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R2114

UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS & THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION

Level 2

Tuesday 7 February 2017

14:50 – 15:40

Written Examination

Candidate Number: ………………………………………………………………… Candidate Name: …………………………………………………………………… Centre Number/Name: ……………………………………………………………..

Ofqual Unit Code L/601/0267 Please turn over/…..

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.

Including Examiners comments

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ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

MARKS Q1 a)

b)

Describe TWO NAMED protected structures used in Horticultural Crop Production.

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Describe the suitability of ONE of the structures named in a), for the production of a

main season tomato crop.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q2

Describe the difference between the environment inside and outside of a NAMED

protected structure containing a crop under EACH of the following headings, by

completing the table below:

i) natural light; ii) relative humidity; iii) carbon dioxide.

Named protected structure:……………………………………………………………

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Outside Inside

Natural light

Relative humidity

Carbon dioxide

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q3 a)

b)

Describe the production of Chrysanthemum x morifolium under EACH of the

following headings:

i) propagation; ii) maintenance/cultivation.

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Describe ONE NAMED common pest OR ONE NAMED common disease that can affect Chrysanthemum x morifolium.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q4 a)

b)

Describe the properties of TWO NAMED materials used in the manufacture of

containers, for the display of plants.

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State TWO factors to consider when selecting a container for an interior display.

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Total Mark

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MARKS Q5 a)

b)

State ONE biological control for ONE NAMED pest of a protected crop.

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State TWO benefits and TWO limitations for controlling pests in a protected

environment under EACH of the following headings:

i) chemical; ii) biological;

by completing the table below.

Chemical Biological

Benefits 1.

1.

2. 2.

Limitations 1.

1.

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Please see over/…..

Total Mark

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MARKS Q6 a)

b)

c)

Name THREE distinct types of energy source used for heating a protected structure.

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State TWO practical considerations for ONE of the energy sources named in a) when selected as a heat source in a protected structure.

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State the benefits of temperature control when growing crops in a protected structure.

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Total Mark

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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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R2114

UNDERSTANDING PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS & THEIR USE IN PLANT CULTIVATION

Level 2

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Candidates Registered 346 Total Candidates Passed 241 82.82% Candidates Entered 291 84.10% Passed with Commendation 64 21.99% Candidates Absent/Withdrawn 49 14.16% Passed 177 60.83% Candidates Deferred 6 1.74% Failed 50 17.18%

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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4 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 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.

6 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.

7 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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MARKS Q1 a)

b)

Describe TWO NAMED protected structures used in Horticultural Crop Production.

Describe the suitability of ONE of the structures named in a), for the production of a

main season tomato crop.

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Q1a) Most candidates were able to describe protected structures used in horticultural

crop production and were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included:

Greenhouse

This is a permanent structure which is designed for growing plants in. The

framework can be made from aluminium and it is clad with horticultural glass or

other transparent materials e.g. twin walled polycarbonate to maximise natural light

entry.

Cold Frame

A cold frame is a low box-like structure with wood or brick sides. It is covered by

‘lights’ i.e. glass or twin walled polycarbonate enclosed in a wooden frame.

Other structures described by candidates which gained full marks included:

polythene tunnel, cloche, conservatory.

Q1b) The best candidates described either a greenhouse or a polythene tunnel and

gained maximum marks. Acceptable answers included:

A greenhouse is a tall structure which is able to accommodate a tomato crop. It is

economic to heat and will allow a tomato crop to be grown economically. The

structure of a greenhouse is strong enough to enable a crop of tomatoes to be

layered and has excellent light transmission to maximise quality and yield of the

crop. A greenhouse can also be easily ventilated.

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MARKS Q2

Describe the difference between the environment inside and outside of a NAMED

protected structure containing a crop under EACH of the following headings, by

completing the table below:

i) natural light; ii) relative humidity; iii) carbon dioxide.

Named protected structure Outside Inside

Natural light

Relative humidity

Carbon dioxide

3 4 2

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Q2) To gain full marks candidates were required to describe specific environmental

conditions inside and outside of a protected structure, e.g. a greenhouse. Suitable

answers included:

Outside Inside

Natural Light

Ambient light levels. Lower than ambient light

levels due to shading of the

structure and cladding

material used.

Relative Humidity

Lower relative

humidity due to

wind/rainfall/air

temperature.

Higher relative humidity with

less fluctuation due to

transpiration or loss due to

evapotranspiration.

Carbon Dioxide

Ambient levels of

carbon dioxide.

Lower levels of carbon

dioxide due to uptake by crop.

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MARKS Q3 a)

b)

Describe the production of Chrysanthemum x morifolium under EACH of the

following headings:

i) propagation; ii) maintenance/cultivation.

Describe ONE NAMED common pest OR ONE NAMED common disease that can affect Chrysanthemum x morifolium.

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Q3a) Candidates who were able to describe specific areas of the production of

Chrysanthemum x morifolium were awarded full marks. Suitable answers included:

i) Propagation of Chrysanthemum x morifolium is by softwood, tip stem cuttings approximately 100mm in length. They are prepared by making a clean cut just below a node, and removing the lower third of leaves (leave 4-5 leaves on the stem). A mild hormone rooting powder is applied to the base of the cutting.

ii) Maintenance/Cultivation A range of tasks are carried out e.g. stopping the plants by removing the apical bud just above a node to encourage lateral growth. Disbudding i.e. the removal of lateral buds by rubbing them out to leave the terminal bud. Irrigation can be applied by using a drip or capillary irrigation system to provide moisture to the growing media and to avoid wilting. A high level of nutrition is required and can be applied as a base dressing or as a liquid feed through the irrigation system.

Q3b) Most candidates described either a pest or a disease that affects Chrysanthemum x

morifolium and gained full marks. Acceptable answers included:

Red Spider Mite cause localised death of the leaf mesophyll cells due to the piercing

and sucking activity of the mite. This results in fine mottling of the leaf. In large

numbers the mites can kill leaves and in severe infestations fine silk strands are

produced.

Botrytis is a fungal disease which affects soft tissue, e.g. leaves, non woody stems

and the flower buds of Chrysanthemum x morifolium. It is seen as a fuzzy grey mould

which is prevalent in cool or humid conditions.

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MARKS Q4 a)

b)

Describe the properties of TWO NAMED materials used in the manufacture of

containers, for the display of plants.

State TWO factors to consider when selecting a container for an interior display.

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Q4a) The majority of candidates described a range of materials used in the manufacture of

containers for the display of plants, and gained full marks. Suitable answers included:

Terracotta is heavy, breakable and not frost proof unless it is glazed. It is porous and

drains well.

Fibreglass is light in weight compared to terracotta and waterproof. It has a long life

span and can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Other materials described by candidates which gained marks included: metal, wood

and glazed stoneware.

Q4b) A range of suitable factors to consider when selecting a container for an interior

display were stated by most candidates who were awarded full marks. These

included:

The amount of maintenance required to keep the container in a good condition.

How watertight the container is to avoid it damaging flooring.

The weight of the container when moving it into position.

Selection of a container which is suitable for its surroundings and its’ aesthetic appeal.

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MARKS Q5 a)

b)

State ONE biological control for ONE NAMED pest of a protected crop.

State TWO benefits and TWO limitations for controlling pests in a protected

environment under EACH of the following headings:

i) chemical; ii) biological;

by completing the table below.

Chemical Biological

Benefits 1. 1.

2. 2.

Limitations 1. 1.

2. 2.

2

2

2

2

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Q5a) Candidates gained full marks for stating a suitable biological control for a pest of a

protected crop. Acceptable answers included: Encarsia formosa, a parasitic wasp to

control glasshouse whitefly or Phytoseiulus persimilis a predatory mite to control

glasshouse red spider mite.

Botanical names of the biological control was not essential for full marks.

Q5b) Candidates stated a range of benefits and limitations of using chemical and biological

control for controlling pests in a protected environment and gained maximum marks.

These included:

Chemical Biological

Benefits

Effective control if correct

chemical at correct rate has

been applied.

Avoids the build-up of

chemical residue in crops and

the environment.

Benefits

Does not rely on the

establishment of a natural

parasite or predator.

Extended periods of balanced

pest control will be achieved if

the parasite or predator is

balanced with the pest.

Limitations

Resistance build-up can

occur in pests.

Biological control agents

never totally eradicate the

pest problem.

Limitations

Period of time before an

edible crop can be harvested

and marketed.

Use of biological control

agents limits the range of

other control measures

available.

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MARKS Q6 a)

b)

c)

Name THREE distinct types of energy source used for heating a protected structure.

State TWO practical considerations for ONE of the energy sources named in a) when selected as a heat source in a protected structure.

State the benefits of temperature control when growing crops in a protected structure.

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Q6a) Most candidates named distinct types of energy source used for heating a protected

structure, i.e. electricity, gas, oil or the appliance that used those fuels to produce the

heat. Both were acceptable and were awarded full marks.

Q6b) Full marks were gained by candidates who stated suitable practical considerations

for the energy sources. These included:

Electricity

The availability of electricity to the site. The heat produced by electricity can be

controlled by a thermostat but it produces dry heat that will not raise the relative

humidity in a protected structure.

Gas

A mains gas supply may not be available necessitating the use of bottled gas. If

combustion of the gas is poor it may lead to toxic gases being released e.g. nitrogen

dioxide. Moisture will also be given off during combustion which will raise the relative

humidity.

Q6c) The best candidates stated a range of benefits for controlling the temperature when

growing crops in a protected structure. Benefits are gained from raising and lowering

the temperature. These included:

Extending the period of cropping maintains continuity of supply.

Ability to grow an extended range of crops and cultivars.

Improved quality of production.

Maximum yield due to optimum healthy growth.

Control over crop timing and harvesting period.

Reduced pest and particularly disease problems.

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