KEY FOR QUIZ 1:

GREENHOUSE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

Topic # 2171

Anna Blight

Propagation Benches

1. Give two reasons propagation benches are used.

a. to root plant cuttings or germinate seeds of plants

b. provide water and sometimes additional heat which is necessary for some plants to successfully be propagated

c. sometimes it is just to quicken the process

2. What purpose do mist tables fill?

*Mist tables provide high humidity to reduce transportation.

3. Why are propagation benches heated?

*Heating propagation benches above the greenhouse air temperature will help produce roots faster.

4. Give 3 different methods used to heat propagation tables.

a. Propagation Mats

b. Root Zone Heating

c. Under bench forced air

5. What are two kinds of propagation containers are used for seeds?

a. Generally, seeds are started in flats. Sometimes these are called community trays. If plants do not transplant well, some can be started in 6" pots or undivided cell paks.

b. If using automation for large crops, seed trays called plug trays are used.

c. Large seeds are easily handled and may be sown directly into the container to be grown in or into cell paks. This cuts production costs because of the reduced labor in transplanting seedlings to the final container.

6. What are two ways flowering plants are propagated.

a. Flowering plants can be propagated directly in growing containers, (direct stick) but may be grown in media, such as oasis, perlite or vermiculite, or rockwool. If grown in the synthetic media, transplanting will need to be done.

7. What are two reasons germination media is used for seed sowing.

a. Most growing media is too course to be used as a germination media. Fine particles are needed to keep moisture levels high, and yet allow enough oxygen to reach the seed to continue germination.

b. Commercial mixes are available that provide the proper texture and water holding quality, and may also include a nutrient charge for faster root development.

c. It may mean the difference between an okay crop and a fabulous crop.

d. Some seed requires darkness to germinate, others light. Germination media is light

enough to allow aeration for seeds when covered..

8. Name two ways Poinsettias are propagated.

a. direct stick

b. propagation bench in oasis cells