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R2104

UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION

Level 2

Monday 6 February 2017

14:50 – 15:40

Written Examination

Candidate Number: ………………………………………………………………… Candidate Name: …………………………………………………………………… Centre Number/Name: ……………………………………………………………..

Ofqual Unit Code D/505/2965 Please turn over/…..

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.

Including Examiners comments

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ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

MARKS

Q1 a) b

b)

c)

Name ONE plant example that produces fine seeds which are sown indoors.

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Describe how to prepare a container prior to sowing fine seed.

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State THREE methods of avoiding diseases during seed germination.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q2

Describe the method of sowing Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass) under EACH of the following headings:

i) primary cultivation; ii) production of the final tilth; iii) sowing time; iv) sowing rate; v) sowing method.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q3 a)

b)

c)

Name EACH of the following features labelled on the diagram below: Mist propagation unit

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Name TWO plants that can be propagated using a mist propagation unit.

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Name TWO facilities, other than a mist propagation unit, that can be used to root the plants named in b).

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q4 a)

b)

Name ONE woody plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings.

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Describe the propagation of woody plants by semi-ripe cuttings under EACH of the

following headings:

i) preparation of cuttings (not collection); ii) insertion; iii) aftercare until potting off.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q5 a)

b)

State FOUR factors to be considered when collecting plant material for the

preparation of stem cuttings.

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Name ONE plant propagated by the methods listed in the table below:

Propagation method Named plant

Softwood cutting

Deciduous hardwood

cutting

Evergreen (conifer) cutting

Root cutting

Leaf petiole cutting

Leaf lamina

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q6

Describe the collection and storage of a recalcitrant (moist) seed for a NAMED plant

under EACH of the following headings:

i) harvesting; ii) storage and packaging.

Named plant…..……………………….………………………………………………

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Total Mark

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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 6 February 2017

Candidates Registered 712 Total Candidates Passed 513 86.07%

Candidates Entered 596 83.71% Passed with Commendation 266 44.63% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 98 13.76% Passed 247 41.44% Candidates Deferred 18 2.53% Failed 83 13.93%

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.

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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.

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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MARKS

Q1 a) b

b)

c)

Name ONE plant example that produces fine seeds which are sown indoors.

Describe how to prepare a container prior to sowing fine seed.

State THREE methods of avoiding diseases during seed germination.

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Q1a) The majority of candidates were able to name a suitable plant which produces fine

seed e.g. Begonia semperflorens Cultorum Group, Lobelia erinus, Digitalis purpurea,

Petunia multiflora, Nicotiana sylvestris and were awarded full marks.

Q1b) Candidates included a range of appropriate points in their descriptions of the

preparation of a container for sowing fine seed and gained full marks. These

included:

Suitable container e.g. half or full seed tray or half pot

Clean, sterile equipment

Sterile growing media

Suitable growing media e.g. John Innes seed or loam-less peat or peat alternative based

Over fill container with growing media

Tap down to settle growing media

Level off

Firm with firming/presser board

Sieve fine layer of growing media on surface

Pre-soak container

Q1c) Most candidates were able to state suitable methods used to avoid diseases during

seed germination. Acceptable answers included:

Sowing seed thinly to avoid diseases e.g. damping off

Cover the seeds with glass or plastic

Avoid excessive humidity

Provide good air flow/ventilation

Practice good hygiene

Use of chemical control e.g. fungicide

Avoid over watering

Use of clean water

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MARKS Q2

Describe the method of sowing Lolium perenne (perennial rye grass) under EACH of the following headings:

i) primary cultivation; ii) production of the final tilth; iii) sowing time; iv) sowing rate; v) sowing method.

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Q2 The sowing of Lolium perenne was described well by many candidates who were

awarded full marks. The best answers included:

i) Primary Cultivation Single dig, rotavate, plough

ii) Production of Final Tilth Break down the clods of soil with a fork, rotavate or harrow and remove any

large stones and weeds. Rake the soil level and consolidate it by treading or

rolling before applying fertiliser. Finally rake the soil in all directions to

produce a tilth of approximately 10mm depth.

iii) Sowing Time April/May or September/October.

iv) Sowing Rate 25 – 35 grams per m².

v) Sowing Method The seed is weighed out and divided in half before being sown broadcast on

a still day in two directions. The seed is lightly raked in and watered.

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MARKS Q3 a)

b)

c)

Name EACH of the following features labelled on the diagram below:

Mist propagation unit

Name TWO plants that can be propagated using a mist propagation unit.

Name TWO facilities, other than a mist propagation unit, that can be used to root the plants named in b).

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Q3a) Candidates who named the features correctly on the diagram of a mist bench gained

full marks. These were:

1. Thermostat control or heat controller 2. Soil warming cable or hot water pipe 3. Rod thermostat, sensor or probe 4. Sand or growing media covering the warming cables 5. Mist nozzle 6. Moisture sensor, electronic leaf or timer

Q3b) The majority of candidates named suitable plants that can be propagated using a

mist propagation unit and were awarded full marks. These included:

Softwood cuttings e.g. Fuchsia magellanica and Chrysanthemum morifolium

Semi-ripe cuttings e.g. Rosmarinus officinalis and x Cuprocyparis leylandii

The mist propagation unit can be used for seed propagation of some fine seed e.g. Begonia semperflorens

Q3c) A range of alternative facilities were correctly named by candidates who gained full

marks. These included:

Close case or dew point cabinet

Fogging unit

Heated bench

Cold frame

Polythene tunnel/tent

Hot bed and cold frame

Use of hydroponics in the form of aquaponics

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MARKS Q4 a)

b)

Name ONE woody plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings.

Describe the propagation of woody plants by semi-ripe cuttings under EACH of the

following headings:

i) preparation of cuttings (not collection); ii) insertion; iii) aftercare until potting off.

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Q4a) The majority of candidates named a suitable plant propagated by semi-ripe cuttings

and were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included; Rosmarinus officinalis,

Potentilla fruticosa, Lavendula angustifolia, Camellia japonica, Clematis montana,

Buddleja davidii.

Q4b) The propagation of plants by semi-ripe cuttings was described well by many

candidates who gained full marks. The best answers included:

i) Preparation of Cuttings The cutting is trimmed below a node to make a cutting 50mm – 100mm in

length. A third of the lower leaves are removed and large leaves can be

reduced in size by 50%. The lower stem of woody material can be wounded

prior to being treated with a medium strength rooting hormone powder.

ii) Insertion Cuttings can be inserted directly into growing media containing bark, peat,

perlite, vermiculite or propagation foam on a mist unit or close case or in

containers e.g. cuttings tray, half pot or modular cell trays. Cuttings are

graded and inserted with a dibber if required to a depth just below the last

leaf. Cuttings can be firmed if required and watered in.

iii) Aftercare until Potting Off Cuttings must be kept moist by checking the mist, fogging unit or close case

and providing shade if it is sunny. Any dead cuttings or foliage must be

removed and regular checks should be made to ensure that there are no

pests or diseases present e.g. damping off. A suitable temperature of

15ºC - 21ºC must be maintained.

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MARKS Q5 a)

b)

State FOUR factors to be considered when collecting plant material for the

preparation of stem cuttings.

Name ONE plant propagated by the methods listed in the table below:

Propagation method Named plant

Softwood cutting

Deciduous hardwood

cutting

Evergreen (conifer) cutting

Root cutting

Leaf petiole cutting

Leaf lamina

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Q5a) Most candidates provided a range of suitable factors and gained maximum marks.

These included:

Juvenility of the cutting material i.e. non flowering material or flower buds removed

Correct hardness of wood

In active growth – softwood cuttings or current season’s growth – hardwood cuttings

Pest and disease free

Correct nutritional status

True to type or plant name known and labelled

Ensure ‘mother’/stock plant is left in a good condition

Use of sterile/clean tools

Time of day cuttings are collected i.e. ensure turgidity of cutting material

Time of year will influence success of cuttings e.g. soft material being collected in spring or early summer

Q5b) Many candidates provided a range of suitable plants that can be propagated by the

methods listed and gained full marks. These included:

Softwood cutting – Pelargonium zonale, Fuchsia magellanica

Deciduous Hardwood cutting – Cornus alba, Buddleja davidii

Evergreen (conifer) cutting – Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, x Cuprocyparis leylandii

Root cutting – Rhus typhina, Primula denticulata, Papaver orientale

Leaf Petiole cutting – Saintpaulia ionantha, Peperomia caperata

Leaf Lamina – Streptocarpus rexii, Begonia rex

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MARKS Q6

Describe the collection and storage of a recalcitrant (moist) seed for a NAMED plant

under EACH of the following headings:

i) harvesting; ii) storage and packaging.

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Q6) The collection and storage of a named recalcitrant seed e.g. Aesculus

hippocastanum, Quercus robur, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica was described well

by most candidates who were awarded full marks. The best answers included:

i) Harvesting When harvesting the seeds should be true to type, free from pathogens,

undamaged and of a reasonable size. The seeds are collected when they are

ripe in the autumn, as they fall from the trees. Seed can be placed in a

polythene bag (to ensure that it does not dry out) and clearly labelled with the

plant name and location.

ii) Storage and Packing After removing the husks from the seed it should be mixed with either moist

peat, sand or vermiculite and placed in a polythene bag which is clearly

labelled with the plant name, location of collection of the seed and date

collected. The seed should be stored in rodent proof containers for no longer

than 3 – 4 weeks in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4ºC - 5ºC.

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