Including Examiners Comments
R2104
UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION
Level 2
Monday 24 June 2013
14:30 – 15:10
Written Examination
Candidate Number: ……………………………………………………………………
Candidate Name: ………………………………………………………………………
Centre Number/Name: ………………………………………………………………..
IMPORTANT – Please read carefully before commencing.
i)
The duration of this paper is 40 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.
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 M/601/0343
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ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
MARKS
Q1
a)
State FIVE distinct benefits of propagating plants vegetatively.
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b)
State FIVE distinct characteristics of plants that are propagated vegetatively.
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Q2
a)
Name TWO examples of seeds that require cool dry storage.
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b)
State FOUR factors that affect seed viability during storage.
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Q3
a)
State FOUR environmental conditions required for seed germination.
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b)
Describe the changes that take place in a germinating seed.
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Q4
a)
Describe the pricking out of seedlings into prepared seed trays.
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b)
List the aftercare requirements of seedlings following pricking out.
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MARKS
Q5
Describe the propagation of ONE NAMED plant by deciduous hardwood
cuttings under EACH of the following headings:
i)
ii)
collection of cutting material;
preparation of cuttings up to insertion.
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MARKS
Q6
Describe, using labelled diagrams, the propagation of ONE NAMED plant by
leaf-petiole cuttings under EACH of the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
name of plant;
collection;
preparation;
insertion.
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Total Mark
©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 24 June 2013
Candidates Registered
Candidates Entered
Candidates Absent
Candidates Deferred
Candidates Withdrawn
691
566
100
16
9
81.91%
14.47%
2.32%
1.30%
Total Candidates Passed
Passed with Commendation
Passed
Failed
399
127
272
167
70.49%
22.44%
48.05%
29.51%
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Candidates should be aware of the reading list of suggested books for the RHS Level
2 Certificate in The Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development which is
available from the Qualifications Section and can also be found on the RHS website
together with past papers.
Overall Examiners’ Comments:
MARKS
Q1
a)
State FIVE distinct benefits of propagating plants vegetatively.
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b)
State FIVE distinct characteristics of plants that are propagated
vegetatively.
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a)
The majority of candidates stated the benefits of propagating plants vegetatively
correctly and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included; plants may not
come true from seed, propagules are genetically identical, it may be the only way
to propagate a particular plant since the seed, if produced at all is sterile, the plant
develops and matures more quickly and crops and flowers earlier and the plant
may produce natural propagules such as bulbils, bulblets and suckering stems.
b)
Candidates who stated distinct characteristics for plants propagated vegetatively
e.g. cutting material must be capable of producing vegetative buds to regenerate
roots and shoots, cuttings should be from non-flowering material and in a juvenile
stage of growth, potential propagation material should be free of pathogens, the
propagules should be nutritionally healthy with the correct nitrogen/carbon ratio
and the stock plant should be true to type and capable of producing sufficient
propagation material gained full marks.
Some candidates misunderstood the meaning of the term characteristics and
gave further benefits in their answers which could not be awarded any marks.
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MARKS
Q2
a)
Name TWO examples of seeds that require cool dry storage.
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b)
State FOUR factors that affect seed viability during storage.
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a)
Most candidates were able to name two examples of seeds that require cool dry
storage giving appropriate botanical names and were awarded full marks.
Suitable answers included hardy and half-hardy annuals, salad crops, vegetables
and herbaceous perennials e.g. Helianthus annuus, Lobelia erinus, Latuca sativa,
Pisum sativum and Echinacea purpurea.
Candidates who named examples of plants requiring cool, moist storage could not
be awarded any marks.
b)
The best candidates were able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the
factors that affect seed viability during storage and included; varying the
concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen and other modified atmosphere
storage techniques, setting the storage temperature at the appropriate level for
the seed, ensuring that the relative humidity is appropriate for the seed, the length
of storage of the seed and collecting immature seed from most species will
adversely affect viability.
Candidates who confused seed storage with seed dormancy could not be
awarded any marks.
MARKS
Q3
a)
State FOUR environmental conditions required for seed germination.
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b)
Describe the changes that take place in a germinating seed.
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a)
The majority of candidates correctly stated that the environmental conditions
required for seed germination are; a suitable temperature to increase the rate of
respiration and water uptake, a supply of moisture imbibed by the seed for cell
expansion, a supply of oxygen for respiration and light or darkness depending on
the type of seed to trigger the process of germination.
b)
Candidates who described the changes that take place in a germinating seed in
the correct order gained full marks. Descriptions included the imbibition of water
by the seed, an increase in the rate of respiration within the seed, the rapid cell
division of the embryo tissues, the lengthening of the hypocotyl, the splitting of the
testa and the emergence of the radicle.
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Q4
a)
Describe the pricking out of seedlings into prepared seed trays.
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b)
List the aftercare requirements of seedlings following pricking out.
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a)
Most candidates were clearly familiar with the practical task of pricking out and
provided good descriptions of the process and were awarded full marks. Their
descriptions included details on; separating the seedlings carefully, handling the
seedlings by their seed leaves, grading the seedlings, using a dibber, stating the
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number of seedlings placed in a seed tray, ensuring the seedlings were inserted
up to their seed leaves and seedlings were firmed to avoid leaving any air
pockets.
Candidates who gave details of the preparation of the seed tray could not be
awarded any marks as this was not asked for. Candidates lost marks where
germination stages were omitted or where inaccurate information was presented
in their answers.
b)
The best candidates included the following aftercare requirements of seedlings
following pricking out in their answers and gained full marks. Provide seedlings
with a base temperature of 16 - 21ºC, shade seedlings from direct sunlight,
maintain soil moisture content, check for damaged seedlings and remove
dead/dying material, use an approved fungicide to control damping off disease
and keep the environment well ventilated to reduce the incidence of disease.
Candidates who provided details of growing on the seedlings could not be
awarded any marks.
MARKS
Q5
Describe the propagation of ONE NAMED plant by deciduous
hardwood cuttings under EACH of the following headings:
i) collection of cutting material;
ii) preparation of cuttings up to insertion.
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Most candidates were able to correctly provide the botanical name of one plant
propagated by deciduous hardwood cuttings. Suitable examples included;
Populus x berolinensis, Ribes nigrum, Buddleja davidii, Cornus alba, Forsythia x
intermedia, Deutzia pulchra and Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’.
i) Candidates who provided detailed descriptions of the collection of cutting
material included the following in their answers; correctly named and
labelled plant, material that is true to type, fully ripened wood, wood that is
free from pests and diseases, timing of collection, between leaf fall and bud
burst during the dormant season, cutting material removed above a node
from the parent plant, thickness of the cutting material, collected from stock
plants that have been coppiced the previous year.
ii) Candidates who gained full marks for this section of the question included
the following in their answers; the length of the prepared cutting, position of
cuts on the stem, removal of soft growing tips, thickness of the cutting,
wounding of the cuttings if appropriate and treatment with hormone rooting
powder.
Candidates who described the insertion and environment required for the cuttings
could not be awarded any marks as this was not asked for.
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Q6
Describe, using labelled diagrams, the propagation of ONE NAMED
plant by leaf-petiole cuttings under EACH of the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
i)
name of plant;
collection;
preparation;
insertion.
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The best candidates provided good detailed descriptions of the
propagation of a named plant e.g. Saintpaulia ionantha, Peperomia
caperata, Crassula argentea and Tolmeia menziesii with the use of clearly
labelled diagrams. Those candidates who clearly gave their answers under
the appropriate heading were awarded full marks.
ii) Cutting material must be collected at the correct time of year, when the
plants are in active growth, the material collected must be healthy, leaves
of cuttings to be equal in size, cuttings must be removed from the base of
the petiole on the plant to avoid any rotting and cuttings are to be placed in
a polythene bag to reduce water loss.
iii) Cuttings are prepared by placing them on a flat surface and making a clean
cut so that the leaf petiole is 1 – 2cm in length below the base of the leaf
blade.
iv) The cuttings are inserted vertically into growing media consisting of 50:50
peat or a peat substitute e.g. coir and perlite. They are inserted 2cm apart
with the base of the leaf lamina resting on the surface of the growing
media.
Candidates who confused the preparation of leaf petiole cuttings with leaf bud
cuttings could not be awarded any marks.
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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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