
caused by viruses.
OR
This action ensures cambium of scion
and wood are in contact to promote
successful union and tissue
development, and eliminates water that
could interfere with union. This will result
in a successful ‘take’, and increased
likelihood (other factors supplied) of
producing mature plants when using this
technique.
OR
At this time rootstocks are large enough
to accommodate the bud, plants are in
active growth and the bark lifts easily.
CODE
M1
Excellence
NCEA Level 2 Agricultural and Horticultural Science (90453) 2006 — page 10 of 10
Q
3 (b)
Evidence
Judgement
Merit
Achievement

Selecting healthy parent
material will ensure healthy
offspring that are better
able to carry out
photosynthesis and
produce larger and stronger
plants of higher value.

Ensuring the scion and
rootstock are compatible
encourages a strong and
successful union. This
ensures a low failure rate,
thereby increasing financial
returns.

Performing the technique at
the optimal time of year
helps ensure a higher
success rate, thereby
increasing financial returns.
Describes at least
ONE aspect of
selection OR use of
parent material that
relates to financial
returns.
Excellence
Explains how
selection OR use
of parent material
contributes to
increased financial
returns.
These advantages of higher
yield, higher quality and reduced
production costs combine to
increase financial returns.
CODE
4
A2
Grafting using selected parent
material is the most reliable
technique to produce large
flowering cacti for the Mothers’
Day market. The plants
produced show little variability in
flower colour or stem structure
and shape, hence a uniform
crop.
M2
Justifies the selected
technique by explaining
why it is better than the
alternative techniques.
Critical thinking is the
driver of the award of
Excellence. It is
possible for Excellence
to be awarded if, when
justifying ANY selected
option, the candidate
demonstrates criticial
thinking.
Cuttings using hormone
application also produce
relatively uniform plants, but the
timeline is tight and any growing
difficulty could result in missing
this niche market.
Critical thinking involves
discrimination when
assessing, interpreting
and judging information.
It considers fact rather
than opinion, bias,
unstated assumptions
and the like.
Production from seeds
germinated in a controlled
environment may produce a
larger number of plants per unit
area, but the variation in flower
shape and colour and slow
production time means that this
technique is not suitable.
CODE
E
Judgement Statement
Achievement
Achievement with Merit
Achievement with Excellence
3 A1 + 2 A2
Achievement + 3 M1 + 2 M2
1 E + 3 M1 + 2 M2