CHT Plant Propagation & Nursery Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of cutting is taken from the current season's new growth before it hardens?
- Hardwood cutting
- Semi-hardwood cutting
- Softwood cutting (Correct answer)
- Root cutting
Correct answer: Softwood cutting
Softwood cuttings are taken from succulent, actively growing new shoot tips in spring or early summer before the wood hardens.
Question 2: Stratification is a seed treatment used primarily to:
- Speed germination of tropical seeds
- Break dormancy of seeds requiring a cold, moist period (Correct answer)
- Sterilize seeds before planting
- Coat seeds with fungicide
Correct answer: Break dormancy of seeds requiring a cold, moist period
Stratification mimics winter conditions by exposing seeds to cold, moist conditions to break physiological dormancy before germination.
Question 3: Grafting is preferred over seed propagation for fruit trees because it:
- Is less expensive
- Guarantees the exact genetic characteristics of the parent (Correct answer)
- Produces trees that mature faster from seed
- Eliminates the need for rootstock
Correct answer: Guarantees the exact genetic characteristics of the parent
Grafting is a form of clonal propagation that ensures the scion produces fruit with identical genetic characteristics to the selected parent variety.
Question 4: What is the function of rooting hormone (IBA) when used on cuttings?
- Kill pathogens on the cutting
- Stimulate callus and root formation at the cut surface (Correct answer)
- Provide nutrition to the cutting
- Prevent wilting during rooting
Correct answer: Stimulate callus and root formation at the cut surface
Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is an auxin that promotes adventitious root initiation and development at the base of vegetative cuttings.
Question 5: Division as a propagation method is best suited for:
- Large shade trees
- Clump-forming perennials and ornamental grasses (Correct answer)
- Annual vegetables
- Tropical palms
Correct answer: Clump-forming perennials and ornamental grasses
Division involves separating the crown and root system of clump-forming perennials and grasses into sections, each with roots attached for immediate replanting.
Question 6: The primary purpose of bottom heat in a propagation bench is to:
- Sterilize the rooting medium
- Encourage faster root development by warming the root zone (Correct answer)
- Prevent overwatering
- Provide supplemental light
Correct answer: Encourage faster root development by warming the root zone
Bottom heat raises the temperature of the rooting medium (ideally 65–75°F), accelerating callus formation and root initiation in cuttings.
CHT Plant Propagation & Nursery Management 1
Which type of cutting is taken from the current season's new growth before it hardens?