Including Examiners Comments
R2114
UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS &
THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION
Level 2
Tuesday 10 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 L/601/0267
Please turn over/…..
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS
MARKS
Q1 a) Name ONE distinct structure for EACH of the following:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
crop production;
plant propagation;
overwintering plants;
decorative display.
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1
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i)........................................................................................................
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b) Describe the suitability of distinct cladding materials of TWO of the structures named
in a) for successful plant growth.
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Total Mark
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2
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MARKS
Q2 a) State FOUR benefits of growing plants in a protected environment.
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b) Describe the effects of EACH of the following environmental factors on plant growth
in a protected environment:
i)
ii)
concentration of atmospheric gases;
relative humidity.
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i)........................................................................................................
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ii)........................................................................................................
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Total Mark
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3
MARKS
Q3
Describe the production of a NAMED bedding plant under EACH of the following
headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
1
4
3
2
NAMED bedding plant;
propagation;
growing media for growing on;
control of a NAMED disease.
i)........................................................................................................
ii)........................................................................................................
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Total Mark
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4
MARKS
Q4
Describe the management of Euphorbia pulcherrima used for interior display under
EACH of the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
2
2
3
3
feeding;
watering;
re-potting;
control of a named pest.
i).........................................................................................................
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ii)........................................................................................................
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Total Mark
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5
MARKS
State the difference between plastic containers used for plant production and
ceramic/terracotta containers used for plant display, by completing the table below.
Aesthetic value
Container for plant production
(plastic)
Container for plant display
(ceramic/terracotta)
Drainage, watering,
water retention
2
Constructional
material
2
2
Life-span
2
Container weight
Q5
2
Total Mark
Please see over/…..
6
MARKS
Q6 a) Name FOUR important factors that must be considered when growing plants for
display inside domestic buildings.
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b) Describe the effect that TWO of the factors named in a) have on the growth of plants
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displayed in domestic buildings.
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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
8
R2114
UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS &
THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION
Level 2
Tuesday 10 February 2015
Candidates Registered
Candidates Entered
Candidates Absent/Withdrawn
Candidates Deferred
372
330
32
10
88.71%
8.60%
2.69%
Total Candidates Passed
Passed with Commendation
Passed
Failed
291
98
193
39
88.18%
29.70%
58.48%
11.82%
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.
9
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.
10
MARKS
Q1 a) Name ONE distinct structure for EACH of the following:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
crop production;
plant propagation;
overwintering plants;
decorative display.
1
1
1
1
b) Describe the suitability of distinct cladding materials of TWO of the structures named
in a) for successful plant growth.
Q1a)
The majority of candidates were able to name a suitable structure for each of the
requirements and were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included;
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Glasshouse structure.
Cold frame.
Polythene tunnel.
Conservatory.
Q1b) Most candidates described a glasshouse and a cold frame and their cladding
materials for successful plant growth and gained full marks.
A glasshouse structure is suitable as it has good heat retention properties, good
headroom and has a stable construction for accommodating crops e.g. long season
tomatoes which require training.
A cold frame is a low cost structure which can be clad in horticultural glass or
polythene and is suitable for hardening off young plants in the spring as it is easy to
ventilate.
11
6
MARKS
Q2 a) State FOUR benefits of growing plants in a protected environment.
4
b) Describe the effects of EACH of the following environmental factors on plant growth
in a protected environment:
i)
ii)
Q2a)
concentration of atmospheric gases;
relative humidity.
Candidates provided a range of suitable benefits of growing plants in a protected
environment and were awarded full marks. Acceptable answers included;




Extended growing or cropping season.
Improved quality of produce.
Increased yield.
Greater range of crops can be grown e.g. tropical and exotics.
Some candidates stated that the use of biological pest control is more effective in a
protected environment (which is correct) but failed to state that the reproduction of
pests is far quicker due to the environmental conditions.
Q2b) The best candidates clearly described how the environmental factors affected plant
growth and gained full marks. Suitable answers included;
i)
A growing crop will deplete the levels of carbon dioxide within a protected
environment and plant growth will be affected. This can be overcome by
ventilating the protected environment or by enrichment through the use of
propane burners. Oxygen is essential for the plant to carry out photosynthesis
and enable plants to grow. Levels of oxygen will be maintained as plants
respire and give off oxygen.
ii)
Relative humidity will tend to be higher in a protected environment as plants
transpire and water evaporates from the ground and paths around the plants.
Higher air temperatures will raise the level of humidity as warm air is able to
hold more moisture than cool air. Plants will lose less water through
transpiration when the humidity levels are high and therefore will not take up
water and nutrients which will affect plant growth. Excess humidity can lead to
oedema in plants. Adequate ventilation will reduce the level of humidity and
the potential problem of fungal pathogens which will also have an adverse
effect on plant growth.
12
3
3
MARKS
Q3
Describe the production of a NAMED bedding plant under EACH of the following
headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Q3)
1
4
3
2
NAMED bedding plant;
propagation;
growing media for growing on;
control of a NAMED disease.
The production of a bedding plant was described well by candidates who were
awarded full marks. Acceptable descriptions included the following information;
i)
Impatiens walleriana.
ii)
Impatiens walleriana is a small seed which is sown in sterile trays using a
seed compost with little or no fertiliser. The seed is sown broadcast at a
density which does not cause the seed to be touching to avoid damping off.
The seed is not covered as it requires light to germinate. The seed trays are
placed in a warm environment with a basal temperature of 16-18ºC, kept
moist and protected from direct sunlight. Once the seedlings are large enough
to handle they are pricked out into modules or pots.
iii)
Growing media needs to be partially sterile, free from pests and diseases,
moisture retentive but free draining. It must also provide suitable nutrients and
anchorage for the plant.
iv)
Damping off can be controlled by the use of clean sterile trays and growing
media, not sowing seed too densely and providing free air movement within
the growing environment e.g. by regular ventilation. Copper-based fungicides
can also be used as a protectant e.g. propamocarb hydrochloride.
13
MARKS
Q4
Describe the management of Euphorbia pulcherrima used for interior display under
EACH of the following headings:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Q4)
2
2
3
3
feeding;
watering;
re-potting;
control of a named pest.
The best candidates provided good descriptions of the management of Euphorbia
pulcherrima and were awarded full marks. Suitable descriptions included;
i)
A base dressing of the major and minor nutrients can be included in the
growing media or applied as a top dressing during the growing season.
Nitrogen is required to encourage and support healthy extension growth and
potassium to encourage flowering and bract formation.
ii)
Watering is required to maintain the optimum moisture content within the
growing media. It is important that plants do not experience moisture stress
and wilt. Regular and timely watering can be provided by hand watering or
drip and capillary irrigation systems.
iii)
Plants are re-potted into larger pots to allow root development to take place.
An appropriate growing media e.g. John Innes No. 2 or an equivalent loamless one can be used. Plants must be handled carefully to avoid damage.
Plants are potted at the correct depth in the centre of the pot and firmed well.
iv)
Whitefly which affect Euphorbia pulcherrima can be controlled by a range of
methods. These include the use of a vacuum cleaner to suck up the adults,
biological control using the parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa, biological
insecticide e.g. Verticillium lecanii or chemicals e.g. pyrethrins or fatty acids.
14
MARKS
2
2
Constructional
material
Aesthetic
value
Container for plant display
(ceramic/terracotta)
Drainage,
watering,
water
retention
Container for plant production
(plastic)
Q5)
Lifespan
2
2
Container
weight
Q5
State the difference between plastic containers used for plant production and
ceramic/terracotta containers used for plant display, by completing the table below.
2
The majority of candidates were able to clearly state the differences between the two
types of container and gained full marks. Suitable statements included;
Aesthetic value
Drainage, watering,
water retention
Constructional material
Life-span
Container weight
Container for Plant
Production (Plastic)
Not important as only for
growing plant in.
Needs adequate drainage
to ensure suitable air
porosity ratios, ease of
watering and good water
retention i.e. does not dry
out easily.
Must be durable.
Can have a limited lifespan which may link with
the crop production
schedule.
Light weight for ease of
plant movement.
15
Container for Plant
Display (Terracotta)
Very important as visual
appearance of the planting
is vital.
May not require drainage if
used as an outer container
for display only.
Must be long lasting and
easy to maintain and keep
clean.
Must have a long life-span
and retain its aesthetic
appeal.
Containers that are lighter
will be easier to move.
MARKS
Q6 a) Name FOUR important factors that must be considered when growing plants for
display inside domestic buildings.
b) Describe the effect that TWO of the factors named in a) have on the growth of plants
displayed in domestic buildings.
Q6a)
Most candidates were able to name four important factors to be considered when
growing plants for display in domestic buildings and were awarded full marks.
Acceptable answers included;






Natural light levels.
Air temperatures.
Access into and around the building.
Method of irrigation.
Pest and disease control.
Health and safety.
Q6b) Candidates provided good descriptions of each factor and their effect on the growth
of plants e.g.
Natural light levels
There is often an insufficient amount of natural light in a domestic building for normal
plant growth. Growth is often softer, weak and spindly. It is important to select plants
that will tolerate lower light levels or to provide artificial light of the optimum quality
and quantity.
Method of irrigation
Water can be provided overhead or as sub irrigation. Overhead irrigation requires
more regular checking and application whereas sub irrigation does not. Sub irrigation
provides a more even supply of water without fluctuations. Temporary shortages of
water will cause wilting and leaf scorch and the incorrect use of irrigation may wet the
foliage of plants and cause leaf scorch and cell damage.
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6