Medicinal Herbs - QP1 - Quiz & Trivia

1. Match the following statements:

They are small, shallow trenches into which these seeds are sown.

This means scattering the seeds from the hand in a sweeping motion over the ground and then raking the ground.

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2. _____ herbs last a number of years, generally needs more patience when growing from seed and taking cuttings is often more efficient.

Annual

Biennial

Perennial

Perennial herbs last for multiple years, unlike annual or biennial herbs which have a shorter lifespan. Growing perennial herbs from seed requires more patience as they take longer to establish, but once established, they continue to grow and produce for many years. Taking cuttings from perennial herbs is often a more efficient method of propagation compared to starting from seed.

Explanation

Perennial herbs last for multiple years, unlike annual or biennial herbs which have a shorter lifespan. Growing perennial herbs from seed requires more patience as they take longer to establish, but once established, they continue to grow and produce for many years. Taking cuttings from perennial herbs is often a more efficient method of propagation compared to starting from seed.

3. Good air circulation and light to all aerial parts is necessary for health of the plants.

True

False

Good air circulation and light are essential for the health of plants because they play crucial roles in photosynthesis and respiration. Adequate air circulation helps in preventing the buildup of excess moisture, which can lead to the growth of fungi and other pathogens. It also helps in the exchange of gases, allowing plants to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Additionally, proper air circulation helps to strengthen the plant's stems and prevent the development of weak and spindly growth. Light is necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth and development. Without sufficient light, plants may become weak, pale, and unable to produce enough food for themselves. Therefore, good air circulation and light are indeed necessary for the health of plants.

Explanation

Good air circulation and light are essential for the health of plants because they play crucial roles in photosynthesis and respiration. Adequate air circulation helps in preventing the buildup of excess moisture, which can lead to the growth of fungi and other pathogens. It also helps in the exchange of gases, allowing plants to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Additionally, proper air circulation helps to strengthen the plant's stems and prevent the development of weak and spindly growth. Light is necessary for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth and development. Without sufficient light, plants may become weak, pale, and unable to produce enough food for themselves. Therefore, good air circulation and light are indeed necessary for the health of plants.

4. A cutting will need to be around 7.5cm (3in) long, of sturdy good health and without flowers.

True

False

The statement is true because in order for a cutting to successfully grow into a new plant, it needs to be of sufficient length (around 7.5cm or 3in) to have enough nodes for root and shoot development. Additionally, the cutting should be healthy and free from flowers because the energy of the plant would be focused on flower production rather than root development.

Explanation

The statement is true because in order for a cutting to successfully grow into a new plant, it needs to be of sufficient length (around 7.5cm or 3in) to have enough nodes for root and shoot development. Additionally, the cutting should be healthy and free from flowers because the energy of the plant would be focused on flower production rather than root development.

5. Most annual seeds should be sown in summer.

True

False

Most annual seeds should not be sown in summer. This is because summer temperatures can be too hot for the seeds to germinate and grow successfully. Instead, annual seeds are typically sown in the spring or fall when the temperatures are more moderate and favorable for growth. Sowing seeds in the summer may result in poor germination rates or the seeds may not survive the extreme heat. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

Most annual seeds should not be sown in summer. This is because summer temperatures can be too hot for the seeds to germinate and grow successfully. Instead, annual seeds are typically sown in the spring or fall when the temperatures are more moderate and favorable for growth. Sowing seeds in the summer may result in poor germination rates or the seeds may not survive the extreme heat. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

6. Generally, herbs are difficult to grow, and many varieties provide attractive leaves, flowers and aromas.

True

False

The statement suggests that herbs are generally difficult to grow and that many varieties offer aesthetic appeal. However, this is not entirely true. While some herbs may require specific growing conditions or care, many herbs are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in various environments. Additionally, not all herbs are grown for their visual appeal, as some are primarily cultivated for their culinary or medicinal uses. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Explanation

The statement suggests that herbs are generally difficult to grow and that many varieties offer aesthetic appeal. However, this is not entirely true. While some herbs may require specific growing conditions or care, many herbs are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in various environments. Additionally, not all herbs are grown for their visual appeal, as some are primarily cultivated for their culinary or medicinal uses. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

7. Warmth is required to enable germination. Temperatures of up to ______ are advised.

10°C

15°C

20°C

25°C

Germination is the process by which a seed begins to sprout and grow into a new plant. Warmth is necessary for this process, as it helps to activate enzymes that break down stored nutrients in the seed and promote growth. The advised temperature for germination is up to 20°C, as this provides an optimal environment for the seeds to start growing. Temperatures below this may slow down or inhibit germination, while temperatures above this may cause the seeds to dry out or become damaged. Therefore, maintaining a temperature of 20°C is ideal for successful germination.

Explanation

Germination is the process by which a seed begins to sprout and grow into a new plant. Warmth is necessary for this process, as it helps to activate enzymes that break down stored nutrients in the seed and promote growth. The advised temperature for germination is up to 20°C, as this provides an optimal environment for the seeds to start growing. Temperatures below this may slow down or inhibit germination, while temperatures above this may cause the seeds to dry out or become damaged. Therefore, maintaining a temperature of 20°C is ideal for successful germination.

8. Softening off is the process of introducing the indoor pot-grown young plants to the outdoor environment.

True

False

Softening off is actually the process of gradually acclimating indoor pot-grown young plants to the outdoor environment. This is done by slowly exposing them to outdoor conditions such as sunlight, temperature, and wind. The purpose of softening off is to prevent shock and stress to the plants, allowing them to adjust and thrive in their new environment. Therefore, the correct answer is False as the explanation contradicts the statement.

Explanation

Softening off is actually the process of gradually acclimating indoor pot-grown young plants to the outdoor environment. This is done by slowly exposing them to outdoor conditions such as sunlight, temperature, and wind. The purpose of softening off is to prevent shock and stress to the plants, allowing them to adjust and thrive in their new environment. Therefore, the correct answer is False as the explanation contradicts the statement.

9. Feeding is essential even if the plants are contained in healthy soil.

True

False

Feeding is not essential if the plants are contained in healthy soil because healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Therefore, additional feeding is not required in this case.

Explanation

Feeding is not essential if the plants are contained in healthy soil because healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Therefore, additional feeding is not required in this case.

10. A general guideline is to prune herbaceous herbs back too around 20cm high when using aerial (above ground) parts.

True

False

The statement is false because the general guideline for pruning herbaceous herbs is not to prune them back to around 20cm high when using aerial parts. The correct pruning technique for herbaceous herbs varies depending on the specific plant and its growth habit. Pruning should be done based on the plant's individual needs and characteristics, rather than a one-size-fits-all guideline.

Explanation

The statement is false because the general guideline for pruning herbaceous herbs is not to prune them back to around 20cm high when using aerial parts. The correct pruning technique for herbaceous herbs varies depending on the specific plant and its growth habit. Pruning should be done based on the plant's individual needs and characteristics, rather than a one-size-fits-all guideline.

Medicinal Herbs - Qp1