Download Louisiana Horticulture Exam Study Guide: Plant Science and more Exams Botany and Agronomy in PDF only on Docsity!
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4 major plant parts include - ansroots stems leaves reproductive parts 4 functions of the root system include - ansabsorption anchorage conduction storage 2 kind of root systems found in plants are - ansfibrous root systems and taproot systems Fibrous root system - ansroot system that consists of numerous multi-branched roots that are slender; no one root is more prominent than the other. Tap root system (more difficult to transplant) - ansroot system that consists of one main root that grows directly downward from which branch roots arise; carrot or a woody root (oak,maple) What should you do if a plant becomes root bound within their containers? - ansSpread the roots out or prune them to encourage the root system to grow outward 3 primary functions of the stems are - ansSupport conduction storage Conduction - ansthe movement of water, mineral solutions, and substances manufactured in the plant. xylem - answater and mineral solution move upward from the roots to the leaves through inner tissues called phloem - ansmanufactured food from the leaves move out of the leaves through outer stem tissues called What 2 tissues form the vascular system of the plant? - ansxylem and phloem Cambium layer - ansThe tissue between the xylem and phloem is called the ____________. Plant function growth depends on uninterrupted conduction. Monocotyledonous Plants (single leaf monocots) - ansThe xylem and phloem tissues are formed in bundles scattered in a discontinuous vascular system through the stem. Corn, grass, lilies, orchids Dicotyledonous Plants (two seed leaves dicots) Gymnosperms Plants (many seed leaves) - ansthe xylem is formed on the inside next to the heartwood surrounded by a continuous layer of cambium with the phloem on the outside. Tree, shrubs, annuals, and perrennials Girdle - ansis a complete circle of dead tissue around the stem which interrupts the food supply pipeline. Nodes and internodes - ansAreas of the stems where leaves emerge are called ____________ and the space between are called __________. axillary bud and axil - ansin the angle where each leaf joins the stem, there is an _________________ which is compressed, dormant stem. The angle is called the ______ of the leaf. Asexual reproductive structures - ansSome plants have modified stem and roots structures that store exceptionally large amounts of food and function as
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Corms, such as gladiolus - anssolid stem structures with remains of dried scale leaves surrounding and protecting them. Cycle of changes are controlled by temperature. Rhizome, such as Louisiana - ansthe main axis or stem of the plant is in a horizontal position underground Stolons - ansCylindrical horizontal stems found above ground similar to a rhizome Tuberous roots (sweet potato) - ansroots that do not have nodes and buds crown - ansthe area where the stem and root tissue meets Biennial Root - ansRoots that are living through two growing seasons Annual Top Root - ansRoot living through one growing season October until December - ansOutdoor planting of spring bulbs can be done from Dicot Leaf - ansLeaf that generally has netted venation, one or more prominent veins with branches forming a conspicuous net Mono Leaf - ansLeaf that generally has parallel veins with inconspicuous branching between the veins as in corn Photosynthesis and transpiration - ansLeaves have two main functions to carry out: ______________ and _______________. Photosynthesis - ansthe process whereby carbon dioxide and water are eventually transformed into sugars (glucose) by the living cell using energy from visible light absorbed by chlorophyll (green pigments) Transpiration - ansthe process whereby the leaf gives off water into the atmosphere and temperature of the leaf is regulated to reduce injury from excessive heat build up water deficit making the plant wilt - ansWhat occurs when transpiration is more rapid than absorption? Lower water pressure at the TOP of the plant - ansWater movement from the roots through the stems to the leaves depends on Angiosperms - ansPlants that bloom and develop fruit which encloses the seed gymnosperms - ansplants that have no true flowers or fruit, but bear their seeds uncovered in cones or similar structures such as conifers receptacle - ansflowers are borne on an enlarged portion of the stem called the sepals - ansouter set of green floral leaves called __________ enclose the other parts of the flower until these are nearly mature. Calyx - anscollectively , the sepals comprise the ______. Corolla - ansAn entire set of petals is called the ________. Stamens - ansare the male parts of the flower and are composed of pollen-bearing anthers supported by filaments. Pistils - ansfemale part of the plants that consist of an ovule-bearing base, the ovary, supporting an elongated region called the style stigma - ansexpanded tip of the style is called the self fertile (plums, beans, peas, marigolds) - ansare able to use their own pollen or pollen from another plan of the same type Hollies and aucuba - anstwo species that must have a male and female plan in order to pollinate cone - ansconsidered a specialized stem with leaves adapted for reproductive purposes. However, it does not have the typical flower parts. Fruit ( botantical term) - ansthe mature ovary and other flower parts associated with it
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light intensity, quality, and duration - ansThree characteristics of light that affect plan growth differently: Low light intensity - anslimits photosynthesis, slowing plant growth and inducing poor leaf coloration footcandle - ansthe amount of light falling on one square foot, one foot away from a standard candle. 100 - 200 fc - ansMost plants require more than how many fc for vigorous growth? Light Quality - ansaffects photosynthesis and refers to the balance of wave lengths (or colors) the light contains red light - anspromotes stem growth and flowering less red and more blue light present - ansplants that stretch easily are best grown under what light conditions besides natural sunlight Light Duration - ansCertain plants are affected by the length of time light is absent in a 24 hour period. photoperiodic - ansplants that react to specific periods of light Water - ansa.) ingredient in photosynthesis b.) a solvent for nutrients and other materials used or manufactured by the plant c.) cools the plant during transpiration d.) gives plant tissue rigidity or tugor high pH (alkaline) water - ansLow or high pH seriously affects a plant causing nutrient problems? Phosphoric acid - ansA system that uses __________________ as a water softner can be used without danger? field capacity - answhen all of the gravitational water has been removed, the soil is said to be at permanent wilting point (PWP) - ansWhen all the gravitational water and the available water are gone and only the unavailable (bound) water remains, the soil is at the _________________________________. adhesion and cohesion - ansThere are two forces that combine to hold the water in the soil, ________________ and __________________. adhesion - ansWhen a substance clings to a different substance, it is said to _____________to the foreign material. cohere - ansWhen a substance clings to itself, the similar particles are said to _____________ to each other. clay soils - answhich type of soil as small pores and hold water tightly by adhesion? Microclimate - ansareas with certain consistent variations in light, temperature, and moisture in a garden Heat - ansa form of energy without which life cannot exist The British Thermal Unit (BTU) - ansis the amount of heat required to increase temperature of one pound of water 1degrees F. Calorie (c) - ansis the amount of heat required to increase temperature of one gram of water 1 degrees c. Heat Intensity - ansis measured by temperature which is not relevant to the quantity of heat present Level of heat rather than the actual quantity of heat - ansPrimary concern of nurseryman with heat is the
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F = 9/5 * C + 32
or C = 5/9 * (Fâ32) K = C + 273. Explanation: Convert 100 F to C to K: C = 5/9 * (100â32) = 37. K = 37.8 + 273.15 = 310.95K - ansFormulas to convert from F to C or C to F temperature The crown and the roots - ansare the most vulnerable parts of the plant to cold damage 41 F = Minimum 77 - 95 F = Optimum 95 - 104 = Maximum - ansTemperatures suitable for growth for Temperate plants 50 F = Minimum 86 - 95 F = Optimum 113 F = Maximum - ansTemperatures suitable for growth for Tropical plants 65 - 75 F - Cool season plants
49 F = Warm- season plants 40 - 104 F = General Range 68 - 95 F = Optimum - ansTemperatures suitable for seed germination Conduction Convection Radiation - ansThree ways heat travels Conduction - ansheat is moved by ______________ when a warm object is put in contact with a cooler one; the warmth is moved from the warm object to the cool object
convection - ansheat moving away from an object Black Frost - ansFormed on a plant when the plant's temperature is lower than the temp at which moisture in the air will condense resulting in ice particles forming on the plant hydrophonics - ansA plant can survive supported by a string in a nutrient mist water, air, eat, and essential nutrients for the plant - ansSoil stores what for the plant? Sand , silt, and clay - ansWhat are the three forms of soil texture? Loam soils - anscontain all three separate soil textures in proportions so that none of the three is dominant over the other two. Soil structure (Sandy, platy, crumbly, or blocky) - ansThe way various particles of the soil are arranged determines the ________________. This affects water movement and the handling qualities of soils. Organic or mineral soils - ansSoils are classified as ____________ or __________________ soils according to the percentage of organic matter present in the strata's top 12 inches. 30% - ansOrganic soils are those which have more than _______ organic matter (20% of the soil is loamy sand or coarser) In peat - ansIn _______ most of the original plant fibers can be recognized; whereas in ___________, they are decomposed beyond recognition heavy and light soils - ansare based on the effort needed to move tillage equipment through the soil, not on the physical weight of the soil itself 5.5 to 7 pH range - ansmost plants do best in a ________________ with some plants such as azaleas and camelias preferring soil slightly more acid ph, 5.0-5.
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Micropropatation - ansthe production of new plants from tissue cultures. Questions to ask to best match a plant to a customer's requirements? - ansHow is the plant used? What is the sunlight exposure? What size is sought at maturity? What special characteristics does the customer desire? What type of growth rate is desired? What is the drainage of the planting site? Has the soil been tested? Complete soluble fertilizers - ans_________________ ________________ fertilizers may be injected into the irrigation system weekly while slow - release fertilizers are applied to containers every three to six or even nine months fall - ansSlow release materials are used in the ______ to supply nutrients at a low rate throughout the winter months. watering/irrigation - ans_______________ of container plants is a critical task. Sight (looking at foilage) weight (low moisture means lighter weight) touch (feeling the medium's moisture) - ansEmployee in charge of watering plants need to know how to judge if watering is necessary by three things: Overhead Irrigation system - ansThe irrigation of nursery stock is usually done with an 18 - 24 degrees F - ansContainer woody ornamentals can be injured when temperatures drop to __________________. less photsynthetic - ansPlants grown in shade generally require _______ fertilizer than those grown in sun because of a lower _______________________ rate. light - ansSmall plants generally require _________ and frequent feeding for optimum growth while large well-established plants can forage for a great deal of their required nutrients. reduceds - ansFertilization for street trees growing in restricted environments must be greatly reduced compared to trees growing in open areas more nutrient leaching - ansPlants grown in sandy soils generally require _________ frequent fertilization than those grown in clay soils because of __________________. exceed burning - ansFertilization rates of trees in turf area should not ____________ the rate recommended for the turfgrass because ___________ of the turf may result. phosphorus - ansStudies have shown that __________________ tends to accumulate in soils and is needed in smaller amounts. twice - ansThe level of nitrogen required is ________ that of potassium. three six to eight week - ansIf a granular general-purpose fertilizer is used, ________ applications during the growing season are recommended at ___ to ____ weeks. March , May, and July - ansIdeal months to schedule fertilization applications Desired growth rate type of plant soil type
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type of fertilizer geographic location - ansThe frequency of fertilizations depends on a number of factors: light - ansNewly planted trees and schrubs should receive light applications of fertilizer during their first growing season. 3 to 6 lbs of actual nitrogren - ansFor optimum growth of established ornamental trees, apply ___ to ___ lbs. of actual ___________________ per 1000 sq ft. higher rate lower rate - ansEver green trees generally should be fertilized at the ____________ rater; deciduous trees should be fertilized at the ______________ rate. square foots basis - ansTo fertilize a group of plants within a bed, application rates are based on a ___________________ basis.
- Measure area of bed length x width = area
- divide the first number in the fertilizer analysis by 10 - ansHow to calculate the quantity of fertilizer to apply over each 100 sq ft of bed area.
- to eliminate dead, diseased, dying wounded limbs
- to improve the form and balance of a plant
- to guide the growth habit
- to stimulate new growth
- to rejuvenate older plantings
- to maintain a geometric shape (formal hedge, topiary, etc.) - ansPruning is done for many reasons: auxin - ansThe terminal bud releases a hormone called ________ that directs the growth of the other buds along the stem. Hand pruners - ansgenerally make pencil size cuts easily bypass and avil - ansThere are two basic designs for hand pruners _____________ or avil type. Avil type bypass hand pruners - ansshears are generally easier to use and can make slightly larger cuts than _______ hand pruners. However, _____________ hand pruners can make closer, smoother cuts and are the preferred type to use Loppers - ansare used to cut branches up to 1.5 inch in size. Pole Pruners - ansare used to remove branches that cannot be reached from the ground. Hedge shears - ansare for clipping small-leafed plants to maintain a formal appearance. Shear - ansshould only be used on formal hedges because shearing destroys the natural form of plants, stimulates rapid regrowth and increases maintenance requirements. Thinning out - ansrefers to the complete removal of branches back to a lateral branch of main trunk; Heading back - ansremoves the terminal portion of twigs back to an axillar bud or node. azaleas, chinese hollies, camellias, nandians, abelia, and crape myrtles - ansBroadleaf shrubs that rejuvenate well from pruning them within 18in. of ground level. juniper pine cedar arborvitae boxwoods - ansRejuvenative pruning is not suggested for narrow leaf evergreens such as :
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capillary action - ansthe attraction of soil particles to water molecules, causing an up or downward movement of the water into the soil. becoming popular in container watering. carbohydrates - ansany group of chemical compounds (including sugars, starches, and cellulose) containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only catch crop - ansa fast growing vegetable crop planted between rows of slow growing crops for best use of space. also used during the period between harvest of early crops as in succession planting or intercropping. chelate - ansseveral of the micronutrients such as iron may be prevalent in the soil but unavailable to the plant. when a ____________ agent with the micronutrient is added, the nutrient element is made available to the plant. chlorophyll - ansthe green pigments in plants that absorb the energy of sunlight. Used in the manufacturing of sugars from carbon dioxide and water chlorosis - anslack of green in a leaf, caused by nutritional failure or disease. It is most frequently caused by lack of a plant's ability to take up iron. in severe cases, the entire leaf except the veins turn yellow. often there is enough iron in the soil, but it's not available to the plant. Lowering the soil pH or using a chelate with iron will help correct most _______________ conditions. clone - ansa group of organisms derived from a single individual by asexual production clump - ansan aggregate of crowns or roots, able to be easily divided or moved cluster - ansa bunching of flowers or leaves on a single stem. The term is sometimes given to any grouping of twigs, leaves, fruits, or flowers Cold accumulation - ansthe process in which certain plants cease active growth and develop the capacity to survive freezing temperatures cold frame - ansa box which is not artificially heated yet protects plants from the elements. it is usually covered with plastic, cheese cloth, or a glass sash. common name - ansplant name used by the general public, as distinguinshed from the botanical or scientific name companion crops - anscrops which have different harvest dates but are grown in the same area at the same time. One crop is harvested and removed by the time the other crop requires the growing space compost - ansa decomposing mixture of vegetative matter - leaves, grass clippings, weeds - wich can be used to amend soils or as a fertilizer. Decomposition is speeded up if a commercial fertilizer and lime are added conifer - anscone bearing trees or shrubs, most often characterized by narrow needle-like leaves. they are frequently referred to as evergreens. Ex. pines, cedar, juniper, cypress Conservatory - ansa glassed in room or structure where temperatures and humidity are controlled. used to grow plants for display. Unlike a greenhouse, a portion may be used for habitation. container grown stock - ansplant materials grown above ground in any type of container contour planting - anshorizontal planting in rows that follow the contours of a slope or grade to better control water drainage and erosion of soil. cool crops - ansvegetables which do not thrive in summer heat; ex the cabbage family, lettuce, spinach, gladiolus corm - ansa rounded, thick underground stem base, commonly called a bulb. however, a ________ is unlike a true bulb in that food is stored in its center rather than in its scale. Ex gladiolus
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cover crop - anssometimes referred to as "green" manure, a _________ _______ is useful in large gardens where some of the soil lies dormant in winter. Any of the legumes (clover, cow peas etc) sown in fall and turned under in early spring will return valuable humus and nitrogen to soil creeper - ansplants or vines that grow close to the ground. These plants take root along their stems cross pollination - ansthe transfer of pollen from the anthers (male) of one flower to the stigma (female) of another to fertilize the eff within the ovary. _________ __________ can be from a flower of the same species or a different species. Accomplished by either insects or wind crop rotation - anspractice employed by both gardeners and farmers for maintaining the good condition of a given section of soil by alternate planting of different crops. Such planting also helps to discourage insects which thrive on a given crop or diseases indigenous to a certain kind of plant cultivar - ansa term meaning cultivated variety now used in place of the word variety. the ____________ designate a special group of plants. ex. Detroit Dark Red beet. They are set apart in a single quotes. _________ may differ in growth habit, season of maturity, fruit color, fruit shape, etc. Cultivation - ansthe loosening of a soil with either a hand or mechanical type implement chiefly for the purpose of controlling weeds. culture - ansa specialized activity used in growing plants. Ex. pruning, cultivation, watering cutting ( or slip) - ansasexual propagation of plants; propagated by breaking or cutting off a portion of a branch or root and planting it in soil or water so it can grow roots and in time become a plant exactly like the parent. cutting height - ansin mowing lawns, the measurement from grass clipped to soil line. Damping off - ansa fungus that causes seedlings to die immediately before or just after they break through the soil. Careful watering, good drainage and sterilizing seed bed soil help in preventing damping off. day neutral - ansa term applied to plants which are not affected by the relative length of dark and light periods decidous - ansplants that shed all their leaves at the end of a growing season and remain leafless during the winter or dormant period. deep rooted - ansplants with deeply growing roots as contrasted with roots growing on , or close, the soil surface. determinate tomato (commonly classed as a bush tomato) - ansterminal bud sets fruit, stops stem growth. The plant is self topping. Seldom needs staking. dethatching - ansremoval of the thatch layer of turf by machine, garden rake, or dethatching rake to increase air flow and penetration of fertilizers and water Dew - anscondensed moisture from the atmosphere adhering in the form of small drops to any cool surface dew point - ansa temperature point below which moisture in the atmosphere is condensed into small drops. diameter breast height (DBH) - ansterm used in measuring a tree caliper; the caliper is measured 4 ft 6in above the ground line
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frond - ansthe leaf of a palm tree or fern frost - anstemperature below the dew point, causing freezing condition and a covering of minute ice particles on exposed objects. fumigant - ansa chemical used in the form of volatile liquid or gas to kill insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, seeds, rods, rhizomes, or entire plants; usually released within an enclosure or in the soil. fumigation - ansapplying chemical or gases to control insects within an enclosed area or under a plastic cover fungicide - ansa chemical material used to retard or prevent the growth of fungi genus - ansdescribing the classification of a related family of plants consisting of one or more species germination - ansthe sprouting of a seed and the commencement of growth. Also used to mean the starting of plants from seeds. girdle - anscambium growth around a wire or twin which has been tightly wrapped around the trunk, limb or root of a plant. A piece of bark that has been stripped from around a plant's trunk. 3. Circling roots can also girdle trees or shrubs and cause injury or death grafting - ansthe process of joining and scion (shoot) into a stock so that cambium layers grow together and form a union of two plant parts ground cover - ansrefers to both plants and inert material, used to cover areas to prevent soil erosion or to discharge the intrusion of undesirable plants. growing medium - ansspecially formulated soil substitute prepared for growing plants growing season - ansthe period of time from the last plant killing frost in the spring to the first plant killing frost in the fall growth regulators - ansany synthetic or natural organic compound such as indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellin, abscission, 2, 4-d, naphthalene acetic acid, etc. which in diluted amounts will promote, inhibit, or modify plant growth processes, also called auxins, plant hormones, and phytohormones Guying - ansusing cable, wire, rope, etc to support a tree, usually following transplanting. hardening - ansa process of slowing plant growth by withholding water, lowering the temperature, or gradually moving the plants from a sheltered environment. The process of ______________________ plants is used to increase chances for survival at transplanting time. Hardy plant - ansthe ability to resist frost damage; a plant which can be planted before the last killing frost in the spring hardiness zone - ansgeographic areas representing the average low winter temperatures of the region; used in horticulture in respect to plant adaptability heading back - anspruning a branch back to bud or side branch to make the plant bushier heavy soil - ansa soil usually difficult to work; clay soils are considered to be heavy soils heeling in - ansa method for storing plants temporarily by burying or covering their roots with minerals such as pine back mulch herbaceous plant - ansa plant described as having soft, nonwoody stem. Generally. these plants live and grow for only one season herbicide - anschemical used to destroy undesirable vegetation horticulture - ansart and science of growing fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants house plant - ansa plant that is tolerant of conditions in a house, where humidity and light levels are low and temperatures high
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humidity - ansthe water vapor content of the atmosphere hybrid - ansan offspring resulting from crossing related plants with different characteristics Indeterminate Tomato - ansthe terminal bud does not set fruit. the vine can grow indefinitely if not killed by frost. Most of the cultivars trained on stakes or in wire cages are in this group. inflorrescence - ansa flower cluster; the characteristics arrangement of flowers on the stem insect - ansany of the numerous small invertebrate animals having three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen), six legged, and usually winged insecticide - ansa material toxic to insects; applied as a contact and or stomach poison Landscape contractor - ansa contractor specializing in work dealing with all phases of landscape installation Landscape design - ansa creative problem-solving process that organizes external space to attain an optimum balance of environmental and human needs layering - ansa propagating technique in which the stem of a plant is surrounded with a rooting medium in order to force the development of roots along that portion of stem leaf - ansa plant organ that manufactures food by chlorophyll Lime - ansground limestone which is used to reduce the acidity of soils. Dolomitic lime has magnesium carbonate and will supply some magnesium for the growing plant macronutrient - anscertain chemical elements required in considerable abundance for the growth and survival of plants. Example: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium. meristem - ansembryonic or undifferentiated tissue; these cells are capable of active division micronutrient - anscertain elements essential to growth of plants, but required only in minute amounts. ex. iron and copper mildew - ansa white cottony coating which later turns black. caused by various fungi, especially during periods of warm days and cool nights monoecious - ansa plant that has separate male and female flowers on the same part morphactins - anssynthetic growth regulators used to slow the growth rate of turfgrass and to pinch plants chemically to stimulate lateral shoots mulch - ansany material applied to the soil surface to conserve moisture, maintain a more even soil temperature and/or aid in weed control. Ex. leaves, straw, newspaper, pine bark mulch. NAA - ansNaphthalene acetic acid; a synthetic auxin that is used in controlling sprouts on trees, thinning fruits, and in root promotion of cuttings nematode - ansa microscopic, transparent, worm-like parasite that infest roots, bulbs, and leaves nitrogen - ansa macronutrient and is one of the most essential plant nutrients obtained from the soil. if the supply of __________ is good, foliage is green and the plant flourishes. Insufficient ____________ is indicated by yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Clovers, cowpeas, and other legumes - answhat type of plants can be added to the soil through a cover crop. These crops absorb nitrogen from the air and naturally return it to the soil Node - ansa joint or point where a branch, bud, or leaf grows from the stem organic matter - ansa term applied to a substance containing carbon compounds and usually obtained from plants or animals. Needed to maintain a healthy soil structure and bacterial life (peat moss, pine bark mulch, etc) ovary - ansa female sex organ that produces one or more eggs ovule - ansthe structure within the ovaries of pistils that develop into seeds
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root - ansthe parts of a plant containing the organs which extract water and nutrients from the sol and atmosphere root bound - ansundesirable condition of a plant that has grown too long in a container so that its roots have become "choked" root hair - anslong, tublar, outgrowths from the roots epidermal cells; found in a zone above the region of cell elongation root pruning - ansa method for fostering the development of a branched root system; helpful in transplanting or as a method of invigorating the plant runner - ansa long, thin, training stem that develops new plants when the nodes contact the soil. Ex. a strawberry runner scale - ansin garden language, this word has more than one meaning. it may ,mean a small oval insect with a shield like covering or a scale like leaf which protects a leaf bud before it opens seedlings - ansthe young plant emerging from a germinating seed sepal - ansone of the lower cycle of flower parts (the calyx) often green and leaf like but colored like the petals in some species self pollination - ansself pollinating takes place when pollen in transferred between the reproductive organs of an individual flower or between flowers on the same plant ex sweet peas sexual reproduction - ansreproduction of plants by seed, as opposed to asexual reproduction by cuttings, grafting, etc. shade tolerant - ansplants which grown well in partial or full shade. however, it should be remembered that most plants do best in areas that received filtered sunlight shrub - ansgenerally smaller than a tree; a woody perennial which usually has numerous stems growing from its roots. side dressing - ansfertilizers applied close to a plant's root zone; commercial fertilizers should be scatted in a hallow trench parallel to a row or in a circle around a hill sod - ansthe grassy surface of the ground; a surface layer of earth containing grass plants with their rhizomes and roots attached to it. softwood cutting - ansa cutting of a young shoot taken from a woody or herbaceous plant before it is hardened. These cutting are then planted into a rooting medium for propagation soil - ansthe upper layer of the earth's surface made up of organic material, minerals, and minuscule living in which plants grow soil amendment - ansused for soil improvement such as better drainage, moisture retention, or aeration by use of chemical or minerals added to the soil. Soil borne fungi - anssmall, non green plants which live in the soil and are capable of causing plant disease soil sterilization - ansa process by which soil is made free of harmful organisms accomplished by fumigation, chemical, heat , or steam soil testing - ansanalysis of the composition, nutrient content, texture, and acidity of a soil sample to determine its suitability for a particular use. soil texture - ansrefers to the size of soil particles and the proportion of sand, silt, and clay species - ansa group of plants that resemble each other closely and that interbreed freely. spike - ansan enlongated flower cluster having blossom sessile (attached directly by the base) or on stalks that are unusually short
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staking - ansthe practice of driving a pole or rod into the ground close to the stem of a young plant providing support during its vertical growth stamen - ansthe male (pollen producing) reproductive organ of the flower. standard - ansa shrub or tree which has a single upright tree like stem. Also refers to the upper, usually upright, petal of an irregular flower starter solution - ansa chemical fertilizer first dissolved in water, then applied in the planting hole or around the roots for seedlings that have been newly transplanted. Helps the plant withstand the shock of being moved; also speeds up seedling development stolon - ansa horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tip. it creeps along the surface of the ground, rooting and forming new plants (ex. bermudagrass) stomata - anspore like structures located primarily on the lower leaf surface that provides for gas and water vapor exchange between the leaf and outside environment stress - ansthe external factors that inhibit plant growth; all factors pertaining to the wide ranging conditions of nature and man's understanding, knowledge, and experience in contending with these conditions sucker - ansa shoot which springs up from underground; grows from trunk or branch of the lower part of a plant, usually unwanted sun scald - answhen radiant heat from the sun strikes a newly exposed plant or the fruit of a plant and destroys leaf tissue. A pant may appear to have sun ______ if subjected to very high temperatures or extreme winter cold, resulting in damage to the bark tender plant - ansa plant that is injured or killed by a light frost or too must heat tendril - ansa leafless threadlike organ on many vines which helps the vine to climb and cling to its support thatch - ansa tightly intermingled layer of living and dead stems, leaves, and roots of grasses that develops between the layer of green thinning - ansthe removal of some plants from an area so that the remaining plants will have more room to grow and develop top dressing - ansthe application of topsoil, fertilizer, compost, or mulch material to the surface without mixing it. topiary - ansa pruning technique for shaping trees and shrubs into formal or unnatural shapes. ex geometric or animal shapes, etc trace elements - ansminute quantities of mineral nutrients present in soil that are viral to plant life as are the major nutrients. ex of trace elements are copper ,iron, maganese, and zinc training - ansthe gardeners term for the many ways of pruning, pinching, staking, and generally shaping growth into a desired form or shape transpiration - ansthe process by which moisture which has been absorbed through its roots is emitted from plant leaves through the stomata. dictated by humidity, temperatures, and water availability transplant - ansa plant produced from seed, germinated in a favorable environment for later planting in an area where the plant will grow to maturity tree - ansa wood perennial, usually having a single trunk, normally exceeding ten feet in height at maturity tuber - ansa short end part of an underground stem that becomes thickened with the accumulation of food materials with modified lateral buds (ex. potato)
