Including Examiners Comments
R2104
UNDERSTANDING PLANT PROPAGATION
Level 2
Monday 22 June 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
Q1 a) Name TWO plants propagated from seed.
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b) State FOUR benefits of propagating plants from seed.
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c) List FOUR horticultural uses of seeds.
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Q2
Describe the preparation and storage of Phaseolus vulgaris seed under EACH of the
following headings:
i) harvesting;
ii) separation and cleaning;
iii) storage and packaging.
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Q3
Describe the propagation of ferns from spores under EACH of the following
headings:
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i) collection of spores;
ii) sowing media;
iii) method of sowing.
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Q4 a) Describe the preparation of an outdoor site for sowing runner bean seeds under
EACH of the following headings:
i) ground cultivation;
ii) consolidation and levelling;
iii) tilth production.
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b) Describe ONE method of sowing runner beans in open ground.
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Q5 a) State TWO benefits of vegetative reproduction.
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b) State TWO methods of vegetative propagation by EACH of the following means:
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natural.
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c) State FOUR limitations of propagating plants by artificial means.
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Q6
Describe the propagation of a NAMED plant by softwood cuttings under EACH of the
following headings:
i)
ii)
name of plant;
collection of cutting material;
iii) preparation of the cutting up to insertion.
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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 22 June 2015
Candidates Registered
Candidates Entered
Candidates Absent/Withdrawn
Candidates Deferred
568
493
70
5
Total Candidates Passed
Passed with Commendation
Passed
Failed
86.80%
12.32%
0.88%
407
216
191
86
82.56%
43.82%
38.74%
17.44%
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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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/command 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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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.
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) Name TWO plants propagated from seed.
b) State FOUR benefits of propagating plants from seed.
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c) List FOUR horticultural uses of seeds.
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Q1a)
The majority of candidates were able to name plants propagated from seed e.g.
Quercus robur, Lactuca sativa, Daucus carota and Solanum lycopersicon and were
awarded full marks.
Q1b) A wide range of benefits of propagating plants from seed were provided by
candidates who gained full marks. Suitable answers included;
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Q1c)
Sexual reproduction promotes diversity of characters in the offspring by
providing genetic variation
Diversity of genetic characteristics gives a good chance of some surviving
diseases or changes in climate
Allows plants to survive adverse conditions e.g. drought or cold climate
conditions
Can collect and save own seed
Potential to produce large quantities of plants relatively cheaply
Can store and transport seed more easily
Faster growth is obtained due to hybrid vigour
Candidates listed a number of different horticultural uses of seed including; vegetable
production, establishment of a lawn, hardy annual borders, seasonal bedding
production, production of herbs, production of glasshouse food/salad crops etc. and
gained full marks.
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Q2
Describe the preparation and storage of Phaseolus vulgaris seed under EACH of the
following headings:
i) harvesting;
ii) separation and cleaning;
iii) storage and packaging.
Q2)
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The preparation and storage of Phaseolus vulgaris was described well by most
candidates who were awarded full marks. The best answers included;
i)
Harvesting
Harvest undamaged, ripe pods from plants that are true to type, free from
pests and diseases and clearly labelled. Harvest pods, in dry weather at the
correct stage of maturity when they have turned brown on the plant.
ii)
Separation and cleaning
Carefully separate undamaged, fully ripe seeds from the pods, grading them
and rejecting any that are too small. Dry the seeds on paper for 7-10 days.
iii)
Storage and packaging
As Phaseolus vulgaris is an orthodox seed it should be stored in cool/warm,
frost free conditions in a dry envelope or paper bag or when fully dry in a
plastic box that contains silica gel and clearly labelled.
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Q3
Describe the propagation of ferns from spores under EACH of the following
headings:
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i) collection of spores;
ii) sowing media;
iii) method of sowing.
Q3)
Candidates who described the propagation of ferns from spores provided the
following details to gain full marks.
i)
Collection of spores
Spores are collected at the correct stage of development when the sporangia
are ripe but not empty and from a healthy plant which is true to type. The
spores are placed in bags or envelopes which are labelled or fronds can be
detached from the parent plant and placed in a clean paper bag or envelope,
inverted and dried for a week at 21ºC. The spores are screened and
separated from the chaff and stored in an airtight container until required.
ii)
Sowing media
The growing media should be a sterilised loam-less fine textured, free
draining, well aerated seed sowing mix. Alternatively growing media
consisting of peat, brick dust and agar solution can also be used. Both the
spores and the growing media can be sterilised using boiling water and the
spores can be covered with cling film to prevent contamination.
iii)
Method of sowing
Suitable containers are filled with the sterilised sowing media e.g. seed tray,
pot or petri dish (depending on quantity to be sown) and soaked in a tray of
water. The spores are sown broadcast, thinly and evenly on the surface of the
growing media and covered with a sheet of glass or suitable covering and
labelled.
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Q4 a) Describe the preparation of an outdoor site for sowing runner bean seeds under
EACH of the following headings:
i) ground cultivation;
ii) consolidation and levelling;
iii) tilth production.
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b) Describe ONE method of sowing runner beans in open ground.
Q4a)
The best candidates provided good descriptions of the preparation of an outdoor site
for sowing runner beans and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included;
i)
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Ground cultivation
Remove perennial weeds, large stones and large roots.
Cultivate the ground in the dormant season i.e. late autumn/early winter or
spring for light soils by single or double digging.
Incorporate well-rotted organic matter when cultivating the soil.
Preparation of a ‘bean’ trench 50-60cm deep is an alternative method of soil
cultivation.
Leave the soil rough for a few weeks after cultivation to settle before use.
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Consolidation and levelling
In the spring break down the soil surface with the back of a rake.
Rake the soil to level it.
Consolidate the soil with the feet by using a shuffling tread.
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Tilth Production
The application of a balanced fertiliser e.g. Growmore is suitable at this stage.
(Also acceptable as part of the answer for ii) above).
The soil is raked to produce a moderately fine tilth of 18mm.
Q4b) Runner beans can either be sown in rows or at the base of canes which have been
formed into a ‘wigwam’ 90cm².
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Sow seeds individually or in pairs at the base of a cane forming the ‘wigwam’.
Sow seeds in either single or double rows 45-60cm between rows.
Sow all seeds 5cm deep.
Sow seeds 20-30cm apart from mid May to mid June.
Cover the seeds with soil.
Protect the seeds from vermin and birds.
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Q5 a) State TWO benefits of vegetative reproduction.
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b) State TWO methods of vegetative propagation by EACH of the following means:
i)
ii)
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artificial;
natural.
c) State FOUR limitations of propagating plants by artificial means.
Q5a)
The majority of candidates were able to state benefits of vegetative propagation and
gained full marks. Acceptable answers included; only one plant is required to multiply
the plant, fertilisation is not necessary, propagated plants are identical to the parent
ensuring that desired features are passed on, there is a shorter time to maturity,
plants are true to type, plants can be grafted onto rootstocks to control growth and
time to flowering can be reduced by grafting plants e.g. Wisteria spp.
Q5b) Candidates provided a range of vegetative propagation methods by both artificial and
natural means and were awarded full marks. Suitable methods included;
Q5c)
i)
Artificial
Division, budding and grafting, micro-propagation, leaf cuttings, serpentine
and air layering and stem cuttings.
ii)
Natural
Offsets, use of bulbils and cormlets, rhizomes, runners and stolons, tip
layering, leaf borne plantlets, suckers and natural simple layering.
Most candidates were able to provide suitable limitations of propagating plants by
artificial means and gained full marks. Acceptable answers included;
 There can be limited availability of propagation material.
 There is a lack of genetic variation which can make plants susceptible to
pests and diseases.
 Possibility of transmission of pests and diseases on propagation material.
 Requirement for different and often complex methods of propagation e.g.
grafting.
 More space required in early stages of propagation.
 More skilled staff required for some methods e.g. grafting.
 Some methods of vegetative propagation e.g. micro-propagation require
expensive equipment and growing areas.
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Q6
Describe the propagation of a NAMED plant by softwood cuttings under EACH of the
following headings:
i)
ii)
name of plant;
collection of cutting material;
iii) preparation of the cutting up to insertion.
Q6)
Candidates who described the propagation of plants by softwood cuttings provided
the following details to gain full marks.
i)
Name of plant
e.g. Pelargonium hortorum, Fuchsia ‘Mrs Popple’ or Lavandula angustifolia.
ii)
Collection of cutting material
Cutting material is collected during May and June for shrubs and when in
active growth for house plants, early in the morning when the material is fully
turgid, true to type and free from pests and disease. Lateral growth which is
juvenile and non flowering is cut just above a node from the stock plant and
placed in a damp polythene bag and clearly labelled.
iii)
Preparation of the cutting up to insertion
Cuttings are made 5-10cm in length by trimming just below a node and
removing the lower basal leaves. Large leaves may also be reduced in size.
The base of the cuttings are dipped in low strength hormone rooting powder
prior to insertion. Internodal cuttings can be made from material of e.g.
Clematis spp.
Candidates who provided well annotated diagrams were also awarded marks.
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