Plant Science: Seed Germination Techniques
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Questions and Answers

Which scarification method involves using water at temperatures between 170°F and 212°F?

  • Mechanical scarification
  • Warm, moist scarification
  • Hot water scarification (correct)
  • Chemical scarification

    • What is a characteristic of the germinating medium used for seeds?

  • It should retain a lot of moisture without being damp.
  • It should be composed solely of organic materials.
  • It should be rich in fertilizers.
  • It should be fine, uniform, and well-aerated. (correct)

    • What should germinating media be free from to ensure healthy seed growth?

  • Low oxygen and high acidity
  • Cool temperatures and low light
  • Excessive moisture and high fertility
  • Insects, disease organisms, and weed seeds (correct)

    • What temperature should the oven be set to for sterilizing soil mixture?

    <p>250°F</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method stores seeds in nonsterile, warm, damp containers for several months?

    <p>Warm, moist scarification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a leaf tends to curl up?

    <p>Hold it in place by covering margins with rooting medium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is commonly used for propagating snake plants and fibrous-rooted begonias?

    <p>Cutting leaves into wedges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option describes how to prepare begonia leaves for propagation?

    <p>Cut the leaves into wedges.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of laying a leaf flat on the rooting medium?

    <p>A new plant will arise at the vein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When cutting snake plant leaves for propagation, what is the recommended size of sections?

    <p>Two-inch sections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of leaf section is used for spurting new plants from veins?

    <p>Split-vein section.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial step when propagating leaves of begonia?

    <p>Cutting them into wedges with at least one vein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if you do not hold curling leaves in place during propagation?

    <p>They may not root properly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method involves making a shield-shaped cut about halfway through the wood around a leaf and axial bud?

    <p>Heel Cuttings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of vegetative propagation has a high success rate due to minimizing water stress?

    <p>Layering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary disadvantage of leaf cuttings for most plants?

    <p>They do not produce roots effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would you use whole leaf cuttings without a petiole?

    <p>For plants with sessile leaves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How deep should heel cuttings be inserted into the rooting medium depending on the method described?

    <p>12 inches below the medium surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a severed stem after it forms roots in the layering method?

    <p>It becomes a new plant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common use for leaf cuttings?

    <p>Almost exclusively for a few indoor plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique is used to promote rooting at the slit veins of a leaf?

    <p>Split Vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended misting schedule for germination during spring?

    <p>Ten seconds of mist every fifteen minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique should be avoided when handling small seedlings?

    <p>Tearing roots during separation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is bottom heat considered an asset in a misting system?

    <p>It provides more uniform temperatures for germination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ideal spacing for small plants or slow growers after transplanting?

    <p>One inch apart</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should seedlings be treated after transplanting?

    <p>Kept in the shade or under fluorescent lights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential problem when flats are sitting in water after planting?

    <p>Water may be drawn away from the soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic do compressed peat pellets have when soaked in water?

    <p>They maintain their shape without falling apart.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plants is typically more difficult to transplant?

    <p>Certain species that are sensitive to disturbance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of cleft grafting?

    <p>To change the cultivar or top growth of a shoot or young tree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is the best time to perform cleft grafting for optimal success?

    <p>Early spring</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What size should the scion wood be for cleft grafting?

    <p>Three-eighths to five-eighths of an inch in diameter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cut should be made in the limb or small tree trunk for cleft grafting?

    <p>A vertical cut perpendicular to its length</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to the scion pieces before inserting them into the stock?

    <p>Cut the lower end into a tapered point</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the scions be positioned within the cut of the stock?

    <p>Tilt the top outward and the bottom inward</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done to protect the cut surfaces after grafting?

    <p>Cover all cut surfaces with grafting wax</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action should be taken regarding unselected limbs at the time of grafting?

    <p>Cut them back at the time of grafting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Garden soil is recommended for starting seedlings because it is sterile and drains well.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A suitable size for homemade flats is 12 to 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Peatlite mixes have high fertility and do not require additional fertilization for seedlings.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Temperature readings for germination should be taken with a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Superphosphate and ground limestone are typically unavailable at garden centers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The optimal temperature range for sterilizing germination media is between 180°F and 212°F.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A mixture consisting solely of shredded sphagnum peat moss is sufficient for starting seedlings.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fine vermiculite is a necessary component of a homemade Peatlite mix.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The recommended planting depth for seeds is usually about three times the diameter of the seed.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Extremely fine seeds such as petunia should be covered with soil when planted.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cucumber seeds should be sown in a direction opposite to that of cosmos seeds for uniformity.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dahlia seeds require a higher temperature for germination compared to pepper seeds.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Aster seeds can germinate in temperatures as low as 65°F.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The germination period for marigold seeds is longer than that for cosmos seeds.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nicotiana seeds typically require a lower temperature for germination compared to coleus seeds.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fine seeds should be watered in with a coarse mist to ensure proper germination.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cutting a plant back to one inch above the ground is done in the growing season to promote new growth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Air layering is a method used primarily for outdoor plants that do not require thick stems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plants that produce bulbs should be separated every three to five years for best blooming results.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Separation is a propagation method primarily used for plants that produce runners.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Offsets can sometimes be removed from the parent plant and rooted in a medium, while others need to be cut off.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After developing roots, the plant should be cut off below the root ball during air layering.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plant divisions should always be dusted with fungicide after separating them for replanting.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To facilitate the separation of crowned plants, it is recommended to pull them apart without cutting the horizontal stems.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pregerminating seeds in a warm place can help achieve a higher percentage of germination.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Seeds should be planted at the full recommended depth after pregermination.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cotton cloth can be used to keep pregerminated seeds moist during the germination process.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For best results, seedlings should be kept in a dark place after germination.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Thermostatically controlled heating cables are effective for providing constant heat during germination.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    After germination, seedlings should be moved to a location with night temperatures of 70°F to promote healthy growth.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bright light should be maintained on seedlings for about 16 hours each day.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Community packs are containers that allow the planting of several plants and must have their roots broken apart during transplanting.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Using containers that are three to four inches in diameter is recommended for planting pregerminated seeds.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ferns are commonly propagated by seeds rather than spores.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of hardening plants helps them adjust to garden conditions after being grown indoors.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A prothallus is the first generation of a fern that develops from a seed.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Directly seeding into peat pellets is an effective method for growing plants without transplanting.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Keeping a brick moist is unnecessary for the germination of fern spores.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Community packs are generally more expensive than cell packs.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Zinnias and cucurbits are examples of plants that can be directly seeded outdoors.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Dust ends with ______ or activated charcoal.

    <p>fungicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Allow to dry for several ______.

    <p>hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Lay horizontally with about half of the cutting below the media surface, eye facing ______.

    <p>upward</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cane cuttings are usually potted when ______ and new shoots appear.

    <p>roots</p> Signup and view all the answers

    New shoots from dracaena and croton are often cut off and re-rooted in ______.

    <p>sand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Two types of stem cuttings are ______ and medial.

    <p>tip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    New plants will form at each ______.

    <p>cut</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of ______ cuttings involves placing parts of the plant in a medium for rooting.

    <p>propagating</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Many woody plants must take cuttings in the ______ or in the dormant season.

    <p>fall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A cutting is a vegetative plant part that is severed from the parent plant in order to ______ itself.

    <p>regenerate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When making cuttings, start with the ______ tissues and move toward older tissue.

    <p>youngest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is advisable to dip the cutting tool in rubbing alcohol or a mixture of bleach and water to prevent ______ to healthy plants.

    <p>diseases</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To hasten rooting and increase the number of roots, it is recommended to use ______ hormone.

    <p>rooting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Make the first cut just above a node and the second cut two to six inches ______ the stem.

    <p>down</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cane cuttings should be cut into sections containing one or two ______.

    <p>nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Remove flowers and flower buds from cuttings to allow the cutting to use its energy for ______ formation.

    <p>root</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cut begonia leaves into wedges with (a) whole ______ with petiole.

    <p>leaf</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cut begonia leaves into wedges with (b) whole ______ without petiole.

    <p>leaf</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cut begonia leaves into wedges with (c) split-______ at least one vein.

    <p>vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Lay leaves (d) ______ section flat on the medium.

    <p>leaf</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If the leaf tends to ______ up, hold it in place.

    <p>curl</p> Signup and view all the answers

    This method is frequently used with snake plant and fibrous-rooted ______.

    <p>begonias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cut snake plant leaves into ______-inch sections.

    <p>two</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cover margins of curling leaves with ______ medium for stability.

    <p>rooting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A convenient size for homemade flats would be 12 to 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and ______ inches deep.

    <p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Peatlite mixes are made using shredded sphagnum peat moss, fine vermiculite, superphosphate, and ground ______.

    <p>limestone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Temperature readings for germination should be taken with a candy or ______ thermometer to ensure accuracy.

    <p>meat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    These mixes have little fertility, so seedlings must be watered with a ______ fertilizer solution soon after they emerge.

    <p>diluted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Container flats can be purchased, or you can make your own from scrap ______.

    <p>lumber</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Do not use garden soil by itself to start seedlings; it is not ______, is too heavy, and will not drain well.

    <p>sterile</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Containers should be filled with a mix that allows for good ______ and drainage.

    <p>aeration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Seedlings must be provided a suitable mix as garden soil is too ______ for starting them.

    <p>heavy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The total leaf surface of the old variety should be gradually reduced until the ______ has taken over.

    <p>new variety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bark grafting can be used on large ______, although these limbs often become infected before healing.

    <p>limbs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Collect scion wood three-eighths to one-half inch in diameter when the plant is ______.

    <p>dormant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Make a half-inch diagonal cut on one side of the scion and a ______-inch diagonal cut on the other side.

    <p>1.5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Budding, or bud grafting, involves the union of one ______ and a small piece of bark from the scion.

    <p>bud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Plants with thick bark should be patch budded, which is done while plants are ______ growing.

    <p>actively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Whip or tongue grafting is often used for material ______ to one-half inch in diameter.

    <p>one-quarter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cover all wounds with ______ to protect the grafting site.

    <p>grafting wax</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Starting Seeds

    • Scarification methods include mechanical actions like filing, sanding, or cracking to weaken seed coats for easier germination.
    • Hot water scarification involves soaking seeds in water heated to 170° to 212°F for 12-24 hours as it cools, promoting seed coat breakdown.
    • Warm, moist scarification requires storing seeds in nonsterile, warm, damp containers, allowing decay to soften the seed coat over several months.

    Germination Media

    • A variety of materials can be used for germination, including plain vermiculite, soilless mixes, and amended soil.
    • The germinating medium should be fine, uniform, well-aerated, loose, free of pests and diseases, and low in fertility, indicated by low soluble salts.
    • Sterilizing soil can be achieved by heating slightly moist soil in an oven at 250°F for sanitation.

    Transplanting Seedlings

    • Use a knife or wooden label to carefully dig out small plants, separating them without tearing roots, and handle them by their leaves, not stems.
    • After transplanting, the depth should match that at which seedlings were previously growing, and spacing should be about one inch apart for small plants.
    • To avoid moisture loss, ensure the top lip of pots is torn off before planting flush with the soil level.

    Watering and Care

    • Misting systems can improve moisture uniformity, with adjustments needed to avoid waterlogging; typical misting might involve every 6 or 15 minutes.
    • Bottom heat in combination with misting helps maintain even temperatures for improved germination outcomes.

    Pots and Growing Mediums

    • Compressed peat pellets expand when soaked and provide compact individual pots that are less likely to fall apart compared to peat pots.
    • Newly transplanted seedlings should be kept in shade or under fluorescent lights, away from direct heat, with continued watering and fertilizing as needed.

    Leaf Cuttings

    • Leaf cutting propagation can yield new plants, particularly with snake plants or begonias, by cutting leaves into sections or wedges.
    • Whole leaves with petioles can form new plants when inserted into a growing medium.

    Grafting Techniques

    • Cleft grafting is effective for changing cultivars and involves inserting tapered scions into vertical cuts made in the stock plant, which ideally touch the cambial layers for successful union.
    • Proper cover and checking for wax integrity post-grafting are crucial to preventing moisture loss and ensuring successful grafting.

    Additional Propagation Techniques

    • Layering allows stems still attached to the parent plant to root, resulting in a new plant while maintaining hydration and nutrient access.
    • Special care must be taken when removing limbs not selected for grafting to ensure overall plant health.

    Consideration for soil types, watering methods, and transplant techniques plays a vital role in successful plant propagation.

    Plant Propagation Techniques

    • “Peatlite” mixes are recommended for seed starting: 4 quarts of shredded sphagnum peat moss, 4 quarts of fine vermiculite, 1 tablespoon of superphosphate, and 2 tablespoons of ground limestone.
    • Commercially available mixes may also be used; they should be low in fertility, requiring seedlings to be watered with diluted fertilizer after emergence.
    • Avoid using garden soil alone to start seedlings due to issues with sterility and drainage.

    Seed Planting Guidelines

    • Use containers or flats that are 12-18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 2 inches deep for starting seeds.
    • Sprinkle dry vermiculite over seeds, ensuring they are not planted too deeply; typically, plant seeds at a depth of twice their diameter.
    • Extremely fine seeds (e.g., petunia, begonia) should be pressed lightly into the medium or misted in, rather than covered.

    Germination Conditions

    • Pregerminating seeds enhances germination rates by controlling temperature and moisture; keep seeds moist in warm environments.
    • After germination, transfer sprouted seeds to cooler, light-aided locations to prevent leggy growth. Ideal day temperatures are between 65°F to 70°F and night temperatures between 55°F to 60°F.
    • Provide bright light for seedlings using south-facing windows or fluorescent lights, keeping lights positioned 6 inches above plants and illuminating for about 16 hours per day.

    Direct Sowing and Containers

    • Compressed peat pellets offer a suitable medium for direct sowing seeds indoors or outdoors.
    • Community packs allow multiple plants in one container but can cause root disturbance when separating plants.

    Fern Propagation

    • Ferns can be propagated through spores using sterilized bricks and moist soil and peat: spores germinate after about a month in warm, indirect light.
    • A prothallus develops from spores and must be kept moist to support growth.

    Hardening of Plants

    • Hardening prepares plants for outdoor conditions, essential before moving from a greenhouse to a garden. It helps prevent growth checks and adaptation issues.
    • Particularly crucial for early crops, hardening reduces plant stress during climatic changes.

    Common Plant Propagation Methods

    • Separation: Used for plants like bulbs and corms that multiply; requires clump division every 3-5 years for optimal blooming and population increase.
    • Division: Suitable for plants with multiple rooted crowns; separate by gently pulling apart or cutting stems when crowns are joined. Dust divisions with fungicide before replanting.
    • Offsets: New shoots can be severed from the parent plant once they develop their own root systems.

    Examples of Propagation

    • Common plants for propagation by cutting or division include snake plant, iris, and day lilies.
    • Use techniques such as air layering, where a stem is slit and surrounded with sphagnum moss to encourage root growth before separation.

    Plant Propagation Techniques

    • “Peatlite” mixes consist of shredded sphagnum peat moss, fine vermiculite, superphosphate, and ground limestone, providing a suitable medium for seedlings.
    • Seedlings require diluted fertilizer solutions after emerging, as peat mixes have low fertility.
    • Avoid using garden soil for starting seedlings because it is not sterile and drains poorly.

    Container Preparation

    • Containers for seed starting can be purchased or made from scrap lumber, ideally sized 12-18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 2 inches deep.
    • Different cuttings for propagation include tip cuttings, medial cuttings, and cane cuttings.

    Tip Cuttings

    • Tip cuttings involve detaching a 2-6 inch piece of stem with a terminal bud.
    • To prevent disease transmission, sterilize cutting tools in rubbing alcohol or bleach solution.
    • Remove lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone before planting.

    Medial Cuttings

    • Create medial cuttings by making two cuts above nodes, ensuring at least one node is below the surface in the medium.
    • Utilize rooting hormone to enhance rooting and growth.

    Cane Cuttings

    • Cane cuttings should contain one or two eyes and be laid horizontally with half buried in the medium.
    • Ends can be treated with fungicide or activated charcoal to promote health and growth.

    Leaf Sections

    • Leaf propagation methods include using whole leaves, leaf wedges, or segments with at least one vein for new growth.
    • Examples include snake plants and fibrous-rooted begonias.

    Grafting Techniques

    • Bark grafting is suitable for large limbs, though complete limb removal may lead to excessive shock and infections.
    • Collect scion wood when dormant and make precise cuts for effective grafting.

    Budding

    • Budding, or bud grafting, involves uniting one bud with a small bark piece from the scion to the rootstock, effective for limited scion materials.
    • Strong unions can be achieved faster through budding compared to traditional grafting.

    Patch Budding

    • Best used on plants with thick bark during their active growth phase to ease bark separation.
    • Involves removing a rectangular piece of bark and inserting a bud with matching bark from the scion for grafting.

    Grafting Technique Considerations

    • Whip or tongue grafting involves creating matching cuts on both the scion and rootstock, ideal for compatibility in diameter.

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    Description

    This quiz explores various methods for scarifying seeds, germination mediums, and the proper techniques for transplanting seedlings. Understand the importance of these practices for successful plant growth. Perfect for botany students and gardening enthusiasts!

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