Untitled Flashcards Set

What is Olericulture?

Olericulture is the cultivation of vegetables.

What are the two main types of vegetable products sold?

Fresh vegetables and processed vegetables.

How are most types of vegetables categorized?

They are categorized based on their growing season: warm-season or cool-season.

Botanically, what is a vegetable and how is it different from a fruit?

A vegetable is a part of a plant that is edible and does not develop from the flowering part of the plant, while a fruit develops from the flowering part and contains seeds.

What are the growing requirements of warm-season vegetables, and what are some examples?

Warm-season vegetables require higher temperatures; examples include tomatoes and peppers. If grown too cold, they may not produce or may suffer stunted growth.

What are the growing requirements of cool-season vegetables, and what are some examples?

Cool-season vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures; examples include lettuce and broccoli. If grown too hot, they may bolt or become bitter.

What is the difference between freezing injury and chilling injury?

Freezing injury occurs at temperatures below freezing, damaging cell structure, while chilling injury occurs at temperatures above freezing but below normal growth temperatures.

What are the main types of vegetable production systems and advantages/disadvantages of each?

The main types are conventional (high yield, but chemical use) and organic (environmentally friendly, but possibly lower yield).

What are the requirements for an organic production system?

Organic systems must use natural practices, not synthetic pesticides or GMOs.

What are the differences between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?

Determinate tomatoes grow to a certain height and produce all their fruit at once; indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season.

What are the advantages of mulch?

Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of sowing seeds vs. seedlings?

Sowing seeds is cost-effective but slower; using seedlings provides faster harvest but is more expensive.

What is the purpose of blanching in the field?

Blanching is used to pale or tenderize certain crops, like celery, by blocking light.

What are some causes of poor pollination?

Causes include low insect activity and improper weather conditions; planting pollinator-friendly plants can aid pollination.

Why might too much nitrogen fertilizer be bad for growing fruiting vegetables?

Excess nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth at the expense of fruit development.

What takes the most water to produce the same weight of crop: fruits, vegetables, or nuts?

Nuts typically require the most water to produce the same weight.

What are some problems that can occur with irregular or excessive watering in vegetables?

Problems include root rot, poor growth, or inconsistent quality of produce.

What is Pomology?

Pomology is the study and cultivation of fruit.

What are the two main types of fruit products sold?

Fresh fruits and processed fruits.

What fruits is Michigan known for?

Michigan is known for apples, cherries, and blueberries.

What is grafting?

Grafting is a horticultural technique where tissues from one plant are inserted into another for propagation.

What are the three main sizes of fruit trees and the advantages/disadvantages of each?

Dwarf (small space, easy to manage, but less yield), semi-dwarf (manageable size with moderate yield), and standard (high yield, but requires more space and maintenance).

What is the Lake Effect and how does it help fruit growers in Michigan?

The Lake Effect provides a moderating climate, reducing frost damage and extending the growing season.

What is a hybrid?

A hybrid is a plant resulting from the crossbreeding of different varieties or species.