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INTRODUCTION TO HORTICULTURE
Q: What are two of the primary functions of leaves?
A: photosynthesis - respiration - transpiration
Q: What are the three groups of woody plants based on their form?
A: vines - shrubs - trees
Q: What are broad terms used to classify plants based on structure?
A: woody - herbaceous
Q: Give a definition of photosynthesis.
A: The process by which green plants produce their own carbohydrates, or nutrients, and obtain a source of chemical energy. Plant cells, in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight convert carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates (simple sugars) and oxygen.
Q: What group of plant hormones accelerates fruit ripening?
A: Ethylene
SOIL AND FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT
Q: In an ideal soil, what are the four principle components and their percentages, that would provide nutrients, moisture and anchorage for plants?
A: a) Air25%b) Water25%
c) Minerals45%d) Organic Matter5%
Q: If soils in Riverside County tend to be mineral soils, what component do they lack, and what can be done to correct the deficiency?
A: Most local soils lack organic matter. The deficiency can be corrected by adding organic materials (plant and animal residues plus living soil organisms).
Q: C:N is a ratio which expresses the relationship between carbon and nitrogen found in decaying organic material. In composting, what do we mean by “greens” and “browns”? Name an example of each.
A: “greens” = nitrogen > alfalfa hay, food wastes, grass clippings, rotted manures, fruit wastes “browns” = carbon > cornstalks, leaves, straw, sawdust,wood
Q: Name the three primary nutrients and three examples of micronutrients found in plants and contained in a complete inorganic fertilizer (not the secondary nutrients).
A: Three primary nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), sometimes called potash.
Micronutrients are zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl)
Q: What is the definition of soil pH?
A: Soil pH is the relative acidity or alkalinity of the soil on a scale of 0 (acid) to 14(alkaline) with 7 being neutral. Soil pH is a function pf the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in soil.
Most crops/plants like to grow in a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.
WATER MANAGEMENT
Q: What does the term evapotranspiration (ET) refer to?
A: ET is the combination of water lost from transpiration and evaporation from the soil.
Q: What common moisture stress symptoms do plants show when they are too dry?
wilting, folded or cupped leaves
A:
dull or gray-green foliage
leaf drop
new leaves smaller than normal
Q: True or False The most effective irrigation method for trees and shrubs may be to create a small basin around the plant.
A: True
Q:How much of the annual water consumption is normally used to water a home landscape? 10-20%
20-40%
40-50%
50-60%
A: 40-50%
Q: What is the crucial period for watering deciduous fruit and nut trees?
A: To produce good yields, deciduous fruit and nut trees need some available soil moisture continuously from bloom to harvest.
CONTROLLING GARDEN PESTS SAFELY
Q: What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
A: IPM is the use of all suitable pest control methods in a compatible manner that minimizes adverse effects to the environment.
Q:Name the 4 principle components in an IPM program.
A:- pest identification
- methods for detecting, monitoring, and predicting pest outbreaks
- knowledge of the biology of pests and their ecological interactions with hosts, natural enemies and competitors
- ecologically sound management methods of preventing or controlling pests
Q: What does “biological pest control” mean?
A: Any activity of one species that reduces the adverse effect of another.
Q: Name 2 types of low toxicity pesticides suitable for home gardens.
A: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Pyrethrums
Spray oils
Insecticidal soaps
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