Louisiana Horticulture Exam Study Guide 2024: Key Concepts and Plant Care, Exams of Gardening and Horticulture

Download Louisiana Horticulture Exam Study Guide 2024: Key Concepts and Plant Care and more Exams Gardening and Horticulture in PDF only on Docsity! Louisiana Horticulture Exam study guide 2024 4 major plant parts include - roots Stems Leaves Reproductive parts 4 functions of the root system include - absorption Anchorage Conduction Storage 2 kind of root systems found in plants are - fibrous root systems And Taproot systems Fibrous root system - root system that consists of numerous multi-branched roots that are slender; no one root is more prominent than the other. Tap root system (more difficult to transplant) - root system that consists of one main root that grows directly downward from which branch roots arise; Carrot or a woody root (oak, maple) What should you do if a plant becomes root bound within their containers? - Spread the roots out or prune them to encourage the root system to grow outward 3 primary functions of the stems are - Support Conduction Storage Conduction - the movement of water, mineral solutions, and substances manufactured in the plant. Xylem - water and mineral solution move upward from the roots to the leaves through inner tissues called Phloem - manufactured food from the leaves move out of the leaves through outer stem tissues called What 2 tissues form the vascular system of the plant? - Xylem and phloem Cambium layer - The tissue between the xylem and phloem is called the ____________. Plant function growth depends on uninterrupted conduction. Monocotyledonous Plants (single leaf monocots) - The xylem and phloem tissues are formed in bundles scattered in a discontinuous vascular system through the stem. P a g e 1 | 26 Corn, grass, lilies, orchids Dicotyledonous Plants (two seed leaves dicots) Gymnosperms Plants (many seed leaves) - the xylem is formed on the inside next to the heartwood surrounded by a continuous layer of cambium with the phloem on the outside. Tree, shrubs, annuals, and perennials Girdle - is a complete circle of dead tissue around the stem which interrupts the food supply pipeline. Nodes and internodes - Areas of the stems where leaves emerge are called ____________ and the space between are called __________. Axillary bud and axil - in the angle where each leaf joins the stem, there is a _________________ which is compressed, dormant stem. The angle is called the ______ of the leaf. Asexual reproductive structures - Some plants have modified stem and roots structures that store exceptionally large amounts of food and function as Corms, such as gladiolus - solid stem structures with remains of dried scale leaves surrounding and protecting them. Cycle of changes are controlled by temperature. Rhizome, such as Louisiana - the main axis or stem of the plant is in a horizontal position underground Stolons - Cylindrical horizontal stems found above ground similar to a rhizome Tuberous roots (sweet potato) - roots that do not have nodes and buds Crown - the area where the stem and root tissue meets Biennial Root - Roots that are living through two growing seasons Annual Top Root - Root living through one growing season October until December - Outdoor planting of spring bulbs can be done from Dicot Leaf - Leaf that generally has netted venation, one or more prominent veins with branches forming a conspicuous net Mono Leaf - Leaf that generally has parallel veins with inconspicuous branching between the veins as in corn P a g e 2 | 26 Leaves Stems Roots - What is the priority order of plant parts to receive nutrients (food)? Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium - N-P-K stands for? Fertilizer analysis N-P-K/100lb = actual N-P-K required/X - Cross multiplied formula to calculate how much fertilizer is needed per area 43560 square feet - How many square ft. are in one acre? Mobility of nitrogen in the soil. - The reason for recommending more than one application during the growing season is largely because of the ________________________________________________. Light intensity, quality, and duration - Three characteristics of light that affect plan growth differently: Low light intensity - limits photosynthesis, slowing plant growth and inducing poor leaf coloration foot-candle - the amount of light falling on one square foot, one foot away from a standard candle. 100-200 fc - Most plants require more than how many fc for vigorous growth? Light Quality - affects photosynthesis and refers to the balance of wave lengths (or colors) the light contains Red light - promotes stem growth and flowering Less red and bluer light present - plants that stretch easily are best grown under what light conditions besides natural sunlight Light Duration - Certain plants are affected by the length of time light is absent in a 24 hour period. Photoperiodic - plants that react to specific periods of light Water - a.) Ingredient in photosynthesis b.) a solvent for nutrients and other materials used or manufactured by the plant c.) cools the plant during transpiration d.) gives plant tissue rigidity or turgor P a g e 5 | 26 High pH (alkaline) water - Low or high pH seriously affects a plant causing nutrient problems? Phosphoric acid - A system that uses __________________ as a water softener can be used without danger? Field capacity - when all of the gravitational water has been removed, the soil is said to be at Permanent wilting point (PWP) - When all the gravitational water and the available water are gone and only the unavailable (bound) water remains, the soil is at the _________________________________. Adhesion and cohesion - There are two forces that combine to hold the water in the soil, ________________ and __________________. Adhesion - When a substance clings to a different substance, it is said to _____________to the foreign material. Cohere - When a substance clings to itself, the similar particles are said to _____________ each other. Clay soils - which type of soil as small pores and hold water tightly by adhesion? Microclimate - areas with certain consistent variations in light, temperature, and moisture in a garden Heat - a form of energy without which life cannot exist The British thermal unit (BTU) - is the amount of heat required to increase temperature of one pound of water 1degrees F. Calorie (c) - is the amount of heat required to increase temperature of one gram of water 1 degrees c. Heat Intensity - is measured by temperature which is not relevant to the quantity of heat present Level of heat rather than the actual quantity of heat - Primary concern of nurseryman with heat is the F = 9/5 * C + 32 Or C = 5/9 * (F−32) K = C + 273.15 Explanation: P a g e 6 | 26 Convert 100 F to C to K: C = 5/9 * (100−32) = 37.8 K = 37.8 + 273.15 = 310.95K - Formulas to convert from F to C or C to F temperature The crown and the roots - are the most vulnerable parts of the plant to cold damage 41 F = Minimum 77-95 F = Optimum 95-104 = Maximum - Temperatures suitable for growth for Temperate plants 50 F = Minimum 86-95 F = Optimum 113 F = Maximum - Temperatures suitable for growth for Tropical plants 65-75 F - Cool season plants >49 F = Warm- season plants 40-104 F = General Range 68-95 F = Optimum - Temperatures suitable for seed germination Conduction Convection Radiation - Three ways heat travels Conduction - heat is moved by ______________ when a warm object is put in contact with a cooler one; the warmth is moved from the warm object to the cool object Convection - heat moving away from an object Black Frost - Formed on a plant when the plant's temperature is lower than the temp at which moisture in the air will condense resulting in ice particles forming on the plant Hydroponics - A plant can survive supported by a string in a nutrient mist Water, air, eat, and essential nutrients for the plant - Soil stores what for the plant? Sand, silt, and clay - What are the three forms of soil texture? Loam soils - contain all three separate soil textures in proportions so that none of the three is dominant over the other two. Soil structure (Sandy, platy, crumbly, or blocky) - The way various particles of the soil are arranged determines the ________________. This affects water movement and the handling qualities of soils. P a g e 7 | 26 What is the drainage of the planting site? Has the soil been tested? Complete soluble fertilizers - _________________ ________________ fertilizers may be injected into the irrigation system weekly while slow - release fertilizers are applied to containers every three to six or even nine months Fall - Slow release materials are used in the ______ to supply nutrients at a low rate throughout the winter months. Watering/irrigation - _______________ of container plants is a critical task. Sight (looking at foliage) Weight (low moisture means lighter weight) Touch (feeling the medium's moisture) - Employee in charge of watering plants need to know how to judge if watering is necessary by three things: Overhead Irrigation system - The irrigation of nursery stock is usually done with an 18-24 degrees F - Container woody ornamentals can be injured when temperatures drop to __________________. Less Photosynthetic - Plants grown in shade generally require _______ fertilizer than those grown in sun because of a lower _______________________ rate. Light - Small plants generally require _________ and frequent feeding for optimum growth while large well-established plants can forage for a great deal of their required nutrients. Reduced - Fertilization for street trees growing in restricted environments must be greatly reduced compared to trees growing in open areas More Nutrient leaching - Plants grown in sandy soils generally require _________ frequent fertilization than those grown in clay soils because of __________________. Exceed Burning - Fertilization rates of trees in turf area should not ____________ the rate recommended for the turf grass because ___________ of the turf may result. Phosphorus - Studies have shown that __________________ tends to accumulate in soils and is needed in smaller amounts. Twice - The level of nitrogen required is ________ that of potassium. P a g e 10 | 26 Three Six to eight week - If a granular general-purpose fertilizer is used, ________ applications during the growing season are recommended at ___ two ____ weeks. March, May, and July - Ideal months to schedule fertilization applications Desired growth rate Type of plant Soil type Type of fertilizer Geographic location - The frequency of fertilizations depends on a number of factors: Light - Newly planted trees and shrubs should receive light applications of fertilizer during their first growing season. 3 to 6 lbs. of actual nitrogen - For optimum growth of established ornamental trees, apply ___ to ___ lbs. of actual ___________________ per 1000 sq. ft. Higher rate Lower rate - Ever green trees generally should be fertilized at the ____________ rater; deciduous trees should be fertilized at the ______________ rate. Square foots basis - To fertilize a group of plants within a bed, application rates are based on a ___________________ basis. 1. Measure area of bed length x width = area 2. Divide the first number in the fertilizer analysis by 10 - How to calculate the quantity of fertilizer to apply over each 100 sq. ft. of bed area. - To eliminate dead, diseased, dying wounded limbs -to improve the form and balance of a plant -to guide the growth habit -to stimulate new growth -to rejuvenate older plantings -To maintain a geometric shape (formal hedge, topiary, etc.) - Pruning is done for many reasons: Axing - The terminal bud releases a hormone called ________ that directs the growth of the other buds along the stem. Hand pruners - generally make pencil size cuts easily Bypass and anvil - There are two basic designs for hand pruner’s _____________ or anvil type. Anvil type P a g e 11 | 26 Bypass hand pruners - shears are generally easier to use and can make slightly larger cuts than _______ hand pruners. However, _____________ hand pruners can make closer, smoother cuts and are the preferred type to use Loppers - are used to cut branches up to 1.5 inch in size. Pole Pruners - are used to remove branches that cannot be reached from the ground. Hedge shears - are for clipping small-leafed plants to maintain a formal appearance. Shear - should only be used on formal hedges because shearing destroys the natural form of plants, stimulates rapid regrowth and increases maintenance requirements. Thinning out - refers to the complete removal of branches back to a lateral branch of main trunk; Heading back - removes the terminal portion of twigs back to an axillar bud or node. Azaleas, Chinese hollies, camellias, medians, abele, and crape myrtles - Broadleaf shrubs that rejuvenate well from pruning them within 18in. of ground level. Juniper Pine Cedar Arborvitae Boxwoods - Rejuvenate pruning is not suggested for narrow leaf evergreens such as: Acid soil - soil with a pH of less than 7.0. Agriculture line is used to raise the H and correct a very acid soil condition Acre - a land area contain 43,560 sq. ft. and measuring approximately 210' x 210'x square Actual - that part of the formula of any product, containing several ingredients, which refers to a specific ingredient. Adventitious root or shoot - produced on stem tissue after removal from the mother plant. These tissues developed on cuttings are identical of sawdust, peat moss, or ground pine bark Alkaline Soil - soil with a pH of more than 7.0 The pH of alkaline soils are reduced by the application of iron sulfate, aluminum or large amounts of sawdust, peat moss, or ground pine bark Annual plant - a plant living one year or less, usually planted in spring after the last frost and dying at time of killing frost. During this time, the plant grows, blooms, produces P a g e 12 | 26 Companion crops - crops which have different harvest dates but are grown in the same area at the same time. One crop is harvested and removed by the time the other crop requires the growing space Compost - a decomposing mixture of vegetative matter - leaves, grass clippings, weeds - which can be used to amend soils or as a fertilizer. Decomposition is speeded up if a commercial fertilizer and lime are added Conifer - cone bearing trees or shrubs, most often characterized by narrow needle-like leaves. They are frequently referred to as evergreens. Ex. pines, cedar, juniper, cypress Conservatory - a glassed in room or structure where temperatures and humidity are controlled. Used to grow plants for display. Unlike a greenhouse, a portion may be used for habitation. Container grown stock - plant materials grown above ground in any type of container Contour planting - horizontal planting in rows that follow the contours of a slope or grade to better control water drainage and erosion of soil. Cool crops - vegetables which do not thrive in summer heat; ex the cabbage family, lettuce, spinach, and gladiolus Corm - a rounded, thick underground stem base, commonly called a bulb. However, a ________ is unlike a true bulb in that food is stored in its center rather than in its scale. Ex gladiolus Cover crop - sometimes referred to as "green" manure, a _________ _______ is useful in large gardens where some of the soil lies dormant in winter. Any of the legumes (clover, cow peas etc.) sown in fall and turned under in early spring will return valuable humus and nitrogen to soil Creeper - plants or vines that grow close to the ground. These plants take root along their stems Cross pollination - the transfer of pollen from the anthers (male) of one flower to the stigma (female) of another to fertilize the off within the ovary. _________ __________ can be from a flower of the same species or a different species. Accomplished by either insects or wind Crop rotation - practice employed by both gardeners and farmers for maintaining the good condition of a given section of soil by alternate planting of different crops. Such planting also helps to discourage insects which thrive on a given crop or diseases indigenous to a certain kind of plant P a g e 15 | 26 Cultivar - a term meaning cultivated variety now used in place of the word variety. The ____________ designate a special group of plants. Ex. Detroit Dark Red beet. They are set apart in a single quotes. _________ may differ in growth habit, season of maturity, fruit color, fruit shape, etc. Cultivation - the loosening of a soil with either a hand or mechanical type implement chiefly for the purpose of controlling weeds. Culture - a specialized activity used in growing plants. Ex. pruning, cultivation, watering cutting ( or slip) - asexual propagation of plants; propagated by breaking or cutting off a portion of a branch or root and planting it in soil or water so it can grow roots and in time become a plant exactly like the parent. Cutting height - in mowing lawns, the measurement from grass clipped to soil line. Damping off - a fungus that causes seedlings to die immediately before or just after they break through the soil. Careful watering, good drainage and sterilizing seed bed soil help in preventing damping off. Day neutral - a term applied to plants which are not affected by the relative length of dark and light periods Deciduous - plants that shed all their leaves at the end of a growing season and remain leafless during the winter or dormant period. Deep rooted - plants with deeply growing roots as contrasted with roots growing on, or close, the soil surface. Determinate tomato (commonly classed as a bush tomato) - terminal bud sets fruit, stops stem growth. The plant is self-topping. Seldom needs staking. dethatching - removal of the thatch layer of turf by machine, garden rake, or dethatching rake to increase air flow and penetration of fertilizers and water Dew - condensed moisture from the atmosphere adhering in the form of small drops to any cool surface Dew point - a temperature point below which moisture in the atmosphere is condensed into small drops. Diameter breast height (DBH) - term used in measuring a tree caliper; the caliper is measured 4 ft. 6in above the ground line P a g e 16 | 26 Dibble or dibbler - a handled, pointed tool for making holes in the soil for planting seeds, bulbs, transplanting, etc. Dioeciously - plants having staminate (male) flowers on one plant and postulate (female) flowers on another plant. dividing - a method for increasing plants such as bulbs, perennials, and other plants that spread by developing roots and tops in clumps (ex dahlias, iris, day-lilies). Accomplished by digging up all or a portion of a plant, breaking apart the rooted sections, and replanting Dormancy - cyclic period when a plant rests; its growth processes is greatly slowed down. This occurs in many species by the coming of winter as days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop. The period ends in spring when the plant is exposed to higher temps for an extended number of hours. ________________ is a plant's safe guard against extremes of temp, lack of water, etc. Drainage (air) - a term used to describe the circulation of air (oxygen) into the soil and the flow of respiration product (carbon dioxide) out the soil. Compacted soil around roots resists air flow, making it difficult for many plants to thrive. Also refers to movement of air from adjacent areas to affect temperature changes. Drip irrigation - a system of water at points on or just below the soil surface so that only the immediate areas around the roots are moistened. The irrigation should be made with a very low water pressure over a long period of time to supply plants with only the amount of moisture needed to replace the plant's moisture loss. Drop line - a line drawn around a tree directly under the outer moist ends of its branches. Term is used in connection with watering and fertilizing trees. Also the point at which rain drops off a roof. Dwarf - a normally large plant genetically cultivated for shorter and more compact growth. Espalier - a plant (tree or shrub) trained to grow flat against a surface such as a wall or trellis Ethylene - a growth regulator which has various effects on plants. Ex. promoting bromeliads to flowers, increasing uniformity of ripening some fruits, and damaging petals of cut flowers such as roses and carnations Ever blooming - plants that bloom intermittently during the entire growing season Evergreen - a plant which does not lose all its leaves at one time P a g e 17 | 26 Indeterminate Tomato - the terminal bud does not set fruit. The vine can grow indefinitely if not killed by frost. Most of the cultivars trained on stakes or in wire cages are in this group. Inflorescence - a flower cluster; the characteristics arrangement of flowers on the stem Insect - any of the numerous small invertebrate animals having three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen), six legged, and usually winged Insecticide - a material toxic to insects; applied as a contact and or stomach poison Landscape contractor - a contractor specializing in work dealing with all phases of landscape installation Landscape design - a creative problem-solving process that organizes external space to attain an optimum balance of environmental and human needs Layering - a propagating technique in which the stem of a plant is surrounded with a rooting medium in order to force the development of roots along that portion of stem Leaf - a plant organ that manufactures food by chlorophyll Lime - ground limestone which is used to reduce the acidity of soils. Dolomitic lime has magnesium carbonate and will supply some magnesium for the growing plant Macronutrient - certain chemical elements required in considerable abundance for the growth and survival of plants. Example: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium. Meristem - embryonic or undifferentiated tissue; these cells are capable of active division Micronutrient - certain elements essential to growth of plants, but required only in minute amounts. Ex. iron and copper Mildew - a white cottony coating which later turns black. Caused by various fungi, especially during periods of warm days and cool nights Monoecism - a plant that has separate male and female flowers on the same part Morphactins - synthetic growth regulators used to slow the growth rate of turf grass and to pinch plants chemically to stimulate lateral shoots Mulch - any material applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, maintain a more even soil temperature and/or aid in weed control. Ex. leaves, straw, newspaper, pine bark mulch. P a g e 20 | 26 NAA - Naphthalene acetic acid; a synthetic axing that is used in controlling sprouts on trees, thinning fruits, and in root promotion of cuttings Nematode - a microscopic, transparent, worm-like parasite that infest roots, bulbs, and leaves Nitrogen - a macronutrient and is one of the most essential plant nutrients obtained from the soil. If the supply of __________ is good, foliage is green and the plant flourishes. Insufficient ____________ is indicated by yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Clovers, cowpeas, and other legumes - what type of plants can be added to the soil through a cover crop. These crops absorb nitrogen from the air and naturally return it to the soil Node - a joint or point where a branch, bud, or leaf grows from the stem Organic matter - a term applied to a substance containing carbon compounds and usually obtained from plants or animals. Needed to maintain a healthy soil structure and bacterial life (peat moss, pine bark mulch, etc.) Ovary - a female sex organ that produces one or more eggs Ovule - the structure within the ovaries of pistils that develop into seeds Patented - referring to plant cultivars protected by governing patent granting exclusive rights to patent holder Peat - partially decayed plant matter from swamps; used to improved soil structure Peat pot - transplanting pots made of compressed peat (or other like material); used for starting plants; the pots may be transplanted directly into the soil where they will disintegrate Perennial - a plant that continues to live from year to year; in cold climates, the foliage may die to ground, but the roots and rhizomes persist Periapt - the sepals and the petals of a flower, generally used when both are the same colors Perlite - a volcanic mineral expanded by heat treatment to form lightweight white granules. It is used for soil conditioning or as a rooting medium. Also used in synthetic potting mixes. Pesticide - a substance (most often a chemical used to control weeds, fungi, insects, and the like P a g e 21 | 26 PH - the chemistry symbol used in expressing acidity or alkalinity Photo period - a term applied to hours of light required daily to achieve normal maturity. Plants are often referred to as long day plants. The plants response to it __________ ____________ is known a photoperediodism. Phosphorous - a mineral element contained in every living cell; it promotes rapid growth, hastens maturity, and stimulates flower, seed, and fruit production. Phototropism - the growth of plants toward its light source Pinching back - a method for making plants bushier by nipping off tips of branches with the thumb and forefinger. Pistil - the female part of a flower, comprised of the ovary, stigma, and style Plant nutrient - one of the 16 chemical elements essential for plant growth Pollination - the transfer of pollen from the stamen (male) to the pistils (female). Plants are either cross-pollinated or self-pollinated. Polyploidy - an organism whose cells contain more than two sets of chromosomes. Pomology - the science of growing fruit Post emergent herbicide - a chemical applied as an herbicide to the foliage of weeds after the weed has emerged from the soil Potassium - a mineral that stimulates the growth of strong stems, imparts resistance to disease, and is necessary to form starch, sugar, and oil and transfer them through plants Pot bound - the roots of a potted plant that have become thickly matted Potting mixture - a combination of various ingredients designed for growing plants in containers. Pre-emergent herbicide - an herbicide applied after planting the crop, but before the weed seed germinates Propagation - reproduction of plants either from seeds (sexual reproduction) or from cuttings, divisions, budding, grafting, or layering (asexual reproduction) Pruning - the wise removal of selected plant parts to obtain a more desirable plant P a g e 22 | 26 Stolon - a horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tip. It creeps along the surface of the ground, rooting and forming new plants (ex. Bermuda grass) Stomata - pore like structures located primarily on the lower leaf surface that provides for gas and water vapor exchange between the leaf and outside environment Stress - the external factors that inhibit plant growth; all factors pertaining to the wide ranging conditions of nature and man's understanding, knowledge, and experience in contending with these conditions Sucker - a shoot which springs up from underground; grows from trunk or branch of the lower part of a plant, usually unwanted Sun scald - when radiant heat from the sun strikes a newly exposed plant or the fruit of a plant and destroys leaf tissue. A pant may appear to have sun ______ if subjected to very high temperatures or extreme winter cold, resulting in damage to the bark Tender plant - a plant that is injured or killed by a light frost or too must heat Tendril - a leafless threadlike organ on many vines which helps the vine to climb and cling to its support Thatch - a tightly intermingled layer of living and dead stems, leaves, and roots of grasses that develops between the layers of green Thinning - the removal of some plants from an area so that the remaining plants will have more room to grow and develop Top dressing - the application of topsoil, fertilizer, compost, or mulch material to the surface without mixing it. Topiary - a pruning technique for shaping trees and shrubs into formal or unnatural shapes. Ex geometric or animal shapes, etc. Trace elements - minute quantities of mineral nutrients present in soil that are viral to plant life as are the major nutrients. Ex of trace elements are copper, iron, manganese, and zinc Training - the gardener’s term for the many ways of pruning, pinching, staking, and generally shaping growth into a desired form or shape Transpiration - the process by which moisture which has been absorbed through its roots is emitted from plant leaves through the stomata. Dictated by humidity, temperatures, and water availability P a g e 25 | 26 Transplant - a plant produced from seed, germinated in a favorable environment for later planting in an area where the plant will grow to maturity Tree - a wood perennial, usually having a single trunk, normally exceeding ten feet in height at maturity Tuber - a short end part of an underground stem that becomes thickened with the accumulation of food materials with modified lateral buds (ex. potato) Tuberous root - a true root that grows underground to serve as a food storage structure. It bears no buds or eyes Turgid - a term used to describe plant cells having adequate moisture to cause the cells to fully expand. Variegated - refers to different colors (atypical) in leaf or flower, or less frequently in fruit. Ex alternating or scattered colored stripes, patches Variety - this is a naturally occurring subgroup of plants in a species the lowest or final natural classification with particular like characteristics. Each variety within a species keeps the basic character of the species. But has at least one, sometimes more, individual characteristics of its own Vermiculite - mica produce expanded by heat treatment to form an extremely lightweight material. It is used either for soil conditioning or as a root medium for plants. It is a product often used in a synthetic soil formula Water sprout - a side shoot, originating from an adventitious bud on the trunk or main branches of a tree Weed - an unwanted plant growing out of place Weed control - minimizing the harmful effects of weeds b digging them up or spraying them with herbicides Wilting - the loss of turgidity by the leaves on stems and their consequent dropping, as a result of a water deficient Woody plant - one of many plants that produce woody stems and trunks that persist above ground from year to year in zones where they are hardy Wounding - typically refers to cutting a slice(s) off the basal end of a woody cutting to encourage rooting Viburnum dentate - Arrow-wood Viburnum P a g e 26 | 26