HORT2030 exam 1

Photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide, water, sunlight = sugar and oxygen

Respiration

Metabolizes carbohydrates to energy (at night) (when it grows)

Transpiration

(how a plant breathes) (when sunlight is present) Stomates on the leaves open and allow carbon dioxide to enter and water vapor/oxygen to leave

3 functions of transpiration

Water movement into plant via roots, Nutrients, Cools plant through evaporation

Soil Consists of

Sand, Silt, Clay, Organic matter

Caution Exchange

Only clay and organic matter particles stick stuff to them (adsorbed)

pH

Measurement of hydrogen ions (H+)

Low soil pH

Below 5.5, Causes aluminum toxicity, Plant can’t gather nutrients effectively, Burns roots

Lime

can correct low pH

Good soil pH

5.8 - 6.5

Soil Test

Take 20 samples (1 tablespoon), 6 - 8 inches deep, Mix in bucket , Place in box

NPK (Fertilizer)

Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium

Nitrogen

key in plant growth

Phosphorous

important for establishment

Potassium

increases stress tolerance

Cover Crops

planted between Sept 15 - Oct 30, cereal grain, legume, radishes, turnips, collards, NO ryegrass

Brassicaceae: Mustard Family

crucifers, hardy, originated in Europe

Cole Crops

cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts

Glycosinolate compounds

; Mustard oils, Produces pungent odors that is associated with cole crops (typically produced when cooked)

Soil Requirements for Cole Crops

Well drained, pH 5.8 - 6.5, Clean seed bed (no debris)

Stand

percent emergence

Feeders

how much nitrogen a plant requires

Cabbage and Cauliflower Plant Dates and Spacing

August , January - February , 1ft by 3ft

Broccoli Plant Dates and Spacing

August, 1.5 ft by 3ft

Collards Plant Dates and Spacing

July (tolerate hard frost), Seeds: May - June, 1ft by 3 ft

Turnips and Mustard Green Plant Dates and Spacing

August - October, February - April, Amount of seed: 0.5 oz per 1000 sq ft

Thumb rule

For planting any seed, 2.5x diameter = depth

Soil prep for Turnips

5.8 - 6.5 pH, Till soil, Clean seed bed, Put out 8-8-8 or 13-13-13, role seed in with pipe

Turnip Pests

Fall: crickets, Spring: flea beetles

Cropping

Taking lower leaves and letting it grow then repeat

Harvesting

Take whole plant

Black Rot

bacterial, V shaped lesion on leaves, Most serious disease of crucifers

Alternaria Leafspot

Small dark spots on leaves, Control: Protectant fungicide application

Diamondback Moth Caterpillar

; #1 pest of cabbage and leafy greens, Can complete life cycle on plant, Control: Spray on 7 day schedule with insecticides

Cabbage Looper

#2 pest of cabbage and leafy greens, Inchworm crawl, Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (organic)

Frass

fecal matter

Imported Cabbageworm

Adult is common butterfly

Cabbage Webworm

Producing moderate to heavy webbing, Control: BT or pyrethroids

Hybrid Seed

greater yield, pest resistance, higher cost, cannot save seed

Open-pollinated seed

true to the seed, can save seeds

Compost Benefits

Increase soil nutrients, Increase organic matter, Increase water holding capacity, Decrease soil compaction, Increase soil structure

Compost

Decomposed plant material, animals, and manures

How To Make Compost

Mix 1:1 ratio of brown material with green material, Add fertilizer and water, Creates heat (To hasten heat process, mix and add more fertilizer)

Mechanism

what makes compost is microorganisms

What to Add to Compost

Livestock, Manures, Table scraps, Newspaper, Coffee, and tea grinds

What NOT to Add to Compost

Pet manures, Human wastes, Slick magazines, Bones

When Compost is Done

Turns brown to black and cools off, Mix into soil (plow it in)