A Trivia Quiz On Horticulture!

The term PWP stands for permanent wilting point. When a plant does not recover from a lack of water, it reaches this point where it is unable to regain turgidity and wilts permanently. This is a critical state for the plant, indicating severe water stress and potential damage or death if water is not provided. The term "permanent" emphasizes the irreversible nature of the wilting at this point.

Asexual methods of propagation, such as grafting or cutting, are commonly used in horticulture to maintain or produce specific plant clones of woody plants. This is because these methods allow for the reproduction of plants with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or specific flower color, without relying on seeds. By using asexual propagation, growers can ensure that the new plants will be genetically identical to the parent plant, thus preserving the desired characteristics. Therefore, the statement is true.

Deciduous refers to a plant that loses its leaves for at least part of the year. This term is commonly used to describe trees or shrubs that shed their leaves in autumn as a response to changes in temperature and light. The shedding of leaves helps these plants conserve energy and protect themselves from harsh winter conditions. In contrast, evergreen plants retain their leaves year-round.

The correct answer is potatoes because tubers are a type of root vegetable, and potatoes are a common example of tubers. They are often consumed as a part of meals, such as dinner. Therefore, if you were having tubers for dinner, you would be eating potatoes.

The growing season for a given area is determined by the days between the last frost in the spring and the first frost in the fall because these are the dates that mark the period when temperatures are consistently warm enough for plants to grow. The last frost in the spring signifies the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather, while the first frost in the fall indicates the start of colder temperatures and the end of the growing season. The time in between these two frosts is when plants have the best conditions to thrive and grow.

To maintain the highest quality fruit and vegetables for post-harvest storage, reducing the levels of nitrogen fertilization at the end of the production cycle is necessary. Excessive nitrogen fertilization can lead to an overgrowth of foliage, which can result in a decrease in the quality and shelf life of the produce. By reducing nitrogen levels towards the end of the production cycle, the focus can shift towards fruit and vegetable development, resulting in better quality produce that can be stored for longer periods without compromising its freshness and taste.

The best technique for mulching newly planted trees is to use a layer of composed bark. This layer should be 2 to 3 inches deep and form a 3 to 4 foot circle around the base of the tree, a few inches away from the trunk. This technique helps to retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. It also allows for proper air and water circulation to the tree's roots.

Dwarf apple trees are commonly produced through grafting and budding techniques. Grafting involves joining a scion (the desired apple variety) onto a rootstock (a different apple variety with desired dwarfing characteristics). Budding is a similar technique where a bud from the desired apple variety is inserted into the rootstock. These methods allow for the propagation of dwarf apple trees, which have shorter stature and are easier to manage and harvest. Therefore, the statement is true.

Nitrogen is needed in the greatest amount for rapid vegetative growth of turf grasses. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plants and plays a crucial role in promoting leaf and stem growth. It is a major component of chlorophyll, which is responsible for photosynthesis and the production of energy for plant growth. Turf grasses require a significant amount of nitrogen to maintain their green color, promote vigorous growth, and establish a dense and healthy turf. Phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur are also important nutrients for plant growth, but they are needed in lesser amounts compared to nitrogen.

High tunnels are structures made of plastic or other translucent materials that are used in agriculture to extend the growing season. By providing protection from harsh weather conditions, high tunnels create a microclimate that allows crops to be grown earlier in the spring and later in the fall. This extension of the growing season leads to higher yields and allows farmers to produce crops that are of higher quality. Therefore, the statement that high tunnels are used to extend the growing season and produce higher quality crops is true.

When mowing turf, it is important to never cut more than one third of the total height. This is because cutting more than one third can cause stress to the grass and weaken its root system, making it more susceptible to diseases and pests. By only cutting one third, the grass can recover quickly and maintain its health and appearance.

A plastic bag is used to cover cuttings while they root to increase the humidity around the cuttings. This helps to create a moist environment, which is beneficial for the rooting process. The increased humidity prevents the cuttings from drying out and promotes the development of roots.

A tree shaded landscape is often 20 to 25 degrees cooler than a landscape without trees because trees provide shade, which blocks direct sunlight and reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the ground. This creates a cooler microclimate in the shaded area, providing relief from the heat. Additionally, trees release moisture through a process called transpiration, which further cools the surrounding air. Therefore, it is true that a tree shaded landscape is often significantly cooler than a landscape without trees.

Removing the terminal bud breaks apical dominance because the terminal bud produces a hormone called auxin that inhibits the growth of lateral buds. By removing the terminal bud, the inhibitory effect of auxin is eliminated, allowing the lateral buds to grow and develop into branches.

The correct answer is that ventilation prevents ethylene build up and initiating the ripening process. Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process in fruits, including bananas. Adequate ventilation during transportation allows for the dissipation of ethylene gas, preventing its build-up and delaying the ripening process. This is why bananas do not ripen during their route from the tropics to Europe or America.

A soil pH of 7.2 would be considered the most alkaline because pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH value below 7 is considered acidic, while a value above 7 is considered alkaline. Therefore, 7.2 is higher than the neutral pH of 7, indicating that the soil is more alkaline than acidic.

Sedums and other succulents are most often used on green roofs due to their tolerance to extreme heat and drought. These plants have adapted to arid environments by storing water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to survive in conditions with limited water availability. Their ability to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions makes them ideal for green roofs, where they are exposed to direct sunlight and may not receive regular watering. Additionally, sedums and succulents have shallow root systems, which makes them suitable for the shallow growing media typically found on green roofs.

Horticulture encompasses the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Hydroponics, which involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil, is a specialized technique within horticulture, focusing on intensive plant cultivation in controlled environments.

A vegetable garden requires ample sunlight to thrive. Full sun exposure throughout the day provides the necessary amount of light for photosynthesis, which is crucial for plant growth and the production of fruits and vegetables. With all day full sun, the plants will receive sufficient energy to produce healthy and abundant harvests. Morning sun or afternoon sun alone may not provide enough sunlight for optimal growth, while all day semi-shade will restrict the amount of light reaching the plants, resulting in poor growth and yield.

The difference between dioecious and monoecious plants lies in their reproductive structures. Monoecious plants have both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant, allowing for self-fertilization. On the other hand, dioecious plants have either male or female flowers on separate individual plants, requiring cross-pollination between plants for reproduction.

Adding ground limestone to the soil helps to raise the pH level and reduce acidity. Limestone contains calcium carbonate, which reacts with the acidic components in the soil, neutralizing them and increasing the pH. This process is known as liming. By adding ground limestone, the soil becomes less acidic, creating a more favorable environment for plant growth.

The given statement is true. When a soil undergoes compaction, the structural components of the soil are broken down into smaller sizes. This leads to a decrease in pore spaces within the soil, which in turn hinders the drainage of water. Poor drainage can result in waterlogging, which is detrimental to root growth as it deprives the roots of oxygen. Therefore, the breaking of the structural components of a soil into smaller sizes due to compaction can indeed result in poor drainage and hinder root growth.

The correct answer is espalier. Espalier is a horticultural technique where fruit trees are trained to grow flat against a wall or trellis. This method allows for better space utilization and easier maintenance of the trees. It also helps in maximizing sunlight exposure and promoting better fruit production.

The presence of nodes and internodes can easily distinguish between a root and a stem. Nodes are the points on a plant stem where leaves, branches, or buds emerge, while internodes are the spaces between nodes. Roots do not have nodes or internodes, as they primarily function to anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Stems, on the other hand, have nodes and internodes as they support the plant and transport water, nutrients, and sugars between different parts of the plant. Therefore, the presence of nodes and internodes is a reliable characteristic to differentiate between roots and stems.

Green roofs have the major advantage of retaining rainwater in urban areas. This is because the vegetation and soil on the roof absorb and store rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and the burden on drainage systems. By retaining rainwater, green roofs help to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide a sustainable water source for the plants on the roof. Additionally, the retention of rainwater on green roofs can also contribute to improved air quality and energy efficiency in buildings.

A tree with wide branch angles will have a stronger branch structure because the wider angles allow for better weight distribution and support. This means that the branches are less likely to break or snap under the weight of leaves, fruits, or strong winds. Narrow branch angles, on the other hand, create weak attachment points that are more prone to failure. Therefore, a tree with wide branch angles will generally have a stronger and more stable branch structure.

Seeds are scarified to enable water to enter through a hard seed coat. Scarification is a process in which the hard outer covering of a seed is broken or weakened, allowing water to penetrate and initiate germination. Some seeds have a hard coat that prevents water absorption, and scarification helps to overcome this barrier. By enabling water to enter the seed, scarification promotes germination and ensures the successful growth of the plant.

The caliper of a tree refers to the diameter of the trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. This measurement is commonly used in horticulture and arboriculture to determine the size and health of a tree. By measuring the trunk diameter at a standard height, it allows for consistent comparisons between different trees. The caliper measurement is important for various purposes such as selecting the right tree for a specific location, determining the appropriate size of a tree hole, or assessing the tree's growth rate.

Pinching chrysanthemums refers to the act of removing the growing tips of the plant. By doing this, the plant is encouraged to produce more lateral shoots, which in turn leads to an increase in the number of flowers. Therefore, pinching chrysanthemums helps to increase the number of flowers on the plant.

The use of fans and helicopters to control frost is based on the principle that mixing the warm air above with the cold air at the surface raises the temperature surrounding the plants. By creating air movement, the warm air is brought down to the surface where the plants are located, and the cold air is lifted upwards. This mixing of warm and cold air helps to increase the temperature around the plants, preventing frost formation and protecting them from cold damage.

Mulching strawberries during the winter in this climate helps to reduce frost heaving of the plants. Frost heaving occurs when the soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, causing the plants to be pushed out of the ground. By mulching, a layer of insulation is created that helps to regulate the temperature of the soil, preventing it from freezing and thawing too rapidly. This reduces the likelihood of frost heaving, which can damage the plants and their root systems.

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Extensive Green Roofs typically have media layers less than 6 inches and are designed to support low-growing vegetation like sedums and grasses, rather than trees and shrubs. Therefore, the statement that Extensive Green Roofs often have small trees and shrubs planted on them is false.

Ethylene is a useful function in the horticultural industry as it promotes the ripening of fruits, such as bananas. Ethylene gas triggers a series of biochemical reactions in the fruit, leading to changes in color, texture, and flavor. This process is crucial for fruits to reach their optimal ripeness, making them more appealing and ready to eat. Therefore, ethylene's role in ripening fruits is an important function in the horticultural industry.

A tuber is a swollen underground stem that stores nutrients for the plant. It is composed mostly of stem tissue, which differentiates it from other plant structures like roots or leaves. The stem tissue in a tuber helps in storing carbohydrates and other essential nutrients, allowing the plant to survive in adverse conditions. Therefore, the statement "a tuber is composed mostly of stem tissue" is true.

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When a strawberry plant produces runners, it is reproducing asexually. Runners are long stems that grow out from the mother plant and develop roots at their tips. These roots then grow into new strawberry plants, creating clones of the mother plant. This method of reproduction does not involve the exchange of genetic material with another plant, hence it is considered asexual reproduction.

Latin is used for scientific classification because it is a dead language that doesn't change. This ensures consistency and avoids confusion in the naming of organisms. Since Latin is no longer spoken as a native language, it remains unchanged and unaffected by modern linguistic developments. This stability allows scientists from different countries and backgrounds to understand and communicate using the same scientific names, facilitating global collaboration and understanding in the field of taxonomy.

When removing large tree branches, it is recommended to cut just outside the branch collar. The branch collar is the swollen area where the branch attaches to the trunk or main branch. By cutting just outside the branch collar, the tree's natural healing process is not disrupted, and it can effectively seal off the wound. This helps to prevent decay and disease from entering the tree, promoting its overall health and longevity. Cutting too close to the remaining branch or inside the branch collar can cause damage and hinder the tree's ability to heal properly. Leaving a stub can also lead to decay and insect infestation.

The fence surrounding the horticulture research center and greenhouse on campus is used to control deer. Deer can cause significant damage to plants and crops, so the fence acts as a barrier to prevent them from entering the area. By keeping deer out, the fence helps protect the research center and greenhouse from potential destruction and allows the plants to grow undisturbed.

Spraying strawberry plants with water during freezing temperatures is indeed a method of preventing damage to the blossoms during late spring frosts. This technique, known as "sprinkler irrigation," works by creating a thin layer of ice on the plants, which helps to insulate them from the freezing temperatures. As the water freezes, it releases latent heat, keeping the temperature around the plants slightly above freezing. This protective layer of ice acts as a barrier, preventing the blossoms from being damaged by the cold temperatures. Therefore, the statement is true.

Late April would be the best time to prune a shrub that flowers for a week to ten days in mid-April because pruning immediately after the flowering period allows the shrub to develop new growth and set buds for the following year without interrupting the current blooming cycle. Pruning in late March may remove potential flowers, while pruning in July or November may disrupt the shrub's growth and flowering patterns.

The correct answer is rejuvenation. Rejuvenation pruning involves cutting an entire shrub back to a height of 6 inches above the ground. This pruning technique helps to stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the shrub, resulting in healthier and more vigorous plants. It is often done to revitalize overgrown or damaged shrubs and promote better flowering or fruit production.

Container produced trees often suffer from circling roots. This occurs when the roots start growing in a circular pattern within the container, instead of spreading outwards. Circling roots can lead to girdling, where the roots wrap around the trunk and restrict the flow of water and nutrients. This can result in stunted growth, poor establishment, and even death of the tree. Therefore, circling roots are a major problem associated with container produced trees.

Low temperature, low oxygen, and high carbon dioxide levels are the best conditions for long-term commercial storage of fresh apples. Low temperature slows down the ripening process and helps to maintain the freshness of the apples. Low oxygen levels reduce respiration and prevent the apples from over-ripening. High carbon dioxide levels inhibit the growth of microorganisms and fungi, reducing the risk of spoilage. This combination of conditions helps to extend the shelf life of the apples and maintain their quality for a longer period of time.

Evergreens are a type of tree or shrub that retains its leaves throughout the year. However, they do shed some of their older leaves during the summer while retaining the newest leaves for at least one year. This allows the evergreens to continuously renew their foliage and maintain a green appearance even during the winter months. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose all of their leaves in autumn, evergreens are able to maintain their green color year-round. Additionally, evergreen leaves are typically needle-like in shape, which helps to reduce water loss and protect against freezing temperatures.

Hedges are best maintained when they are pruned so that the bottom is wider than the top. This is because pruning the bottom wider helps to ensure that sunlight reaches all parts of the hedge, promoting healthy growth and preventing the lower branches from becoming shaded and dying off. Additionally, having a wider bottom helps to create a more stable and visually appealing shape for the hedge.

Adventitious refers to a root or shoot that arises from any place other than the seed. This means that it is not a natural or expected growth, but rather a result of a random or unexpected occurrence. It could arise from a stem, leaf, or even a cut or wounded area of a plant. This term is used to describe the growth of roots or shoots in unusual or unexpected locations.

Vernalization is the process whereby a plant goes through a specific cold period prior to flowering. This cold period triggers physiological changes in the plant, such as the activation of flowering genes, which allows it to flower when conditions become favorable. This process is particularly important for plants that are adapted to temperate climates, as it ensures that they flower during the appropriate season.

Fruits and vegetables that are sensitive to ethylene are stored under low oxygen levels to extend their storage life. This is because ethylene is a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process and can cause fruits and vegetables to spoil more quickly. By reducing the oxygen levels in the storage environment, the production of ethylene is minimized, thus slowing down the ripening process and extending the shelf life of these sensitive produce items.